Abu Dhabi Desert Safari with 4x4 Pickup, BBQ & Shows

Summary

4x4 Dune Bashing and Evening Desert Camp in Abu Dhabi

You’ll get swept up in real desert adventure: wild dune rides, camel trekking at sunset, live dance shows under open sky—and plenty of good food to share with friends or family. It’s not just sightseeing; you’ll actually feel part of it all.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me was the dry warmth—like opening an oven door, but somehow it felt good. Our driver, Khalid, picked us up right on time in a spotless Land Cruiser. He had this easy way of chatting about the city as we left behind the glassy towers of Etihad Towers and rolled out toward the sand. The city faded fast; suddenly, it was all open sky and endless dunes.

Dune bashing is wild—there’s no other word for it. The car slid and climbed like a rollercoaster. I caught myself laughing out loud every time we crested a dune and dropped down the other side. Afterward, my hands were shaky but in a good way. At camp, the smell of grilled meat drifted through the air while someone nearby poured strong Arabic coffee into tiny cups. We tried sandboarding (I fell twice), watched a falcon show up close, and even got henna tattoos from a local artist who told me she’d been doing this since she was twelve.

As dusk settled in, the camp came alive with music and lights. The belly dancer spun so fast her skirt blurred; later, a group performed Yolla—everyone clapped along without really knowing the steps. Dinner was simple but filling: smoky kebabs, fresh salads, sweet dates. I found myself just staring at the stars after dark—no city lights out here to drown them out. On the ride back to Abu Dhabi, I could still taste cardamom from the tea and hear distant drums echoing across the sand.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert Safari and Entertainment

• Pickup and transfer to Safari Camp

Top questions

Is this desert safari suitable for young children?

Infants can join if they sit on an adult’s lap during the drive. Some activities may be better suited for older kids due to safety.

What should I wear for this tour?

Light clothes work best—think t-shirts and loose pants or shorts. Bring something warmer for after sunset as it cools off quickly.

Are vegetarian options available at dinner?

Yes! There are salads, rice dishes, bread, and grilled veggies alongside meat options at dinner.

Can I skip any activities if I want?

Absolutely—you can relax at camp or join whichever activities you like most. Everything’s optional.

What’s included

Your package covers 4x4 pickup and drop-off from Abu Dhabi (air-conditioned vehicle), dune bashing with experienced drivers, sandboarding gear, camel rides at camp, live belly dance and Yolla performances, Tanoura show, falcon presentation, henna tattoos (for those interested), shisha (for adults), unlimited soft drinks plus Arabic coffee and tea, bottled water throughout the evening, BBQ buffet dinner with vegetarian choices, stargazing time after dark—and even a short video about UAE history if you’re curious.