Abu Dhabi Desert Safari: Dune Bashing, Camel Ride & BBQ
You ride a camel at dusk, then watch traditional dancers while eating Arabian kebab under the stars.
A 4WD desert safari from Abu Dhabi that runs from late afternoon into evening, with dune bashing in a modern air-conditioned vehicle, a camel ride at the campsite, and a full buffet dinner with live entertainment. Hotel pickup is included. You choose between a private tour or a shared group departure. Not suitable for pregnant travelers or anyone with spinal or heart conditions.
Options for this experience
2 optionsStep-by-step itinerary
Desert safari with activities and dinner
- Meet safari guide and transfer to desert
- Visit camel farm
- Dune bashing and sand surfing
- Watch desert sunset
- Arrive at campsite and enjoy coffee and dates
- Henna painting and Shisha smoking
- Camel ride at dusk
- Wear traditional Arabic attire
- Watch Tanoura and belly dance shows
- Enjoy BBQ dinner with Arabic cuisine
- Return to hotel or selected location
What’s included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off from Abu Dhabi.
- dune bashing in an air-conditioned 4WD vehicle with a licensed driver.
- camel ride at the campsite.
- sandboarding in the desert.
- open buffet BBQ dinner with Arabian kebabs, salads, desserts and main courses (vegetarian and non-vegetarian).
- Tanoura and belly dance performances.
- henna painting.
- traditional Arabic dress for photos.
- mineral water and soft drinks throughout.
- free shisha in the designated camp area.
- and a live English-speaking guide for the entire experience.
Times
- Every day 14:00 14:30 15:00 15:30
Before you book
Operated by OceanAir Travels Abu Dhabi
Prices and times updated 2 days ago
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The experience
The day starts with pickup from your Abu Dhabi hotel or the cruise port, then a drive into the desert in an air-conditioned 4WD. Before the dune bashing begins, the guide takes you to a camel farm to see the animals up close, and the vehicle tires are adjusted for the sand. Then you climb into the 4x4 for the main event: ascending and descending the highest dunes with real speed and drop, the vehicle tilting hard as it crests each ridge. If you want more, sandboarding lets you slide down the soft sand on your own. The whole sequence is timed so you catch the sunset before heading to the campsite.
At the camp, you rest with traditional coffee and dates, then move into the evening's activities. Henna painting happens in the Bedouin-style encampment, with low tables and Arabic cushions scattered around. You take a brief camel ride as the light fades, then change into traditional Arabic dress for photos. The Tanoura and belly dance performances start as the open buffet dinner is laid out: Arabian kebabs, salads, desserts and main courses, with vegetarian options throughout. Shisha is available in the designated area. After the meal and entertainment, the driver takes you back to your hotel or starting point.
The tour runs about 6 hours total. Dune bashing is physically demanding. The recommendation is not to eat for 2–3 hours before the safari to avoid sickness during the ride, and you'll need moderate fitness and comfortable shoes for sandboarding. Children from age 3 are welcome, though sandboarding is recommended for ages 12–50 and the camel ride for ages 12–50 as well. Quad biking and dune buggy activities are available as add-ons depending on which option you book. The guide speaks English and leads the whole experience.
Is this one for you?Book the private tour if your group wants the vehicle and timing to yourselves. The sharing tour works well if you're traveling solo or with one other person and don't mind joining other travelers for the same dune runs and campsite dinner. Either way, you'll need moderate fitness and comfortable shoes for sandboarding, and should skip eating for a few hours before the safari to stay comfortable during the dune bashing.
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Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.
What exactly happens during the dune bashing part of the safari?
Dune bashing is the core of the desert experience: you ride in the 4WD as the driver ascends and descends the highest sand dunes at speed, tilting the vehicle hard as it crests each ridge. If you want more thrills after the main run, sandboarding lets you slide down the soft sand yourself. The whole sequence takes place in the late afternoon so you catch the sunset before reaching the campsite.
Can I ride a camel on this tour, and when does that happen?
Yes, a camel ride is included. It's a brief ride at the campsite in the early evening, after you've rested and had coffee and dates, and just before the traditional dress photos and the dinner entertainment begin.
What's included in the BBQ dinner at the camp?
The open buffet dinner features Arabian kebabs, Arabic salads, desserts and main courses, with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Soft drinks and mineral water are provided throughout the evening. Shisha is free in the designated area of the camp.
Is hotel pickup included, and how does the timing work?
Hotel pickup from Abu Dhabi city center hotels and the cruise port is included. The driver will arrive within 45 minutes of your booked time. Airport pickup is available from the Premier Inn Abu Dhabi Airport hotel. The full tour takes about 6 hours, running from late afternoon into the evening.
What's the difference between the private tour and the sharing tour?
Both tours include the same dune bashing, camel ride, BBQ dinner and entertainment. The private tour is your own group. The sharing tour joins other travelers. Some add-on activities like quad biking and dune buggies are available depending on which option you select at checkout.
Who shouldn't book this tour?
The tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers or anyone with spinal, heart or back problems. Children under 3 cannot participate in the dune bashing by law. Sandboarding and camel riding are recommended for ages 12–50. You'll need moderate physical fitness, and it's best not to eat for 2–3 hours before the safari to avoid sickness during the dune bashing.
Abu Dhabi Desert Safari: Dune Bashing, Camel Ride & BBQ
6h · EN · at your hotel
from AED 320 per person
≈ US$ 85 in your currency
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