DCT licensed · Our own Al Khatim camp · Pickup around 3 PM
Evening Desert Safari Abu Dhabi with BBQ Dinner and Shows
Our evening desert safari in Abu Dhabi runs for about 7.5 hours, from a pickup around 3 PM to home by about 10:30 PM. You head inland to our own Al Khatim camp, a 45 to 55 minute drive, for a dune drive, a camel ride and sandboarding before sunset, then a halal BBQ buffet and three live shows. A shared pickup from your hotel costs USD 41 (AED 150) each.
AED 150 · per person, min. 2 guests
A shared 4×4 collects you from your Abu Dhabi hotel or home and brings you back after the shows
Check dates and bookNo deposit · our team replies 24/7
Price and transfer
Evening Desert Safari Abu Dhabi Packages and Prices
The evening is the same on every fare: same dunes, buffet and three shows. Only the transfer changes the price. Prices checked 25 October 2026, already after our up to 30% off.
| Option | Self-drive | Shared bus | Shared hotel pickupMost convenient | Private car | Private Land CruiserBest experience |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | USD 10AED 35 per person | USD 16AED 60 per person | USD 41AED 150 per person | USD 190AED 699 per car | USD 245AED 899 per car |
| How it works | You drive; we send the camp pin | Air-conditioned bus from a pickup point | A shared 4×4 from your hotel or home | Sedan or 4×4, your group only | Toyota Land Cruiser, your group only |
| Dune drive | Included, optional | Included, optional | In your 4×4, optional | Gentle on request | Smoothest ride |
| Minimum | 1 guest | 1 guest | 2 guests | 1 car | 1 car |
| Choose it if | You have a rental car | You want the lowest fare with transport | You are two or three and want door pickup | You are a family or four friends | Comfort, elders, photos, a special night |
| Book |
What a real booking costs
- Two adults, hotel pickupUSD 82 (AED 300) for both
- Two adults, a 5-year-old and a 2-year-old, hotel pickupUSD 123 (AED 450), the baby rides free
- The same family in a private carUSD 190 (AED 699) for the whole car
- Four friends in a Land CruiserUSD 245 (AED 899), about USD 61 each
- A couple with hotel pickup and VIP seatsUSD 114 (AED 420) for both
Only the extras you choose are added, and you pay on the day. For every rate and add-on, see Abu Dhabi desert safari prices.
Compare before you book
What Other Operators Charge for an Evening Desert Safari
We read the Abu Dhabi evening desert safari pages on Google’s first page in the UAE and noted the prices they list. Prices checked 25 October 2026.
| Ticket | Listed by other operators | OursSame camp, same shows |
|---|---|---|
| Self-drive to camp | About AED 30 | USD 10 (AED 35) |
| Shared bus or coach | About AED 149 | USD 16 (AED 60) |
| Hotel pickup, per person | AED 175 to 305 | USD 41 (AED 150) |
| Private car for your group | About AED 1,500 | USD 190 (AED 699) |
To be fair in both directions: one listing shows a self-drive seat about AED 5 cheaper than ours. The higher prices pay for marketing, not a different desert. Ask any operator which camp you go to before you pay.
Timings
Abu Dhabi Desert Safari Timings: Your Afternoon and Night
Pickup is timed from sunset, so it shifts with the season. On the day, your driver messages you on WhatsApp with the exact time.
October to April
- About 3 PMCollected in Abu Dhabi
From your hotel or home. Need a few more minutes? Your driver can wait up to an hour.
- Late afternoonThe drive inland
45 to 55 minutes inland to Al Khatim.
- Before sunsetDunes, camel and board
About 15 to 20 minutes of dunes, a camel ride, sandboarding, then sunset.
- After darkCamp opens up
Henna, costume photos, the buffet and three shows.
- 9:30 to 10:30 PMHome
Dropped back where we collected you.
May to September
- About 4 PMA later pickup
An hour later, so you reach the dunes as the heat eases.
- From 5 PMComfortable in the desert
The air is pleasant by now, and camp seating is shaded.
- Around 7 PMSunset, then dinner
Late summer sunsets meet the dune drive.
- By 10 PMHome
Same programme, a slightly shorter night.
The dune drive
Dune Bashing: What It Feels Like and How It Is Kept Safe
It feels like a roller coaster that someone is steering: the car climbs a ridge, pauses at the top, then slides down the soft side while everyone laughs. The standard drive lasts 15 to 30 minutes with stops for photos.
Drivers let the tyres down to about 15 psi so the car floats on the sand instead of digging in.
Trained for dune driving, they read the colour of the sand to judge how firm it is.
