Abu Dhabi: Desert Safari with BBQ, Camel Ride & Sandboarding
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Abu Dhabi: Desert Safari with BBQ, Camel Ride & Sandboarding

Outty Ranking 93 5.0 · 3,094 traveler reviews6 hoursFrom $11590+ Club
Instant mobile ticketSpots available today

Outty Ranking

93/100

90+ Club. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 3,094 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Abu Dhabi: Desert Safari with BBQ, Camel Ride & Sandboarding worth booking?

Abu Dhabi: Desert Safari with BBQ, Camel Ride & Sandboarding is a 6-hour experience in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, from $115 per person. It scores 93 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “90+ Club”, based on a 5/5 rating across 3,094 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing. It sits in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.

Outty Ranking
93 / 100
Rating
5/5 (3,094)
Duration
6 hours
From
$115 per person

Experience life in the desert at the end of the day on a 4WD safari from Abu Dhabi. Watch traditional dance shows like Tanoura and Belly dance, get the chance to ride a camel and enjoy an open buffet barbecue feast.

What you get

    About this experience

    Experience life in the desert at the end of the day on a 4WD safari from Abu Dhabi. Watch traditional dance shows like Tanoura and Belly dance, get the chance to ride a camel and enjoy an open buffet barbecue feast.

    What's included

    Included

    • Tanoura show and Belly dance
    • Pick-up and drop off from Abu Dhabi
    • Henna painting
    • Dune bashing experience & Sandboarding
    • Mineral water and soft drinks
    • Shisha pipe (free in the Shisha area)
    • Traditional Arabic dress (for photos)
    • Open buffet BBQ dinner (vegetarian & non-vegetarian)
    • Camel ride
    • Transportation by air-conditioned 4WD vehicle with Licensed driver

    Not included

    • Quad bike and dune buggy activities in the desert
    • Alcoholic beverages

    What you'll see and do

    1. Abu Dhabi

      Meet our expert safari guide at your selected location or hotel. After the pickup, we will drive you to the Abu Dhabi Desert in a modern, air-conditioned 4x4 vehicle to kickstart your safari packed with real thrills and excitement. As the necessary preparations are carried out, including adjusting tire pressures and catching up with the convoy, we'll visit a camel farm where you can get up close to these animals well-adjusted to desert life. Soon, you'll step into your 4x4 vehicle to embark on a thrilling session of dune bashing. Traverse the desert with excitement and conquer one dune after another, feeling your heart race as you ascend and descend the highest sand dunes. If your thirst for thrills remains unquenched, you can surf through the soft sands of the desert. After experiencing the exhilaration of the desert, you might even catch a glimpse of the sunset before heading to the campsite.

      180 minutes here

    2. Abu Dhabi

      A warm welcome awaits you at the camp. Take a moment to rest and savor traditional coffee and dates at the campsite. Experience the ambiance of a Bedouin as you relax within the encampment, adorned with low-lying tables and Arabic cushions. Engage in activities such as Henna painting and Shisha smoking. Following this, embark on a brief camel ride to witness the desert's beauty as dusk approaches. And then, it's time to do the traditional Arabic attire! Watch captivating performances of Tanoura dancing and belly dancing, as you relish a BBQ dinner featuring an array of delectable cuisines. Arabian Kebabs, alongside various Arabic salads, desserts, and main courses, the dinner promises a lavish culinary experience. After thoroughly enjoying the evening's offerings, you'll be comfortably transported back to your hotel or selected location.

      180 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 45 minutes before departure.

    Options you can book

    • Private Tour with BBQ

      Private Tour with BBQ Pickup included

    • Sharing Tour with BBQ Dinner

      Dune bashing, sandboarding, Arabic makeover, camel ride, henna, shisha, BBQ meal and entertainment shows. Pickup included

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    OceanAir Travels Abu Dhabi

    Know before you go

    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
    • 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.

    Photos

    Abu Dhabi: Desert Safari with BBQ, Camel Ride & Sandboarding, photo 2Abu Dhabi: Desert Safari with BBQ, Camel Ride & Sandboarding, photo 3Abu Dhabi: Desert Safari with BBQ, Camel Ride & Sandboarding, photo 4Abu Dhabi: Desert Safari with BBQ, Camel Ride & Sandboarding, photo 5Abu Dhabi: Desert Safari with BBQ, Camel Ride & Sandboarding, photo 6Abu Dhabi: Desert Safari with BBQ, Camel Ride & Sandboarding, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 3,094 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    7 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Good for families

    2 mentions

    Reviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.

    Traveler reviews

    3,094 verified traveler reviews for Abu Dhabi: Desert Safari with BBQ, Camel Ride & Sandboarding. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    2,994
    4 star
    86
    3 star
    10
    2 star
    2
    1 star
    2
    Sort
    Chris_M · October 2026

    Desert Safari and Adventure

    Fantastic adventure for families, friends, or solo. They keep you busy with activities but you can also relax after the sun sets. So much fun and a great value for the cost. Guide Sherif was friendly, courteous and took great care of us.

    via Viator

    Sorpia_L · September 2026

    Great experience. Our...

