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

Six hours of dune thrills and desert camp traditions, from sandboarding to belly dancing under the stars

An Abu Dhabi evening desert safari is a 6-hour activity combining dune bashing and camel rides with a Bedouin-style camp experience: henna painting, shisha, live performances and a BBQ buffet dinner under the stars. Hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned 4x4 vehicle are included, and a live English-speaking guide leads the group through each phase of the day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Evening desert safari with activities and dinner

• Hotel pickup in air-conditioned 4x4
• Drive 45-60 minutes to desert
• Visit camel farm and take photos
• Experience dune bashing ride
• Try sandboarding on dunes
• Stop for desert photos
• Arrive at desert camp
• Enjoy Arabic coffee and dates
• Relax in Bedouin-style seating
• Participate in henna painting
• Try shisha smoking
• Take Arabic attire photos
• Take short camel ride at sunset
• Watch Tanoura dance performance
• Watch belly dancing performance
• Watch fire dancing performance
• Enjoy BBQ dinner buffet
• Stargaze with lights off
• Return to hotel by 4x4

The experience

The day starts with a 45 to 60-minute drive from your hotel into the desert in a modern 4x4 SUV. Once you reach the dunes, the vehicle becomes the tool for dune bashing: the driver navigates steep sand slopes while you hold on for the ride. Between the high-speed runs, you'll stop to try sandboarding, sliding down the dunes on a board, and pause for photos across the endless sand before the light fades. A camel farm visit gives you time to meet the animals and get pictures before heading to the camp.

The desert camp is set up Bedouin-style with low tables, floor cushions and a relaxed atmosphere. You arrive to Arabic coffee and dates, then move through the cultural activities at your own pace: henna painting on your hands, shisha smoking, a short camel ride at sunset, and a photo opportunity in traditional Arabic dress. The live entertainment (Tanoura dance, belly dancing and fire dancing) runs while you eat the BBQ buffet, which includes grilled Arabian kebabs, regional mains, salads and desserts. After dinner, the lights dim for a few minutes of stargazing before the drive back to your hotel.

The private jeep option gives you a dedicated vehicle and driver for the group, while the shared safari runs with other travelers. Both include the same dune bashing, camel experiences and camp program. Quad bikes, buggy rides and alcohol are available as add-ons you can arrange at the destination.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned 4x4 vehicle.
• dune bashing with an expert driver and sandboarding on the dunes.
• camel farm visit and a short camel ride at sunset.
• Arabic coffee, dates, bottled water and soft drinks.
• BBQ buffet dinner with grilled kebabs, regional mains and desserts.
• henna painting, shisha smoking and a photo in traditional Arabic dress.
• live entertainment including Tanoura dance, belly dancing and fire dancing.
• stargazing after dinner.
• a live English-speaking guide throughout.

Options for this experience

2 options

Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari: Barbecue Dinner, Camel Ride & ShowsGuide in English · 14:30Shared jeep tour, pickup is included

Private jeep for a desert safariGuide in English · 15:00Private jeep tour: evening desert safari with barbecue dinner & shows, pickup is included

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 14:30 and 15:00

Book up to5h before

AgesAdult (12 to 70 years) · Child (2 to 11 years)

GroupUp to 60 · max 6 per booking

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 15 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by desertvillage

Is this one for you?Choose the private jeep if your group wants a dedicated vehicle and driver for the dune bashing and camp experience. The shared safari works well if you're comfortable riding with other travelers and want to meet people. Both deliver the same dune thrills, camel time and camp program. The difference is who shares the 4x4 with you.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 11 years).

What is dune bashing like during the Abu Dhabi evening safari?

Dune bashing is a thrilling ride over high sand dunes in a 4x4 vehicle driven by an expert who navigates steep slopes at speed. The driver controls the pace and angle, so you experience the adrenaline without steering: hold on and let the terrain do the work.

Can I ride a camel on this safari?

Yes, the safari includes a camel farm visit where you can meet and photograph the animals, plus a short camel ride at sunset at the desert camp. Both are part of the included experience.

What happens at the desert camp in the evening?

At the camp you receive Arabic coffee and dates, then participate in henna painting, shisha smoking and a photo session in traditional dress. Live performances (Tanoura dance, belly dancing and fire dancing) happen while you eat a BBQ buffet dinner under the stars, and the evening ends with a few minutes of stargazing.

Is hotel pickup included in the safari?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from your Abu Dhabi hotel or apartment in an air-conditioned 4x4 vehicle are included in both the private jeep and shared safari options. The drive to the desert takes 45 to 60 minutes.

How long is the whole experience?

The safari runs for 6 hours from pickup to drop-off, covering the drive to the desert, dune bashing and sandboarding, the camel farm visit, the camp activities and the BBQ dinner with entertainment.

What should I know before booking if I have health concerns?

The dune bashing involves motion and impact, so it is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health or pregnancy. Eat lightly 2–3 hours before the safari to reduce motion sickness during the dune runs. Children from age 2 are welcome, and baby seats and booster seats are provided.