Every guest wears a seatbelt for the whole drive, and the cars run in a convoy.
Ask for a gentle drive, or skip the dunes and ride straight to camp. Want more? Extended dune bashing of 30 to 45 minutes is USD 41 (AED 150) per vehicle.
Where you go
Where You Actually Go: the Al Khatim Desert
Not every Abu Dhabi safari goes to the same sand, and it changes the whole evening. Our camp sits in the Al Khatim desert, east of the city off the E22 towards Al Ain, 45 to 55 minutes by road.
Ridges here rise to over 100 metres, at the northern edge of the Arabian sand sea.
Camps closer to the city use smaller roadside dunes with far more traffic on them.
Keep watch for Arabian oryx, sand gazelle, desert fox and spiny-tailed lizards.
Little light pollution, so on a clear moonless night you can see the Milky Way.
Sunset
Sunset Desert Safari in Abu Dhabi: When the Sun Goes Down
The sunset stop is the moment most guests come for. These are approximate sunset times for Abu Dhabi in the middle of each month; the Al Khatim dunes see it a couple of minutes earlier.
November to March: mild evenings and early sunsets. Bring a light layer for after dark.
It runs every month. In the hot months pickup moves to about 4 PM.
The camp is lit for dinner and the stage, so the sky is clearest late in the evening. For a whole night under the stars, stay on with our overnight desert safari.
Sunset and photos
Sunset Safari or Evening Safari? The Same Tour, Plus Photo Tips
In Abu Dhabi a sunset desert safari and an evening desert safari are the same tour: an afternoon pickup, the dunes and sunset, then dinner and shows after dark. Want a later start under the stars? See our night desert safari. To sleep in the desert, book the overnight desert safari.
The best light comes just before the sun touches the dunes. Ask your driver to stop on a high ridge.
Hold the phone close to the sand so the ripples lead into the sunset.
Fine sand gets everywhere. Keep the phone in a zip bag during the dune drive.
Dinner and shows
BBQ Dinner and Live Shows at Al Khatim
Dinner and entertainment are part of every evening fare, from the USD 10 self-drive seat to the private Land Cruiser.
Arabic and Indian dishes with plenty of vegetarian choices, water and unlimited soft drinks.
Kids food is included, and high chairs are ready.
VIP seats, USD 16 (AED 60) per person, bring dinner to a table beside the stage.
A whirling dance in wide, coloured skirts that spin like a top.
Fire performers light up the stage after dinner, a favourite for photos.
Classic Middle Eastern dance. All three shows run on a stage at a safe distance and are not very loud. In Ramadan the belly dance is not performed.
A typical night’s buffet: fattoush, hummus, mixed salad and Arabic bread; jeera rice, biryani rice and dal; vegetable sabzi and pasta; grilled chicken, chicken tikka, shish taouk, lamb seekh kebab and fish fillets; Om Ali and fresh fruit to finish, with Arabic coffee, karak and mint tea. All halal. Vegan, Jain, gluten free and nut allergies can be catered for if you tell us when you book.
Desert dinner
Desert Dinner in Abu Dhabi: Dinner Only or the Full Evening
A desert dinner in Abu Dhabi is an open-air BBQ buffet at a desert camp after sunset. Every Abu Dhabi evening safari ticket with us includes it, so dinner in the desert never costs extra.
Drive yourself to camp for USD 10 (AED 35) per person. You skip the dune drive and still get the BBQ buffet and all three shows.
Low tables, carpets and cushioned seats around the stage, with qahwa and dates when you arrive.
VIP sofa seating beside the stage is USD 16 (AED 60) per person, with dinner served to your table.
Celebrating something? See our romantic desert safari for a private evening.
Included or extra
What Is Included in the Evening Desert Safari, and What Costs Extra
| Activity | On the evening safari |
|---|---|
| Dune drive, about 15 to 20 minutes | Included, and you can skip it |
| Camel ride, about 5 minutes | Included |
| Sandboarding | Included |
| Henna and Arabic costume photos | Included (buying a costume costs extra) |
| BBQ buffet, water, soft drinks | Included |
| Tanoura, fire show, belly dance | Included |
| VIP sofa seats with table service | USD 16 (AED 60) per person |
| Longer dune bashing, 30 to 45 minutes | USD 41 (AED 150) per vehicle |
| Quad bike, 30 minutes | From USD 27 (AED 100) |
| Can-Am buggy, 30 minutes | USD 218 (AED 800), or USD 327 (AED 1,200) for 4 seats |
| Shisha | USD 27 (AED 100) |
| Falcon photo | From USD 3 (AED 10) |
| Professional photographer | From USD 14 (AED 50) |
Want more time on the dunes? See dune bashing in Abu Dhabi, quad biking or the Can-Am buggy safari.
