Abu Dhabi Overnight Desert Safari: Dune Bashing & Bedouin Camp

Sand dunes at sunset, then a night under stars in a Bedouin camp

You depart Abu Dhabi at 3:30pm in a 4x4 for dune bashing across the highest sand in the UAE, stop at a camel farm and watch the sunset, then spend the night in a traditional Bedouin camp where you ride camels, eat a three-course BBQ dinner, watch a belly dance performance, and wake to breakfast before returning in the morning. Hotel or mall pickup is included.

Step-by-step itinerary

• Depart Abu Dhabi at 3:30 p.m.
• Drive through high desert dunes
• Stop at camel-breeding farm
• Enjoy refreshments at dunes
• Watch sunset over desert hills
• Arrive at Bedouin-style campsite
• Ride camel or sandboard
• Smoke traditional hubbly bubbly
• Relax with beverage from bar
• Enjoy three-course BBQ dinner
• Watch belly dance performance
• Overnight stay at desert camp

The Experience

The Land Cruiser pulls away from your hotel around 3:30pm, heading east toward the Al Khatim desert. You're in a specially modified 4x4, and within an hour the city disappears behind you. The driver takes the vehicle up and down the highest dunes in the UAE—the kind of dune bashing that makes your stomach drop and your hands grip the seat. It's rough and real, not a smooth ride. After the adrenaline settles, you stop at a camel-breeding farm for photos and water, then climb higher into the dunes to watch the sun drop over the sand. By the time you reach the traditional Bedouin-style campsite in the middle of the desert, the light is almost gone.

The camp is where the overnight safari Abu Dhabi really shifts. You can ride a camel if you want, or try sandboarding down the slopes, or just sit with a drink from the bar and watch the sky darken. There's a hubbly bubbly to smoke if that's your thing. Dinner is a three-course BBQ—meat, sides, bread—and after you eat, a belly dancer performs. It's genuine Arabic entertainment, not a show for tourists, and the whole thing has the feeling of actually being out there, not performing being out there. You sleep in the camp, wake to breakfast and coffee, and the driver takes you back to your hotel or mall pickup point by morning.

The overnight desert safari Abu Dhabi includes everything: the dune-bashing drive, the camel ride, dinner, breakfast, accommodation in the camp, water, coffee and tea. You don't arrange transport separately, don't hunt for a restaurant, don't negotiate with a driver at the curb. Pickup works from any hotel or shopping mall in Abu Dhabi; if you're coming from Al Ain, it's a private car with a maximum of four people. If you're in Dubai or another emirate, there's an extra charge—call or email before you book to confirm the cost.

What’s included

• Hotel or shopping mall pickup and drop-off in Abu Dhabi.
• dune bashing in a modified 4x4 across the highest dunes in the UAE.
• stop at a camel-breeding farm with refreshments.
• sunset viewing.
• camel ride at the Bedouin camp.
• three-course BBQ dinner.
• belly dance entertainment.
• overnight accommodation in the traditional camp.
• breakfast.
• bottled water.
• coffee and tea.
• access to the camp bar.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Extreme Tours - Desert Safari in Abu Dhabi

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a full desert experience—dune bashing, camping, and cultural entertainment—without arranging separate transport, meals, or accommodation; the overnight format is what makes it possible to reach the deepest desert and stay long enough to feel like you're actually there.

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Top questions

What time does the overnight safari depart?

Departure is approximately 3:30pm from your hotel or shopping mall pickup point in Abu Dhabi.

Is camel riding included?

Yes, camel riding is included at the camp. You can also try sandboarding or relax at the bar if you prefer.

What's included in the overnight safari?

Pickup and drop-off, dune bashing, camel ride, three-course BBQ dinner, belly dance show, breakfast, accommodation in the Bedouin camp, bottled water, coffee and tea.

Can I book pickup from Dubai?

Pickup from Dubai and other emirates is available but costs extra. Contact the operator by phone or email before booking to confirm the additional charge.

Is there a vegetarian dinner option?

Yes, vegetarian meals are available. Advise your dietary requirements at the time of booking.

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable clothes suitable for desert heat and sand. Knees and shoulders must be covered, especially if visiting any places of worship or selected museums during the tour.

How long is the overnight safari?

The experience runs from approximately 3:30pm until the next morning, when you're returned to your hotel or pickup point.

What if I'm traveling with young children?

Children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult. Infants can sit on an adult's lap, and specialized infant seats are available.