Desert Safari Abu Dhabi: Dune Bashing & Bedouin Camp

Dune bashing and cultural shows replace the city for an evening in the open desert.

An evening desert safari from Abu Dhabi takes you 78km into Al Khatim Desert for dune bashing, a Bedouin camp experience with belly dance and Tanoura shows, and a BBQ dinner under the stars. Hotel pickup is included, and a live guide in English or Arabic leads the tour. The experience runs about six hours and suits all fitness levels, though it is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with cardiovascular concerns.

Step-by-step itinerary

Desert safari with entertainment and dinner

• Pick up from hotel lobby
• Drive to Al Khatim Desert
• Experience dune driving
• Arrive at desert camp
• Enjoy belly dance and Tanoura show
• Watch fire show
• Drink Arabic coffee and other refreshments
• Have BBQ dinner

The experience

Your driver-guide picks you up from your hotel lobby and drives you into Al Khatim Desert, a stretch of rolling dunes and open landscape 78km from the city. Once you reach the desert, the dune bashing begins: a thrilling drive across the sand with bumps and drops that make the ride memorable. The terrain is challenging enough to feel real but designed so first-timers can handle it.

At the desert camp, the pace shifts. You sit back with Arabic coffee, tea and dates while watching a belly dance, Tanoura (spinning skirt) show and fire performance. A hot BBQ dinner follows, along with henna tattoos, a falcon photoshoot in traditional costume, and shisha if you want it. Sand boarding and skiing on the dunes are there if you choose them, and camel riding happens as part of the camp experience.

As evening deepens, stargazing on the dark desert floor and a sunset photoshoot on the top dunes round out the day. Water and soft drinks are provided throughout. You can add a quad bike rental at checkout if you want to ride instead of drive one stretch. Children from age 3 are welcome, and infants can sit on an adult's lap or use a specialized seat.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup by 4x4 vehicle.
• dune bashing session.
• belly dance, Tanoura and fire shows.
• hot BBQ dinner.
• Arabic coffee, tea and dates.
• henna tattoo.
• falcon photoshoot in traditional costume.
• camel riding.
• sand boarding and skiing.
• shisha.
• sunset and stargazing photoshoots.
• water and soft drinks throughout.

Options for this experience

2 options

Abu Dhabi Desert SafariGuide in English or Arabic · 15:00 and 15:30Includes pickup

Private TourGuide in English or Arabic · 15:30 and 16:00Land cruiser car, includes pickup

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 15:00, 15:30 and 16:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (11 and older) · Child (3 to 10 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

GroupUp to 2

Live guideEnglish and Arabic

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availableNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Desert Dreams Tours & Safari

Is this one for you?Book the shared tour if you want the full camp experience at a lower price and don't mind riding with other travelers. Choose the private option if you prefer a dedicated vehicle and guide for your group, though both include the same dune bashing, shows and Bedouin camp activities.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Arabic.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 10 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Al Khatim Desert like compared to the dunes closer to Abu Dhabi?

Al Khatim Desert is located 78km from Abu Dhabi and is known for its rolling landscape, quiet openness and challenging sand dunes that give first-timers a genuine desert driving experience without being extreme.

Do I get to ride a camel, or just watch one?

Camel riding is included as part of the camp experience, so you ride, not just observe.

What happens if I want to try the quad bike instead of riding in the 4x4?

Quad bike rental is available as an add-on at checkout, so you can choose to ride one for part of the experience if you prefer.

Is the dune bashing rough enough to be uncomfortable, or is it more fun than jarring?

The dune bashing includes bumps and drops designed to be thrilling and memorable rather than painful. The terrain is challenging for first-timers but manageable for all fitness levels.

Can I book this as a private tour, or does it run as a shared group?

You can choose between a shared Desert Safari Abu Dhabi tour or a Private Tour option at checkout. Both include the same camp experience and inclusions.

What time of day does the safari run, and when do I get back to my hotel?

The Evening Desert Safari picks you up in the late afternoon and runs for about six hours, so you return to your hotel in the evening after sunset and stargazing.