Abu Dhabi Desert Safari with BBQ, Camel Ride & Sandboarding

Summary

Evening Desert Adventure with Live Entertainment in Abu Dhabi

You’ll get to race over dunes in a 4x4, meet camels up close, try sandboarding (it’s trickier than it looks!), enjoy a BBQ dinner under desert stars, and watch live shows—all in one evening. If you want a real taste of Abu Dhabi’s desert life beyond city lights, this is it.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me was the quiet—just the hum of our Land Cruiser’s AC and the crunch of tires on sand as we left Abu Dhabi behind. Our driver, Khalid, grinned in the mirror before steering us straight into a sea of golden dunes. The ride? Wild. We slid and bounced over soft hills, sometimes sideways, sometimes almost weightless for a second or two. I caught myself laughing out loud more than once. We stopped at the top of a dune where the wind felt warm and dry on my face. I snapped a few photos—nothing really captures how endless it looks out there.

We pulled up to a camel farm next. The camels were surprisingly chill, chewing away and eyeing us like we were the odd ones out. Our guide explained how these animals handle the heat—apparently, their eyelashes are longer than mine! After a short camel ride (honestly, bumpier than I expected), we headed to camp just as the sky started turning orange. The smell of grilled meat drifted over from the BBQ area, mixing with sweet shisha smoke and something spicy—maybe cardamom from the coffee tent.

Inside the camp, there was so much going on: henna artists painting delicate patterns on hands, kids trying sandboarding down a little slope, people lounging on low cushions sipping cold drinks. I tried sandboarding myself—managed to stay upright for about three seconds before tumbling off laughing. Dinner was served after sunset: juicy kebabs, rice, hummus, smoky eggplant salad—the works. Local dancers spun and twirled under lantern light; at one point I found myself clapping along without even thinking about it. By the time we left, my shoes were full of sand and my phone full of photos I couldn’t wait to show friends back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Abu Dhabi Desert Safari and Dinner

• Pickup and dune bashing
• Photo stops at desert dunes
• Visit camel farm
• Arrive at Bedouin camp
• Activities: camel riding, sandboarding, henna tattooing, shisha
• Sunset viewing
• BBQ dinner with live entertainment

Top questions

Is this Abu Dhabi desert safari suitable for kids?

Yes! Kids love dune bashing and meeting camels. There are activities for all ages at camp—just let us know if you need an infant seat for the ride.

What should I wear for the safari?

Light clothes work best—think t-shirts and loose pants or shorts. Bring a jacket for cooler evenings and sandals or trainers (sand gets everywhere!).

Can vegetarians enjoy the BBQ dinner?

Absolutely! There are plenty of veggie options like salads, hummus, grilled eggplant, rice, and bread alongside the BBQ meats.

Is dune bashing safe for everyone?

The drivers are pros and vehicles are equipped for safety. However, it's not recommended if you're pregnant or have back or heart issues.

What’s included

Your evening includes round-trip transport in an air-conditioned Land Cruiser from Abu Dhabi city hotels or homes; thrilling dune bashing; a visit to a local camel farm; short camel ride; sandboarding; henna painting; shisha lounge access; water and soft drinks; live belly dance and Tanoura shows; plus a full BBQ dinner with both meat and vegetarian dishes—all set up for you at our traditional-style desert camp.