Abu Dhabi Desert Safari: Dune Bashing, BBQ Dinner & Shows

Summary

Evening desert safari in Abu Dhabi with camel rides, shisha, live dance and BBQ dinner under the stars

You’ll race across Abu Dhabi’s glowing dunes in a 4x4, try camel riding at sunset, relax in a Bedouin camp with shisha and henna painting, then share a barbecue dinner as dancers light up the night. If you want an evening where laughter mixes with desert silence—and someone else handles pickup—it’s hard to forget this one.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me was how the sand in Abu Dhabi actually glows when the sun starts to drop. Our driver, Khalid, picked us up right from the hotel—he had this easy laugh and played old-school Arabic pop on the way out of town. I didn’t expect the city to vanish so quickly behind us. Suddenly it was just red dunes rolling everywhere, nothing else. The dune bashing part? Honestly, I gripped the seat so hard my hands hurt—but I was grinning like an idiot. It’s loud in a weirdly muffled way, all engine and sand against metal.

After that wild ride, we stopped for photos at the top of a dune. The wind whipped my scarf around and everything smelled faintly of spice and dust. Camels were waiting near camp—gentle-eyed and taller than I thought. I tried to chat with one of the handlers (his name was Amir), but mostly we just laughed at my attempts to pronounce things in Arabic. The camel ride itself is slow, kind of lurching, but peaceful once you stop worrying about falling off.

The Bedouin-style camp felt like something out of an old movie—lanterns everywhere, carpets underfoot, people lounging with tiny glasses of tea or puffing on shisha pipes. Henna artists painted delicate designs on our hands (mine smudged because I got impatient). Dinner was a smoky barbecue buffet—grilled lamb, flatbreads still warm from the fire—and there was this moment where everyone went quiet as the belly dancer started her set. Later came a fire show that made half the kids gasp out loud. It’s funny what sticks: I still think about that starry sky overhead while sipping sweet mint tea.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Evening desert safari with activities

• Pickup from your location
• Dune bashing in 4x4 Land Cruiser
• Camel riding
• Sand boarding and shisha smoking
• Henna painting
• Enjoy live belly dance and fire show
• BBQ buffet dinner

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Abu Dhabi desert safari?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from your hotel or residence are included.

What activities are part of the evening desert safari?

Dune bashing, camel riding, sand boarding, shisha smoking, henna painting, live shows (belly dance & fire show), and a BBQ buffet dinner.

Are drinks provided during the tour?

Yes, tea, coffee, and unlimited soft drinks are included.

Is this tour suitable for children or infants?

Yes—infants can sit on an adult’s lap or use a pram/stroller; kids can join most activities.

How long does the Abu Dhabi desert safari last?

The evening safari usually lasts several hours—from late afternoon until after dinner.

Are vegetarian options available at dinner?

The BBQ buffet typically includes vegetarian dishes alongside grilled meats.

Can you get henna tattoos during this tour?

Yes—henna painting is offered for ladies and kids at the camp.

Do guides speak English during the safari?

The drivers and staff generally speak English; some may also speak other languages.

What’s included

Your evening includes pickup and drop-off from your hotel or residence in Abu Dhabi, thrilling dune bashing in a 4x4 Land Cruiser with an experienced driver, camel rides at sunset, sand boarding if you’re feeling brave (I tried…once), plus time at a Bedouin-style camp with shisha pipes ready and henna tattoos for anyone who wants them. There’s unlimited tea, coffee and soft drinks throughout—and it all wraps up with a barbecue buffet dinner under lanterns while watching live belly dancing and fire shows before heading back to town.