Abu Dhabi Desert Safari: Dune Bashing, Camel Rides & Live BBQ

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.96 (480 reviews) 98% rated it 5 stars

Free cancellationTravelers' pick

1/10

Duration6h

GroupUp to 100

LanguagesEN

PickupAt your hotel

Abu Dhabi desert safari with live BBQ, camel rides, dune bashing and shows

You’ll feel your pulse race during dune bashing outside Abu Dhabi before slowing down for camel rides at sunset. Enjoy unlimited tea at a Bedouin-style camp while live BBQ sizzles nearby, then watch belly dancers and fire shows under lantern light. It’s a night where laughter lingers—and you might still find sand in your shoes after.

Step-by-step itinerary

Desert safari with entertainment and BBQ

Dune bashing in 4x4 vehicle
Visit Bedouin-style camp
Camel riding and sandboarding
Watch desert sunset
Enjoy live BBQ dinner
Watch live performances

The Experience

I didn’t really expect my heart to end up somewhere between my throat and my stomach before dinner, but that’s exactly what happened on this Abu Dhabi desert safari. Our driver—Ali, who grinned like he knew a secret—hit the gas as soon as we reached the dunes. Sand sprayed everywhere. I grabbed the seat in front of me (maybe too tight) while everyone laughed or squealed. The 4x4 felt like a boat on wild waves. My shoes filled with sand by the time we stopped for sunset, but honestly? Worth it for that weirdly peaceful hush you get out there when the engines cut off and all you hear is wind.

After that, I tried riding a camel (they’re taller than they look), and Li from our group snapped a photo just as I nearly slid off—she still sends it to me sometimes. The camp smelled like spiced meat and wood smoke; it was almost dark by then, lanterns glowing low. Our guide pointed out the tea tent first (“unlimited,” he promised) and then let us wander until dinner. When the BBQ started sizzling, everyone drifted closer—there was way more food than I expected, both veg and non-veg stuff piled high. I kept going back for those grilled eggplants.

Later came the music and dancing—belly dancing first, then a fire show that made everyone gasp (I swear I felt the heat from where I sat). There was this spinning Tanura dancer too; his skirt looked like something from another planet under all those lights. By then, I’d lost track of time completely. We left with sand in our socks and bellies full, dropped back at our hotel by midnight or so—I still think about that sky out there, how big it felt compared to the city.

What’s included

Your evening includes pickup and drop-off from your Abu Dhabi hotel or residence, an adrenaline-filled dune bashing session in a 4x4 vehicle with a licensed English guide, camel rides at sunset, unlimited tea and water at a Bedouin-style camp, plus a live BBQ buffet (with vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices), unlimited drinks throughout dinner, and live entertainment featuring belly dancing, fire shows, and Tanura performances before heading back to your hotel late in the evening.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyInfant seats availableNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Off Road Tourism LLC