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

Summary

Abu Dhabi’s dunes, sunset colors, camel rides and BBQ night

You’ll feel the thrill of dune bashing outside Abu Dhabi before meeting camels at a local farm and trying out sand boarding or Arabic costumes at camp. Enjoy a sunset BBQ buffet dinner with live music and dancing under desert skies—a night you’ll remember for its flavors, laughter, and unexpected quiet moments.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely left the city behind when the sand started changing color—first pale gold, then this almost coppery orange. Our driver, Ahmed, grinned in the mirror and said something about “rollercoaster time.” I thought he was joking until we hit the first dune. My stomach dropped (in a good way), and everyone started laughing—except my cousin who just gripped the seat and muttered prayers under her breath. The engine noise echoed weirdly off the sand; it’s quieter than you’d think out there, except for us yelling every time we caught air.

After all that bouncing around, we stopped at a camel farm. The camels looked both bored and wise—one of them kept chewing in slow motion while I tried to get a selfie. Ahmed showed us how to climb on without falling off (I still nearly did). The ride itself was short but honestly surreal—the camel’s gait is so different from anything else. There was this dry wind picking up little bits of sand; I could taste it on my lips. I didn’t expect to like it as much as I did.

The sun started dropping fast after that. We got to this desert camp where everything smelled like charcoal and spices. There were falcons perched quietly for photos (I was too nervous to hold one), people trying on those bright Arabic costumes for pictures, kids rolling down little dunes on sand boards. Dinner was a full-on spread—hummus, salads, biriyani rice—and I probably ate more than I should have because that smoky grilled chicken just kept coming. Later there was music and dancing; the belly dancer spun so fast her bracelets flashed in the firelight. Someone handed me sweet tea that tasted faintly of cardamom—I still think about that taste sometimes when I’m back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Abu Dhabi Desert Safari Experience

• Pickup from Abu Dhabi hotel or terminal
• Drive to the desert
• Enjoy dune bashing
• Visit camel farm
• Ride camels
• Try sand boarding
• Take photos with falcon and costumes
• Watch belly dance and tannoura shows
• Enjoy BBQ buffet dinner
• Return to pickup point

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Abu Dhabi desert safari?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included from Abu Dhabi hotels, shopping malls, or cruise terminal.

What activities are part of this half-day desert safari?

The tour includes dune bashing, camel riding, sand boarding, visiting a camel farm, falcon photo opportunity, dance shows, Arabic costume photos, and BBQ buffet dinner.

Are vegetarian options available at dinner?

Yes, vegetarian options are available if advised at booking time.

How long does the dune bashing last?

The dune drive is part of the half-day experience but exact duration may vary depending on group size and conditions.

Can infants join the safari?

Infants can join but must sit on an adult’s lap; specialized infant seats are available at child rate.

Is public transport nearby for pickup?

Yes, public transportation options are available near pickup points in Abu Dhabi.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

No, this Abu Dhabi desert safari is not wheelchair accessible.

What kind of food is served at the BBQ buffet dinner?

The menu features salads like hummus and tabouleh, biriyani rice, dal, mixed vegetables, macaroni, Umm ali dessert plus grilled meats.

What’s included

Your half-day includes pickup from your Abu Dhabi hotel or cruise terminal by local driver-guide before heading into the dunes for sand bashing fun. You’ll visit a camel farm for photos and short rides then continue to a desert camp with sand boarding opportunities. At camp enjoy unlimited tea or coffee plus water and soft drinks alongside a full BBQ buffet dinner with salads and local dishes before being driven back to your starting point in comfort.