Abu Dhabi: Desert safari with dune bashing & BBQ dinner

Summary

Ride the dunes near Abu Dhabi, taste Bedouin flavors, and share stories under desert stars

You’ll feel your heart race during dune bashing outside Abu Dhabi, then slow down as you sip Arabic coffee at a Bedouin camp. Try sandboarding, watch traditional dance shows, ride camels at sunset, and share a BBQ dinner under desert stars — moments you’ll remember long after you brush off the last grains of sand.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I almost chickened out when our driver grinned and tightened his grip on the wheel before the first dune. The 4WD tilted so far I grabbed the seat in front of me (sorry to whoever’s hair I pulled). Everyone laughed, even our guide Khalid, who seemed to know exactly how much thrill we could handle. The sand out here is this deep gold color you don’t really see in photos — it gets everywhere, but somehow I didn’t mind.

We stopped at a camel farm just as the sun started dipping lower. The camels looked unimpressed by us city folk; one of them snorted right as I tried to take a selfie. Khalid showed us how to say “hello” in Arabic — I tried it and got a polite nod from an older man tending the animals. There was this smell of sweet hay and something earthy that stuck to my clothes for hours. After that came sandboarding down the slopes, which is way harder than it looks on Instagram. My shoes filled up with sand but honestly, sliding down felt like being a kid again.

The Bedouin camp was already glowing with lanterns when we arrived. We were handed tiny cups of Arabic coffee (bitter but good) and sticky dates that tasted like caramel. Some people lined up for henna tattoos or tried shisha — I just sat for a minute listening to the music drifting over from the stage. Later there was belly dancing and this spinning Tanoura dancer who made everyone dizzy just watching him whirl around. Dinner was a smoky BBQ buffet; I piled my plate high and probably ate too much lamb. At some point, all the lights dimmed and there was this hush — just stars overhead and someone quietly laughing nearby. That silence is what I remember most.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Abu Dhabi Desert Safari Experience

• 4WD transfer to camel farm
• Dune bashing and sandboarding
• Visit Bedouin-style camp with Arabic coffee and dates
• Sunset views from dunes
• Cultural activities: henna, shisha, camel rides, Arabian attire
• Evening Tanoura and belly dance performances
• BBQ buffet dinner under stars
• Stargazing before return to Abu Dhabi

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in the Abu Dhabi desert safari?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off from Abu Dhabi are included in the tour.

What activities are part of the desert safari experience?

The tour includes dune bashing, sandboarding, camel rides, henna painting, shisha smoking, traditional dance shows, and a BBQ buffet dinner.

Are vegetarian options available at the BBQ dinner?

Yes, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options are available at the open-buffet BBQ dinner.

Is this desert safari suitable for pregnant travelers?

No, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues.

How long does the camel ride last on this tour?

The camel ride is short — just enough for photos and a quick experience.

Can children join this Abu Dhabi desert safari?

Yes, children can join; specialized infant seats are available if needed.

Are traditional dance shows always performed?

No, dance shows aren’t available during Ramadan or special Islamic days according to UAE law.

Should I eat before going dune bashing?

No, it’s recommended not to eat 2–3 hours before dune bashing to avoid feeling sick during the ride.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Abu Dhabi in an air-conditioned 4WD vehicle; visits to a camel farm; guided dune bashing; sandboarding; entry to a Bedouin-style camp with Arabic coffee and dates; henna painting; shisha smoking; short camel rides; traditional Tanoura and belly dance performances (except during Ramadan); plus an open-buffet BBQ dinner with vegetarian options before heading back under starry skies.