Evening Desert Safari Abu Dhabi: Dune Bashing & BBQ Dinner

Dune bashing at sunset, then dinner and dance in a desert camp while the stars come out.

An evening desert safari from Abu Dhabi takes you an hour into Al Khatim Desert for a 45-minute dune bashing ride in a 4x4 Land Cruiser, then sandboarding and camel riding at a Bedouin-style camp. As the sun sets, you watch a camel show and fire show, get henna painted, smoke shisha, and sit down to a live BBQ dinner with belly dancing and Tanoura dance performances under the stars.

Options for this experience

2 options

From AED 220 per person, depending on the option and date you choose.See dates & book

Evening Desert Safari in Abu Dhabi featuring Dune Bashing and a BBQ Dinner No fixed time Guide in 5 languages Pickup is included

Private Transfer No fixed time Guide in 5 languages Private tour: choosing this private option reserves the vehicle exclusively for you and your group. Duration: 8 hours. Land Cruiser. Includes pickup.

None of these options right for you? See 12 alternatives ›

Step-by-step itinerary

Evening desert safari with activities and dinner

• Travel to Al Khatim Desert
• Enjoy 45-minute dune bashing ride
• Experience sandboarding and camel rides
• Watch sunset in the desert
• Relax at Bedouin-style camp
• Watch Belly and Thanoura dance performances
• Enjoy BBQ dinner with live entertainment

What’s included

• Air-conditioned vehicle and 45-minute dune bashing in a 4x4.
• camel riding and sandboarding at the camp.
• picture taking in traditional local clothes with a falcon.
• special camel show and fire show.
• henna painting and Arabic shisha session.
• live BBQ dinner with vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices.
• belly dancing and Tanoura dance performances.
• bottled water, coffee and tea.
• entrance fee and government fees.

Times

• Every day No fixed time

Before you book

Group Up to 120 · max 6 per booking

Live guide English, Arabic, Hindi, Malayalam and Tamil Another language? ›

Meeting point and pickup Hotel pickup included.

Ages Adult (13 to 85 years) · Child (under 13)

Cancellation and refunds Free 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.

Good to know

Low physical effort Infant seats available Public transport nearby Not recommended during pregnancy Not recommended with heart problems Not recommended with back problems Infants must sit on laps

Operated by Extreme Tours

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Need assistance?Message us on WhatsApp or by email›

Traveler reviews

4.75 ★★★★★ Excellent 24 verified traveler reviews 92% rated it 5 stars

5 ★ 22

4 ★ 0

3 ★ 1

2 ★ 0

1 ★ 1

Read all the reviews ›

The experience

You're picked up from Abu Dhabi and driven to Al Khatim Desert, an hour away: quieter and less crowded than the dunes near Dubai. The real action starts with a 45-minute dune bashing ride across towering golden dunes in a 4x4 Land Cruiser, led by expert desert drivers who take the vehicle over heart-racing drops and drifts. It's the kind of ride that makes the adrenaline spike, and the sunset views from the top of the dunes are the payoff.

At the Bedouin-style camp, the pace shifts. You can try sandboarding down the slopes, take a camel ride, and pose for photos wearing traditional local clothes with a falcon. A special camel show and fire show happen before dinner. There's henna painting if you want it, and an Arabic shisha session to ease into the evening. Bottled water and coffee or tea come throughout.

Dinner is a live BBQ (vegetarian and non-vegetarian options) served under the stars while a belly dancer and Tanoura dancer perform. The whole experience runs about seven and a half hours from pickup to drop-off. A live guide speaks English, Hindi, Arabic, Tamil and one additional language, so you're never lost on what's happening next.

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Hindi, Arabic, Tamil and Malayalam.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 13).

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 in a 4x4?

Dune bashing is a 45-minute ride across towering golden dunes in a Land Cruiser driven by an expert desert driver. Expect heart-racing drops, drifts, and stunning views. It's built for the adrenaline rush, especially as the sun starts to set.

What happens at the Bedouin camp after dune bashing?

At the camp you can sandboard down slopes, ride a camel, and watch a special camel show and fire show. There's also henna painting, an Arabic shisha session, and a live BBQ dinner with belly dancing and Tanoura dance performances.

How far is Al Khatim Desert from Abu Dhabi?

Al Khatim Desert is about an hour from Abu Dhabi city. It's known for soft, rolling sandscapes and traditional Bedouin charm, and it's quieter than the busier dunes near Dubai.

What should I wear for an evening desert safari?

Wear comfortable clothing with closed-toe shoes and trousers, especially if you plan to try sandboarding. During the cooler months from October to March, bring warm layers for the evening desert breeze.

Is pickup from my hotel included?

Pickup is included in at least one purchase option. Confirm which option you're booking to verify pickup is part of your reservation.