Abu Dhabi: Desert Safari with BBQ, Camel Ride & Sandboarding
Recommended by 100% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- 6 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Group discounts
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Enjoy a mix of activities on one tour. Drive to the desert for dune bashing and sandboarding sessions, then take a short camel ride. Next, it’s time to unwind at a traditional Bedouin camp with henna painting, shisha smoking, refreshments, and more. A full buffet dinner is served while Nashaat show “group of ladies” dance and tanoura dancers entertain the crowd.
- Multi-part adventure in the Dubai desert
- Go dune bashing and sandboarding
- Bedouin camp entertainment and barbecue dinner included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off is offered for convenience
What's Included
- Pick-up and drop off from Abu Dhabi
- Transportation by air-conditioned 4WD vehicle with Licensed driver
- Dune bashing experience & Sandboarding
- Camel ride
- Mineral water and soft drinks
- Henna painting
- Open buffet BBQ dinner (vegetarian & non-vegetarian)
- Tanoura show and Belly dance
- Shisha pipe (free in the Shisha area)
- Traditional Arabic dress (for photos)
- Quad bike and dune buggy activities in the desert
- Alcoholic beverages
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Pickup details
Pickup is available from any hotel or apartment in Abu Dhabi, as well as the cruise port (Port Zayed). Pickup will be within 45 minutes of your booked time. If there are any changes, you will be notified by WhatsApp, phone call or e-mail.
Itinerary
1
Abu Dhabi
3 hours • Admission Ticket Free
2
Abu Dhabi
3 hours • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- Please wear comfortable shoes for safe sandboarding
- Pick-up will be within 45 minutes of your booked time
- It is recommended not to eat 2-3 hours before the safari trip to avoid any vomiting / sickness during the dune bashing
- Entertainment activities:- During the holy month of Ramadan (21 March - 20 April 2023) you can watch Tanoura only in our desert camps. Other religious holidays as per UAE law i.e. 3rd April, 10 & 31st Aug, 9th Nov etc there will not be any entertainment activities in the camps as its strictly not permitted by UAE law.
- By UAE law, pregnant ladies, people with Heart & back problems, and infants (under 3 years old) are not allowed during the dune bashing activity by car. ( If these conditions are applicable to you, please contact our Consultant to customize your tour)
- This tour is not wheelchair accessible.
- Pick-up available from your Abu Dhabi City Central hotels & cruise port, Airport pick up is from Premier inn Abu Dhabi Airport hotel.
- By participating, you acknowledge and accept that some activities involve inherent risks and unforeseen incidents, and adequate travel and health insurance is strongly recommended for your safety and financial protection. Recommended Age for Self-Driving Activities: Sandboarding: 12-50 years, Quad Biking: 16–50 years. Animal-related activities (company not responsible for uncontrollable natural behaviour of animals): Camel Ride (Recommended age: 12–50 years) Falcon, Horse Riding.
- Helmets & safety gear are highly recommended where applicable, and participation is entirely at your own risk, the company will not be responsible for any accidents, damage, loss, or death from these activities.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Michael_H
Yesterday, we (2 adults, 2 children aged 11 and 16) concluded our stay in Abu Dhabi with the desert safari described here. The evening before, the organizer contacted us very kindly via WhatsApp and informed us about the pick-up procedure at our hotel, as well as clothing instructions and valuables. On the morning of the trip, the driver contacted us again via WhatsApp. Both of these things gave us a good feeling that everyone involved was aware of the upcoming trip and nothing could go wrong. The pick-up worked perfectly and was very punctual at 4:00 p.m. The other two participants had already been picked up from their hotels. At the beginning of the trip, the driver informed us about the schedule and the program. With a group of 12 to 15 vehicles, we deflated the tires and drove into the desert at a brisk pace with appropriate Arabic music. The extensive dune bashing was very exciting, and the driver demonstrated his expert knowledge of this terrain. The photo stop with camels and sandboarding at sunset were further highlights. Finally, we arrived at a very luxurious and beautiful camp in the middle of the desert. The show was very entertaining, and there was an unlimited supply of free, non-alcoholic drinks. Guests could also take pictures in Arabic dress or with falcons. Outside the camp, a camel ride was offered against a beautiful backdrop. Guests could also get a henna tattoo or smoke a shisha pipe. The buffet was very extensive and varied, offering something for everyone and presented in a very beautiful and hygienic manner. Everyone involved (OceanAir, drivers, camp staff) made the event a fantastic experience! The return journey to Abu Dhabi started around 9:30 p.m. and took about an hour. Conclusion: All in all, the desert safari was an absolutely perfect conclusion to our trip and, for the price, highly recommended.