Who it suits
Which Evening Safari in Abu Dhabi Suits Your Group?
Shared hotel pickup at USD 41 each. Add VIP seats for a birthday or anniversary.
Under 3s ride free with a gentle drive. A private car lets you leave when the little ones tire.
The driver goes as gently as you ask, or a free separate car takes them to camp by road.
Skip the dunes; a separate vehicle takes you to camp by road.
Welcome. A private car is a must; message us before booking.
Add longer dune bashing, a quad or a Can-Am buggy before sunset.
Morning or evening
Morning vs Evening Desert Safari in Abu Dhabi
| Detail | Evening safariThis page | Morning safari |
|---|---|---|
| Pickup | About 3 PM, about 4 PM in summer | 5 to 8 AM |
| Length | About 7.5 hours | A short morning, home before the heat |
| Dinner and shows | BBQ buffet and three live shows | No meal, no shows |
| Transport | Shared or private, from USD 10 | Private only, from USD 218 (AED 799) per car |
| Best for | The full desert experience in one trip | Quiet dunes, photos in soft light, a quad or buggy |
Prefer an early start? Read about our morning desert safari in Abu Dhabi.
Pickup and location
Hotel, Airport and Cruise Terminal Pickup for the Evening Safari
We collect from hotels and homes anywhere in Abu Dhabi city, Yas Island and Saadiyat included, and from the Abu Dhabi cruise terminal at the same prices. Landing at Abu Dhabi airport? We send a private 4×4 for USD 190 (AED 699) or a Land Cruiser for USD 245 (AED 899) per car; share your flight time on WhatsApp.
Al Khatim, inland from the city on the way towards Al Ain, 45 to 55 minutes by road. Some camps out at Al Fakka need about 2.5 hours.
Check our camp on Google Maps, and we send the pin again when you book.
Book the Dubai desert safari, which starts from Dubai and uses our camps there.
Before you book
Safety, Payment and Cancellation in Plain Words
Holds a dune driving permit, has 10+ years on the sand and runs safety and first aid checks before every trip.
Insured, fitted with a roll cage and a seatbelt in every seat.
We hold our tourism licence from DCT, the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi, and have taken guests into the desert since 2015.
No deposit. Pay on the day in cash, in dirhams or any major currency; paying by card adds an 8 to 10 percent bank fee.
Cancel or move your date free of charge up to 12 hours before pickup. If weather stops the safari, we reschedule or release you and you owe nothing.
Entirely up to you. Our drivers never ask.
Guest reviews
Evening Desert Safari Reviews From Our Guests
From 10,000+ guest reviews across our tours on Google, Tripadvisor and WhatsApp
★★★★★A huge thanks for today, my friends were so so happy and told me that you were so nice, funny and a good photographer! Be sure that next time we will go with my friends and family and recommend you for sure!
Guest · via WhatsApp
★★★★★Thank You for the Wonderful Desert Safari Experience. The entire experience was nothing short of amazing, from the thrilling dune bashing to the camp setup, every detail reflected your commitment to creating unforgettable memories. The hospitality extended by Mr. Rizwan Khan and your team was truly exceptional.
Cran · Guest message
★★★★★We really enjoyed our safari desert experience with your help. From the reservations until we finish the tour it was all smooth. Thank you so much, we really appreciated it.
Guest · via WhatsApp
★★★★★Saeed was wonderful, so helpful and friendly. We would definitely like to go again with Saeed when we return next year!
Guest · via WhatsApp
Booking
Book Your Evening Desert Safari Online in Three Steps
- Choose your transfer and dateTap Check dates, pick hotel pickup, bus, self-drive or a private car, then add guests, infants, your pickup area and any extras.
- Send the booking on WhatsAppThe panel fills in the message, ready to send. Our team is available 24/7 and confirms in minutes.
- Meet your driverOn the day the driver messages you with the pickup time and his details. You pay when you meet.
+971 58 228 2683 · Licensed by DCT Abu Dhabi · No deposit
Questions
Evening Desert Safari Abu Dhabi: Your Questions Answered
How much does an evening desert safari cost in Abu Dhabi?
Per person: USD 10 (AED 35) self-drive, USD 16 (AED 60) by shared bus, USD 41 (AED 150) with shared hotel pickup. Per car: USD 190 (AED 699) private, USD 245 (AED 899) Land Cruiser. Dinner and shows are always included.
What is the price range for evening desert safaris in Abu Dhabi?
