Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari: Dune Bashing & Camel Riding

Dune bashing, camel rides, sand boarding, and a desert dinner: all in one evening in Al Khatim Desert.

A private evening desert safari in Abu Dhabi picks you up from your hotel and takes you into Al Khatim Desert for dune bashing (hard or soft terrain at your choice), camel riding, sand boarding, henna painting, belly dancing, and a barbecue dinner with dates, tea, coffee and soft drinks. The safari runs 3 to 6 hours depending on your preferences, with an English-speaking guide throughout.

Step-by-step itinerary

Evening desert safari experience

• Private hotel pickup
• Travel to Al Khatim Desert
• Dune bashing (hard or soft)
• Camel riding
• Enjoy barbecue dinner
• Watch belly dancing

The experience

Al Khatim Desert is where the evening unfolds. You're picked up from your hotel in a private 4x4, and the driver takes you straight into the dunes. Dune bashing, the heart of the safari, happens at the intensity you choose: hard driving over steep dunes or a softer ride through the sand. Between runs, you stop to try sand boarding on the slopes, take photos wearing traditional local costume, and get henna painted on your hands.

The camel ride comes next, letting you move through the desert the way travelers have for centuries. Afterward, there's time at the camel farm to see the animals up close, and if a falcon is available that day, you can pose for a photo with it. As the light fades, the group gathers for dinner: a barbecue with dates, tea, coffee, soft drinks, and shisha smoking if you want it. Entertainment includes belly dancing and Tanoura dancing (a spinning skirt performance), though belly dancing is not offered during Ramadan.

The whole experience is yours alone: no shared groups, no fixed stops you have to sit through. Your guide speaks English and can adjust the pace and the order of activities to match what you want to do. Infants can sit on an adult's lap, and specialized infant seats are available if you need one. The safari works best if you have at least moderate fitness, as the dune bashing and camel riding do involve physical movement.

What’s included

• Private 4x4 pickup and drop-off from your hotel.
• dune bashing at your choice of intensity.
• camel riding.
• sand boarding.
• henna painting.
• photos in traditional local costume.
• belly dancing and Tanoura dancing.
• camel farm visit.
• barbecue dinner with dates, tea, coffee, and soft drinks.
• shisha smoking (subject to availability).
• falcon photo opportunity (subject to availability).
• English-speaking guide throughout.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 14:30, 15:00 and 15:30

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Audio guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Arabian Explore Tours & Travels LLC

Is this one for you?This is a private safari, so you move through the desert on your own schedule with your own guide: ideal if you want to set the pace of dune bashing, spend extra time on activities you love, or skip ones that don't appeal to you. The intensity of the dune bashing is yours to choose, from gentle to aggressive, so it suits both thrill-seekers and travelers who prefer a calmer ride.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 12 years); Infant (under 4): free.

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.

What is dune bashing like, and can I choose how intense it is?

Dune bashing is driving a 4x4 over the sand dunes of Al Khatim Desert. You pick the intensity: hard driving over steep dunes or a softer, gentler ride through the sand, so the experience matches your comfort level.

Does the safari include a meal, and what's served?

Yes, dinner is included and happens as the sun sets. You get a barbecue with dates, tea, coffee, and soft drinks. Shisha smoking is available if you want it, subject to availability.

Is this safari private, or will I be with other groups?

This is a private safari. You have your own 4x4 and guide for the evening, with no other travelers joining your group.

What entertainment is part of the evening?

Belly dancing and Tanoura dancing are included as entertainment during dinner. Belly dancing is not offered during Ramadan. Henna painting, sand boarding, and camel riding are also part of the experience.

How long does the whole safari take?

The safari runs between 3 and 6 hours depending on which activities you want to do and how long you spend at each stop. Your guide can adjust the length to fit your schedule.