Reviews
5.0
based on 3,088 reviews
Joanne_C, Feb 2026
The afternoon and evening experience was too long. The dune driving was a complete rollercoaster and lots of fun. The camel experience was poor with a little ride around a pond. There was too much entertainment at the camp as I felt they were only filling in time. Skip the belly dancing! The rest was excellent.
Our guide Thahzeer was a lovely guy and very helpful.
Kirill_S, Feb 2026
This desert safari was an unforgettable experience from start to finish. The dune bashing was exciting but felt safe and well controlled, with a very skilled driver. Sandboarding was a lot of fun, even for beginners, and the camel ride added a calm, authentic touch to the trip. The BBQ dinner was tasty, with a good variety of food, and the atmosphere in the desert camp was relaxed and welcoming. Everything was well organized and ran smoothly, making the whole experience enjoyable and stress-free. A perfect way to experience the Abu Dhabi desert!
Joe_V, Feb 2026
If there were a 10 star rating, this would get it. Absolutely terrific. The dunes were incredible and the drivers were so incredibly skilled. Our driver - Malik - was more than a driver. He looked over our group to make sure we were having fun. He is an excellent iPhone photographer. Then the dune surfing was an absolute riot. The camels made for a great photo, as did the falcon which sat on my arm, and then my head! The four wheeling was fine but you can’t go particularly fast (probably a good thing). The shows were 🔥 and the bbq food was also delicious.
Absolutely a must do if you can carve out 6-7 hours, and if Malik is your guide, I promise you’ll have a great time.
Edric_W, Jan 2026
Aamir is THE tour guide! Super friendly and helpful. I learnt a lot about UAE, the dessert, culture, him and his personal journey.
A real connection and all round great guy, ask for him!
The program itself is awesome, unbelievable value for money & definitely unforgettable, I mean how often do you get to pat a falcon let alone hold one in your hands and cuddle it.
Next time I'm in Abu Dhabi, I will ask for this guy again, 1000% !!!
Vivian_N, Dec 2025
Our tour guide Shine was fantastic! He was thoughtful, took great photos for us, and even made sure we were sorted with food first. He made the experience really enjoyable.
Navjot_S, Dec 2025
Afaq was an awesome guide and was a brilliant person for dune bashing and sand boarding. Camel ride, falcon photoshoot, quad bike were awesome. The camp at the end of the entire tour was very entertaining with surprisingly good vegetarian options for dinner
daly_k, Dec 2025
We had the best time! Thahzeer was an incredible guide! He was an awesome driver, making us feel safe but also having so much fun on the dunes. He was very timely and took wonderful photos! He made our experience extra enjoyable and I would highly recommend doing the private driver, bc my husband and I were in a car with just Thahzeer on the dunes and that was more comfortable than fitting 5-6 people in the car. Highly recommend!!
Nyla_G, Dec 2025
Experience was great. Masal khan was the best driver and guide! Would definitely do this tour again if ever back in Abu Dhabi.
Maryam_A, Nov 2025
Our tour guide was Shine Davis and he was absolutely incredible! He made the experience amazing for my husband and I. He was very welcoming, always checked up on us, and took the most beautiful professional looking photos of us. In my opinion, he went over and beyond for us and I appreciate it so much. Overall this experience was a 10/10 and would definitely recommend!
