Abu Dhabi: Evening Desert Safari, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner

Summary

Sunset camel rides, dune bashing thrills and desert BBQ in Abu Dhabi

You’ll ride over golden dunes near Abu Dhabi with an expert guide, try camel riding at sunset, taste smoky BBQ under lanterns, and watch live belly dance shows before stargazing in total desert quiet. Expect laughter, sandy shoes, and moments you’ll remember long after you’re back in your hotel room.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t think sand could sound loud until our jeep hit that first dune outside Abu Dhabi — it’s like the desert has its own language. Our guide, Khaled, grinned in the rearview mirror and cranked up some Arabic pop. I was wedged between two cousins from Cairo who kept yelling every time we dropped over a ridge. The Al Khatim Desert just rolls out forever, all gold and pale blue, and I kept getting sand in my mouth from laughing so much. I guess that’s part of the evening desert safari experience — you can’t really stay tidy.

We stopped for photos right in the middle of nowhere. The light was soft, kind of pinkish, and there was this dry smell — not unpleasant, just different. Khaled pointed out a camel farm nearby (I’d never seen camels up close before; they’re bigger than I thought). Feeding them was messier than I expected, but one old guy let me scratch his neck. He made this deep rumbling sound — almost like he was purring? After that we climbed a dune for sunset shots. My shoes filled with sand instantly but honestly, who cares at that point.

The camp felt almost too perfect: lanterns flickering, carpets on the ground, someone pouring sweet tea into tiny glasses. There were henna artists and a falconer letting people pose for photos. Tried sand boarding (fell twice), then watched as the BBQ dinner started to smoke up the air with spices I couldn’t place. The belly dance show was louder than I expected — lots of clapping — but when they switched off all the lights for stargazing it got so quiet you could hear people breathing. I still think about that silence sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Evening Desert Safari with Activities

• Pick up from your location
• Drive 1 hour to Al Khatim Desert
• Start dune driving and dune bashing
• Stop for desert photos and camel farm visit
• Take camel ride and try sand boarding
• Enjoy henna tattoo and traditional dress photos
• Watch falcon display and sunset from dune
• Have BBQ dinner with drinks and dates
• Watch belly dance and tanura live shows
• Stargaze after lights off
• Return to Abu Dhabi

Top questions

How long does the Abu Dhabi evening desert safari last?

The tour starts around 3 PM with pickup and returns after dinner and live shows; expect about 6 hours total including transfers.

Is hotel pickup included for this evening desert safari?

Yes, pickup is included from your hotel or another location in Abu Dhabi city.

What activities are included on the Abu Dhabi desert safari?

Dune bashing, camel ride experience, sand boarding, henna tattooing, falcon photos, BBQ dinner with soft drinks and water, plus belly dance and Tanura shows.

Are vegetarian options available for the BBQ dinner?

The reference content doesn’t specify vegetarian options; check directly with your operator if needed.

Is this tour suitable for children or seniors?

The tour is suitable for most fitness levels but not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal/cardiac issues.

Can I bring luggage or large bags on this tour?

No, luggage or large bags cannot be accommodated on this tour.

Is the evening desert safari wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible and specialized infant seats are available upon request.

What’s included

Your evening includes pickup from your hotel or chosen spot in Abu Dhabi city with an experienced safari guide driving you to Al Khatim Desert for dune bashing. You’ll visit a camel farm (with feeding), try a short camel ride at sunset, attempt sand boarding if you want to get sandy again, relax at a traditional camp with henna tattoos and falcon photo ops before enjoying a smoky BBQ dinner (with water and soft drinks), plus tea or coffee with dates while watching belly dance and Tanura performances — finishing under the stars before heading back to town.