Abu Dhabi: Evening Desert Safari, Dune Bashing & BBQ Dinner

Evening desert safari with BBQ dinner and live shows in Abu Dhabi

You’ll race across Abu Dhabi’s dunes in a 4x4, watch sunset colors from a camel farm, and share a smoky BBQ dinner beneath desert stars. With local guides leading dune bashing, sandboarding, henna painting, and live dance shows—all with hotel pickup—you’ll leave with sandy shoes and memories that linger long after.

What’s included

• Your evening includes round-trip transport from your hotel or mall in Abu Dhabi by 4x4 vehicle.
• You’ll enjoy top sunset photo stops on the dunes, visit a camel farm for up-close encounters, try sandboarding or skiing on soft slopes (gear provided), ride camels at camp, get henna tattoos or dress up for Arabic costume photoshoots.
• Unlimited shisha is available along with Arabic coffee, tea and dates before sitting down to a hot BBQ dinner with salads and desserts.
• Live performances like belly dance and Tanoura dancing fill out your night before heading back under starlit skies.

Traveler reviews

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Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Evening Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner

• Pick up from accommodation
• Drive to desert for safari
• Experience dune bashing in 4x4
• Arrive at Arabian-style campsite
• Enjoy BBQ dinner under stars
• Participate in camel riding
• Try sandboarding
• Get henna painting
• Watch live entertainment
• Return to accommodation

The Experience

The first thing I remember is the sand—how it looked almost pink in the late light as we bounced deeper into the dunes outside Abu Dhabi. Our driver, Khalid, grinned every time we hit a bump that made us all gasp or laugh (or both). I’d seen photos of desert safaris before, but nothing really prepared me for how quiet it gets when you stop the engine out there. Just wind and a few far-off voices. The city felt a million miles away.

After the dune bashing (which honestly had my heart pounding), we stopped at this camel farm—camels are way taller up close than I thought. One of the handlers let me try feeding one dates; its lips were softer than I expected, kind of ticklish. There was this smell of sweet tea and charcoal in the air when we reached camp later. The cushions were scattered around low tables, and someone handed me Arabic coffee so strong it made my eyes water for a second. I tried saying thank you in Arabic—didn’t quite nail it, but got a big smile anyway.

The sun was gone by then and everything was just lanterns and shadows. We ate grilled lamb and salads while dancers spun in bright skirts—there’s this moment where you forget about your phone completely because you’re watching firelight on people’s faces instead. I got henna on my hand (the artist drew flowers without even looking down much), tried sandboarding (fell immediately), and ended up sitting outside with shisha just listening to the wind again. Stargazing out there is different—no city lights, just this huge sky that makes you feel small in a good way.

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for the evening desert safari?

Yes, round-trip transport from hotels or malls in Abu Dhabi is included.

What activities are part of the Abu Dhabi evening desert safari?

Dune bashing, camel riding, sandboarding, henna painting, falcon photoshoot, live shows like belly dance and Tanoura dancing.

Is food provided during the tour?

Yes, a hot BBQ dinner with grilled meats, salads, desserts plus Arabic coffee, tea, dates, water and soft drinks is included.

How long does the evening desert safari last?

The experience covers late afternoon through evening hours; exact timing may vary based on pickup location.

Are vegetarian options available at dinner?

The reference mentions salads and desserts but does not specify vegetarian mains; check with provider if needed.

Can children join this Abu Dhabi desert safari?

Yes; specialized infant seats are available and it's suitable for all fitness levels.

Is sandboarding equipment provided?

Yes; sandboarding & skiing equipment is included at camp.

Will there be opportunities for photos?

Yes; sunset dune photos are encouraged plus falcon photoshoot & Arabic costume photos at camp.