    Great experience. Our guide Thahzeer was fantastic. Super kind and made the trip really great. Recommend this excursion if you’re in Abu Dhabi.

    via Viator

    rachael_s · September 2026

    Great day out

    What an experience great fun, the whole day was amazing Thahzeer our guide was great fun and entertained us the whole day. Would highly recommended this for a thrilling day out.

    via Viator

    Daniel D · April 2026

    Fun Desert Adventure With Great Food and Entertainment

    This was a really fun experience and a great way to see the desert in Abu Dhabi. We had a blast driving through the dunes, sandboarding, and doing the camel rides. It was a fun mix of adventure and culture all in one trip. The evening wrapped up with a nice dinner and belly dancing, which made it a great full experience from start to finish. Definitely worth doing if you want more than just the city while you’re in Abu Dhabi.

    via Tripadvisor

    camillebN5098PC · February 2026

    Amazing experience

    Excellent experience and our guide Aamir was incredible. Highly recommend!

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    6 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $115 to $890
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    1,083
    Verdict
    90+ Club

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by OceanAir Travels Abu Dhabi, who run 3 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 90.6 and 2 in the 90+ Club.

    See everything OceanAir Travels Abu Dhabi runs

    Why this scores 93

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)100
    Review evidence (18% weight)100
    Booking momentum (14% weight)100
    Value for money (12% weight)83
    Listing quality (10% weight)62
    Local standing (8% weight)86
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Abu Dhabi: Desert Safari with BBQ, Camel Ride & Sandboarding: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Abu Dhabi.

    How much does Abu Dhabi: Desert Safari with BBQ, Camel Ride & Sandboarding cost?

    +

    Prices start at $115 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Abu Dhabi usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Abu Dhabi: Desert Safari with BBQ, Camel Ride & Sandboarding take?

    +

    Plan for about 6 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Abu Dhabi is not rushed.

    Is Abu Dhabi: Desert Safari with BBQ, Camel Ride & Sandboarding worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 93 out of 100, which we label "90+ Club". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 3,094 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Abu Dhabi, and how flexible the cancellation terms are. Scoring 90 or above puts it in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Abu Dhabi: Desert Safari with BBQ, Camel Ride & Sandboarding?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Abu Dhabi: Desert Safari with BBQ, Camel Ride & Sandboarding suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Abu Dhabi: Desert Safari with BBQ, Camel Ride & Sandboarding?

    +

    Around 1,083 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Abu Dhabi can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Abu Dhabi and add a light layer if any part of the 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Abu Dhabi: Desert Safari with BBQ, Camel Ride & Sandboarding start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Abu Dhabi within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Abu Dhabi?

    +

    On Outty we rank every Abu Dhabi experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Dubai Evening Desert Safari BBQ Premium Camp & optional Quad Bike, Abu Dhabi Desert Safari with Camel Ride BBQ Dinner and Live Shows, Desert Safari In Abu Dhabi With BBQ Dinner. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Abu Dhabi?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Abu Dhabi?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Abu Dhabi: Desert Safari with BBQ, Camel Ride & Sandboarding?

    +

    Included: Tanoura show and Belly dance; Pick-up and drop off from Abu Dhabi; Henna painting; Dune bashing experience & Sandboarding; and Mineral water and soft drinks. Not included: Quad bike and dune buggy activities in the desert; and Alcoholic beverages. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Abu Dhabi: Desert Safari with BBQ, Camel Ride & Sandboarding include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 110 listed pickup locations in and around Abu Dhabi. Be ready about 45 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Abu Dhabi: Desert Safari with BBQ, Camel Ride & Sandboarding offered in?

    +

    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Abu Dhabi: Desert Safari with BBQ, Camel Ride & Sandboarding?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Abu Dhabi: Desert Safari with BBQ, Camel Ride & Sandboarding wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers; By UAE law, pregnant ladies, people with Heart & back problems, and infants (under 3 years; and This tour is not wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Abu Dhabi: Desert Safari with BBQ, Camel Ride & Sandboarding if the weather is bad?

    +

    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Abu Dhabi. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    What do travelers say about Abu Dhabi: Desert Safari with BBQ, Camel Ride & Sandboarding?

    +

    Across 3,094 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, good for families. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    What booking options are available for Abu Dhabi: Desert Safari with BBQ, Camel Ride & Sandboarding?

    +

    There are 2 options to choose from, including Private Tour with BBQ, Sharing Tour with BBQ Dinner. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Abu Dhabi: Desert Safari with BBQ, Camel Ride & Sandboarding.

    Pick your date