Philip_W, Nov 2025
Rahman, our guide, was great. He drove us, took photos, and answered all of our questions.
This tour is very touristy, but it’s fun. Lean into to it.
Scott_S, Oct 2025
Fantastic afternoon and evening with Davisshine. He was a fantastic sand dune driver and a great photographer also a fantastic person who helps you though out the trip
Thanks for a great trip
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Hi Scott,
Davisshine will love knowing his driving, photography, and support made your afternoon and evening so enjoyable.
darren_k, Oct 2025
The correspondence through viator to me and the driver was useless (viator fault ) went 1.5 hrs late ..no messages 🤬.....but when did get picked up it was a brilliant experience.... hopefully this was just a 1 off .....but I'd had bad experience with viator on a previous trip ..... so you decide ? ...but great trip 👌
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Hi darren,
Glad it still worked out despite the Viator delay sometimes one hiccup doesn’t spoil the whole experience!
Jessica_S, Sep 2025
Shine Davis was our guide! He was fantastic. He’s a skilled driver and a superb photographer. He is accommodating and makes sure that you are enjoying your time.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Hi Jessica,
Shine Davis’s driving, photography, and attention to guests really made the tour special.
Jeffrey_L, Sep 2025
This was the greatest excursion possible during our layover in Abu Dhabi. Our guide Thahzeer went above and beyond to make sure our experience was unforgettable. Every portion of the excursion was super fun and exceeded expectations. The dinner and evening show…….incredible. I would recommend this to anyone visiting Abu Dhabi.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Hi Jeffrey,
Thahzeer clearly made your layover unforgettable glad every activity and the evening show exceeded expectations.
Michael_H, Aug 2025
Yesterday, we (2 adults, 2 children aged 11 and 16) concluded our stay in Abu Dhabi with the desert safari described here. The evening before, the organizer contacted us very kindly via WhatsApp and informed us about the pick-up procedure at our hotel, as well as clothing instructions and valuables. On the morning of the trip, the driver contacted us again via WhatsApp. Both of these things gave us a good feeling that everyone involved was aware of the upcoming trip and nothing could go wrong. The pick-up worked perfectly and was very punctual at 4:00 p.m. The other two participants had already been picked up from their hotels. At the beginning of the trip, the driver informed us about the schedule and the program. With a group of 12 to 15 vehicles, we deflated the tires and drove into the desert at a brisk pace with appropriate Arabic music. The extensive dune bashing was very exciting, and the driver demonstrated his expert knowledge of this terrain. The photo stop with camels and sandboarding at sunset were further highlights. Finally, we arrived at a very luxurious and beautiful camp in the middle of the desert. The show was very entertaining, and there was an unlimited supply of free, non-alcoholic drinks. Guests could also take pictures in Arabic dress or with falcons. Outside the camp, a camel ride was offered against a beautiful backdrop. Guests could also get a henna tattoo or smoke a shisha pipe. The buffet was very extensive and varied, offering something for everyone and presented in a very beautiful and hygienic manner. Everyone involved (OceanAir, drivers, camp staff) made the event a fantastic experience! The return journey to Abu Dhabi started around 9:30 p.m. and took about an hour. Conclusion: All in all, the desert safari was an absolutely perfect conclusion to our trip and, for the price, highly recommended.
Yunghan_T, Aug 2025
During our trip to Abu Dhabi, our guide Thahzi was not only a thoughtful and caring “super race driver,” but also someone who made my brother and me feel completely safe and comfortable throughout the journey. He gave us an unforgettable experience, especially for my brother, who had always dreamed of exploring the desert. Thahzi created a truly unique and amazing adventure for us!
Thank you, Thahzi, for making it such a memorable experience.
Ren_G, Aug 2025
I didn’t expect sand bashing will be that fun. It was the most exciting part of the trip. Thanks to Imran Khan who made it unforgettable.
