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.
Options for this experience
2 optionsStep-by-step itinerary
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
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.
- Every day 14:30 15:00
Information
Feel the rush of dune bashing near Abu Dhabi, ride camels at sunset, and share a BBQ dinner under desert stars. Includes pickup, live shows, and local guide.
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Traveler reviews
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
What languages is the tour guided in?
Live guide in English, Arabic and Hindi.
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 10).
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
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.
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.
Operated by Desert Holidays Abu Dhabi. Explorevia does not run this tour: we compare it with similar options, and you book it with our booking partner.
Prices and times updated 4 days ago
Abu Dhabi: Evening Desert Safari, Dune Bashing & BBQ Dinner
6h · EN +2 · at your hotel
from AED 245 per person
≈ US$ 65 in your currency
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