Abu Dhabi Desert Safari: Dune Bashing, Live Shows & BBQ Dinner

Summary

Racing dunes, sunset colors and smoky BBQ in Abu Dhabi’s desert

You’ll race across Abu Dhabi’s dunes in a 4x4 with a local driver before pausing for sunset photos and camel rides. Try sweet tea and dates as you watch live belly dance and fire shows under desert stars. The night ends with a smoky BBQ buffet dinner—and maybe some henna on your hands if you’re lucky.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely left the city before everything changed—one minute it was glass towers and traffic, the next it was just sand stretching out forever. Our driver, Ahmed (who grinned like he knew a secret), cranked up some Arabic pop and suddenly we were flying over dunes in this 4x4 that felt like a rollercoaster. I grabbed the seat in front of me more than once—honestly thought my sunglasses would fly off. The sand here isn’t just yellow; it’s almost orange at sunset, and I caught myself staring out the window for way too long when we stopped for photos. There was this dry, dusty smell in the air that stuck to my clothes.

I tried riding a camel after that—awkward at first, but the handler just laughed and said something I didn’t catch, then patted the camel’s neck like they were old friends. The sun started sinking fast and everyone got quiet for a second watching it drop behind the dunes. I remember thinking how weirdly peaceful it felt out there—just wind and soft voices. Then someone handed me sweet tea and dates (I still think about those dates) while kids ran around getting henna painted on their hands. Li tried to teach me how to say thank you in Arabic—I butchered it completely but nobody seemed to mind.

After dark there were live shows—belly dancing, then this fire guy who spun flames so close I could feel the heat on my face. The BBQ buffet was huge: grilled chicken, lamb, veggie stuff too (I went back twice for the flatbread). Sitting there under string lights with strangers who suddenly felt like friends… not sure if it was the food or just being out there together. Anyway, by the time Ahmed dropped us back at our hotel I had sand in my shoes and couldn’t stop smiling.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert safari with live shows and dinner

• Pickup from your location
• Dune bashing adventure ride
• Camel riding experience
• Sand boarding activity
• Sheesha smoking session
• Henna painting for women
• Watch live belly dance show
• Enjoy fire show performance
• BBQ buffet dinner

Top questions

Is pickup included for this Abu Dhabi desert safari?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included from your selected location in Abu Dhabi.

What activities are part of the desert safari?

Dune bashing, camel ride, sand boarding, henna painting (for ladies/kids), shisha smoking, live entertainment shows (belly dance & fire show), sunset photo stop.

Is dinner provided during the tour?

Yes, there is a BBQ buffet dinner with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options included.

Are drinks included in the tour?

Unlimited soft drinks, tea, and coffee are provided during the experience.

Can children join this Abu Dhabi desert safari?

Yes, specialized infant seats are available; however, it's not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal/cardiovascular issues.

How long does dune bashing last?

The dune bashing session is one part of the overall experience; exact duration may vary but typically lasts around 30-40 minutes.

Is public transportation nearby?

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

Are traditional Arabic clothes available to try?

Yes, you’ll have an opportunity to wear traditional Arabic dress during your visit.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off from your hotel in Abu Dhabi, an adventurous dune bashing ride with a local driver through sweeping sands, camel rides at sunset with plenty of photo stops along the way, unlimited soft drinks plus tea or coffee served alongside sweet dates. Later on you’ll enjoy live entertainment—belly dancing and fire shows—followed by a full BBQ buffet dinner with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options before heading back into town at night.