Philip_B, Aug 2025
The experience was incredible from start to finish you never know what sort of service you will get but our service with sherif was awesome - everything was well prepared and the day itself was magical
Lorraine_L, Jul 2025
Amazing tour! The highlight was the sand bashing. Buffet was great and a fun way to spend the evening.
WunWun_L, Jul 2025
This Abu Dahbi Desert Safari trip is definitely highlight of our journey to Dubai and Abu Dahbi! It is super value for money - it started with camel feeding, followed by an excotic roller-coasterlike jeep desert safari ride, sand boarding, camel ride, bbq food with fabulous traditonal shows, and ended with a peacefuland relaxing star gazing in desert! Our tourguide Azees from OceanAir Travels is a super jeep driver! Every moment is our new experience in life! Highly recommend and and a must go! Most importantly, it is not that hot (unexpectedly) in this July weather.
Lloyd_D, Jun 2025
This was what I wanted! Rafi was amazing and so full of knowledge. Everything that you read in the reviews is correct. The sand dunes, food and entertainment was awesome!
Michael_H, Jun 2025
Great value for money. Tour guide is well experienced (seems like he has been doing this for very long)
Michael_C, May 2025
We had the best afternoon with Azi from
Pick up to drop off. His driving, good sense of humour and brilliant photography skills make our trip even better. Than you do much for experienced driving in the dunes.
Kwana_C, May 2025
One of the best things I did and the driver was AMAZING!!!! I would do it again, thank you. I enjoyed myself
Peter_S, Apr 2025
We have been looking forward to this activity but it exceeded our expectation. It was absolutelly amazing and great experience. Our guide was friendly and super helpful. Kids loved it!
Christine_V, Apr 2025
What a blast! They pack so many experiences into an afternoon and evening! We went with kids and had a wonderful time. We had a wonderful driver who gave us such a thrill and made the whole experience seamless! The camel farm is so fun! The dune bashing and sand boarding was a blast. The evening in the village was magical and great for the whole family!
Arundeep_M, Apr 2025
Incredible experience overall. Make sure you don't have anything to eat about 3 hrs prior to the dune bashing. You will be thrown around the car....it is super exhilarating and thrilling. Petting the camels and feeding them was an adorable experience. Sand boarding was very fun too. The biggest issue that I personally faced was climbing back up after boarding down....a good and steep hike where you have no traction and the sand always wins. But again, I saw few people going on 2 or 3 slides ....so it's really an individual strength situation. The ultimate experience was at the end at the camp with the buffet and the 3 dance shows. How energy performance!!
Our guide and driver Aziz was very nice, and an expert driver in the dunes. He was patient and took our pics we requested. The only thing is he has a huge language barrier that a lot of people found hard to understand. Highly recommend this adventure. Bring hats, sunshades and sunscreen....
Daniel_S, Apr 2025
I never submit reviews but this experience totally exceeded our expectations!
Dune bashing was an absolute blast and the drivers were awesome. The hospitality at our dinner was excellent along with the quality. The entertainers were top notch. Certainly a wonderful evening- I would book again w/o hesitation- 6 stars!
WoongGyu_L, Apr 2025
The experience itself was great and highly recommend. Just don't trust viator's the lowest price guarantee as it is just a straight lie. Even providing the evidence of exact same program for the lower price as they recommended. They will just ignore the fact in your face, so DO your own search for the better price and book at other provided with the better price as viator's lowest price guarantee is just a marketing scam, which they don't honor their own words.
Baber_S, Mar 2025
Amazing experience from start to finish. Our safari captain Kevin, along with Aziz and the others were very helpful. Dune bashing was a thrill, sandboarding was exciting, the camel ride and farm were great resting points, and lastly the desert camp with all its amenities was a great way to end off the night. Highly recommend!
From $115.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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Abu Dhabi: Desert Safari with BBQ, Camel Ride & Sandboarding
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