Abu Dhabi Desert Safari: Dune Bashing, BBQ Dinner & Shows

4.78

(202 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

“You’re not gonna scream, right?” our driver grinned in the rearview mirror as we buckled up for dune bashing outside Abu Dhabi. I tried to act cool but honestly, my stomach did a little flip when we hit that first sandy drop. The land cruiser slid and bounced — sand everywhere, sun low and orange behind us. I could smell the dust and something sweet from someone’s perfume in the back seat. After a while, you just start laughing because there’s nothing else to do. Our guide Khalid told us stories about his childhood here — how he learned to drive on these dunes before he was even old enough for a license.

We stopped for photos at the top of a ridge (I still have sand in my shoes) and then watched some folks try sandboarding — harder than it looks, especially if you’re wearing jeans. There were camels waiting nearby, chewing quietly and blinking like they’d seen it all before. The camel ride was slower than I expected but kind of peaceful, just this gentle sway and the sound of wind over the dunes. Someone handed me a tiny cup of sweet tea and I burned my tongue because I never wait long enough for things to cool down.

By sunset we reached the camp — lanterns flickering, smells of charcoal and spices hanging in the air. There was henna painting (my attempt looked like a toddler’s drawing), Arabic costumes for photos (Li laughed when I tried one on), and endless soft drinks if you needed to cool off. Dinner was this big BBQ buffet — smoky chicken, grilled veggies, flatbreads warm from the fire. While we ate, dancers spun and fire performers did their thing under the stars. The belly dance show had everyone clapping along; honestly, it’s hard not to get swept up in it all. At some point I just leaned back on a cushion and watched sparks float up into the dark sky — felt far from city noise for once.