Abu Dhabi Desert Safari: Dune Bashing, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner

Summary

Evening desert adventure with camel rides, sandboarding, BBQ & live shows

You’ll feel your heart race during dune bashing in the Abu Dhabi desert before sharing coffee with locals at camp. Feed camels, try sandboarding if you’re brave enough, then unwind over a barbecue dinner as dancers spin by firelight. Expect laughter, a few surprises (sand everywhere!), and memories that stick long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit I was nervous about the whole “dune bashing” thing — my stomach isn’t exactly made for rollercoasters. But our driver, Khaled, just grinned and said it’s like surfing on sand. He was right. The 4x4 felt like a boat sometimes, sliding up and down those wild orange dunes outside Abu Dhabi. Sand got everywhere (I’m still finding it in my shoes), but that first moment when we stopped at the top and the sun hit the horizon — there was this hush, just wind and a sky that looked way too big.

We visited a camel farm before all that, which was actually more fun than I expected. Camels are… well, they make weird noises and have these long eyelashes that make them look wise or maybe just bored. One of the handlers let me feed one — I fumbled with the dates and almost dropped them, but he laughed and showed me how to hold out my hand flat so I didn’t get nipped. It smelled like hay and something sweet I couldn’t quite place.

The camp itself felt almost like stepping into someone’s living room — low tables, cushions everywhere, people chatting quietly over tiny cups of coffee. There was this older woman doing henna painting; she drew a little pattern on my wrist while telling me about her family back in Al Ain. I tried shisha (not really my thing) but loved watching everyone else try to blow smoke rings. After that we put on traditional robes for photos — mine kept slipping off my shoulder but nobody seemed to care.

Later came the food: smoky kebabs straight from the grill, salads with mint, sticky desserts I still think about. While we ate there were Tanoura dancers spinning so fast their skirts turned into colored blurs — then belly dancing under lantern light. On the short camel ride at dusk, everything looked gold. The drive back to Abu Dhabi was quiet; everyone half asleep or just staring out at nothing in particular. It’s strange how peaceful you feel after so much noise and color.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert safari with activities and dinner

• Meet safari guide and depart hotel
• Drive to Abu Dhabi Desert in 4x4
• Visit camel farm
• Enjoy dune bashing and sandboarding
• Watch desert sunset
• Arrive at desert camp
• Rest and enjoy coffee with dates
• Try henna painting and shisha smoking
• Take a short 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

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Abu Dhabi desert safari?

Yes, pickup is included from central Abu Dhabi hotels or cruise port; airport pickups are from Premier Inn Abu Dhabi Airport Hotel.

What activities are part of the desert safari?

The tour includes dune bashing in a 4WD vehicle, sandboarding, visiting a camel farm with feeding opportunities, a short camel ride at camp, henna painting, shisha pipe (in designated area), dressing up in traditional Arabic attire for photos, live Tanoura and belly dance shows (except during Ramadan/religious holidays), and an open buffet BBQ dinner.

Are vegetarian options available for dinner?

Yes, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes are available at the open buffet BBQ dinner.

Is this safari suitable for children or pregnant travelers?

Dune bashing is not allowed for pregnant travelers or children under 3 years old due to safety reasons.

How long does the entire experience last?

The tour typically lasts around 6 hours including transfers from Abu Dhabi.

What should I wear for sandboarding?

It’s recommended to wear comfortable shoes for safe sandboarding on the dunes.

Are there any restrictions during Ramadan or religious holidays?

During Ramadan only Tanoura dance is performed; other entertainment is not available as per UAE law on certain holidays.

Is travel insurance required?

No insurance is provided by the operator; travelers are advised to have their own travel health insurance due to potential risks involved.

What’s included

Your evening includes pickup from your hotel or cruise port in Abu Dhabi (or Premier Inn Airport Hotel if arriving by plane), all transportation in an air-conditioned 4WD with a licensed driver-guide, visits to a camel farm plus a short camel ride at camp, dune bashing across high dunes with time for sandboarding if you want it, unlimited soft drinks and mineral water throughout the trip, traditional Arabic coffee and dates at camp along with henna painting and shisha pipe (in designated area), dressing up in Arabic attire for photos if you like, live Tanoura dance and belly dancing performances (except during Ramadan/holidays), plus an open buffet barbecue dinner offering both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes before your return transfer back to town.