Abu Dhabi: Desert Safari with Dune Bashing & BBQ Dinner

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Free cancellationExcellent quality

1/6

Duration6h

GroupUp to 50

PickupAt your hotel

Desert adventure from Abu Dhabi with camel rides & dinner

You’ll feel the thrill of dune bashing outside Abu Dhabi before sharing cardamom coffee and dates at a desert camp. Ride camels across shifting sands, try your luck at sand boarding or henna painting, then unwind over barbecue dinner as dancers spin by firelight. Expect laughter, warmth, and that rare sense of being somewhere truly different.

Step-by-step itinerary

Abu Dhabi Desert Safari and BBQ Dinner

Start desert safari tour
Experience dune bashing adventure
Try sand boarding
Ride camel in desert
Visit Bedouin-themed camp
Enjoy Henna painting
Taste Arabic dates and coffee
Smoke Sheesha
Watch Belly Dance and Tannura show
View desert sunset
Have BBQ dinner with drinks

The Experience

I didn’t really know what to expect from a desert safari in Abu Dhabi — I’d seen the photos, but being out there is something else. The city faded behind us as our driver (Ali, who had this easy laugh) steered the 4x4 straight into those endless dunes. The sand was this pale gold that kept changing color as the sun shifted. I remember gripping the seat during dune bashing — it’s like a rollercoaster but quieter, just the crunch of tires and Ali’s playlist humming low. My friend shrieked at every drop; I pretended not to be scared but… yeah, my heart was racing.

We stopped at a Bedouin-style camp tucked between the dunes. The smell of cardamom coffee hit me first — warm and sweet — then someone handed me a date so sticky it glued my fingers together for a second. There were camels waiting nearby, looking both bored and regal (I swear one winked at me). Riding one was awkward and lurching but kind of peaceful once you got used to its rhythm. Our guide explained how these animals are still part of daily life for some families here, which made me see them differently.

I tried sand boarding (badly), wiped out twice, and ended up laughing with a couple from Mumbai who were just as hopeless. Later, someone painted henna on my hand while we watched the sun drop behind the dunes — everything turned pink for about five minutes. Dinner was smoky barbecue under string lights; I piled my plate with grilled lamb and flatbread while a dancer spun so fast her skirt blurred into colors I can’t even name. There was shisha too if you wanted it, though I mostly stuck to sweet tea because honestly, I’m terrible at smoking anything.

I keep thinking about that quiet moment after dinner when everyone just sat back in the sand, full and tired and watching stars blink on overhead. It felt far away from everything else — in a good way.

What’s included

Your day includes air-conditioned transfers from Abu Dhabi with pickup service, all dune bashing adventures led by your local guide Ali (or someone equally friendly), camel riding through golden sands, chances to try sand boarding or get henna painted hands if you’re feeling brave, plus unlimited bottled water or soda to keep cool before settling down for a smoky barbecue dinner under desert stars.

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availableNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by VooTours Tourism