Shared seats with pickup in Abu Dhabi are mostly advertised between AED 150 and AED 300 per person. Ours run from USD 10 (AED 35) to USD 245 (AED 899) for a private Land Cruiser, after our up to 30% off.
Is there a 50 AED evening desert safari in Abu Dhabi?
Our nearest fares are AED 35 self-drive and AED 60 by shared bus, both with dinner and shows. See the AED 60 desert safari explained.
Are there evening desert safari deals or offers right now?
Yes. Every price here already has our up to 30% off for a limited time, with no code and no deposit.
What time does the evening desert safari start, and when is the best time to start?
About 3 PM most of the year and about 4 PM from May to September.
How long does an evening desert safari last from Abu Dhabi?
About 7.5 hours door to door, home between 9:30 and 10:30 PM. Summer evenings run from about 4 PM to 10 PM.
What activities are usually included in an evening desert safari?
Dune drive, camel ride, sandboarding, sunset stop, henna, costume photos, the BBQ buffet with soft drinks and three live shows.
Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
Yes with shared hotel pickup, a private car or a Land Cruiser, anywhere in Abu Dhabi city. Self-drive has no transport; the bus uses a pickup point we confirm.
Do you collect guests from Abu Dhabi airport or the cruise port?
We do. A cruise port pickup costs the same as a hotel pickup; from the airport we send private cars only: USD 190 (AED 699) in a 4×4 or USD 245 (AED 899) in a Land Cruiser per car.
Is the evening safari available with a BBQ dinner and vegetarian food?
Yes. Every fare includes the halal Arabic and Indian BBQ buffet, with many vegetarian dishes.
Are there luxury evening desert safari options in Abu Dhabi?
Yes: a Land Cruiser for your group alone, USD 245 (AED 899) per car and our best experience, and VIP sofa seats by the stage with table service for USD 16 (AED 60) per person. See the VIP desert safari.
Can I book a private evening desert safari?
Yes, from USD 190 (AED 699) per car, or USD 245 (AED 899) in a Land Cruiser. More on the private desert safari page.
What are the top-rated evening desert safari packages in Abu Dhabi?
Hotel pickup at USD 41 (AED 150) per person is the most booked: transfer, dunes, BBQ dinner and three shows in one fare. Couples and groups choose the private car at USD 190 (AED 699) per car. Every package runs at the same Al Khatim camp behind our 4.9 rating.
Can I add a quad bike or Can-Am buggy to the evening safari?
Yes. A 30-minute quad ride is USD 27 (AED 100) for one rider or USD 54 (AED 200) for two on one quad, and USD 54 (AED 200) in the open desert. The Can-Am buggy is USD 218 (AED 800) per 30 minutes for 1 or 2 seats, or USD 327 (AED 1,200) for 4 seats. Helmet and briefing included, no licence needed.
Is the evening desert safari good for families and young children?
Yes. Under 3s go free with a gentle dune drive, child seats come on request, and camp has a free play corner, baby changing and milk warming. Children aged 3 and over pay the adult fare. See the family desert safari.
Can I skip the dune bashing?
Yes. Tell the driver and you go straight to camp by road; the rest of the evening is unchanged.
What safety measures are followed during the evening tour?
Permit-holding drivers, safety and first aid checks, insured vehicles with roll cages and seatbelts, and a road route to camp for anyone who should avoid the dunes.
What should I wear for an evening desert safari in Abu Dhabi?
Light clothes and closed shoes, plus a layer from November to February. Shorts and jeans are fine. More in what to wear on a desert safari in Abu Dhabi.
What are the best times of year for an evening safari from Abu Dhabi?
November to March for mild evenings. It runs all year; in summer the later pickup keeps it comfortable.
Can I combine the evening safari with stargazing?
The sky is best after the shows. For proper stargazing, stay the night on our overnight desert safari, USD 109 (AED 400) per person (minimum 5 guests).
What happens in Ramadan?
The safari runs as usual; only the belly dance is left out.
Is there a deposit, and how do I pay?
No deposit. Pay on the day in cash, any major currency; cards carry an 8 to 10 percent bank fee.
What is the cancellation policy, and what if the weather is bad?
Free to cancel or move up to 12 hours before pickup. Bad weather means a new date or a release, with nothing owed.
How do I choose a reputable evening safari operator in Abu Dhabi?
Check the DCT licence, whether the camp is their own, what the price includes and recent reviews. We are DCT licensed, run our own Al Khatim camp, price every extra here and are rated 4.9 from 10,000+ reviews.
Is the evening desert safari worth it?
For most visitors, yes: dunes, sunset, dinner and shows in one fare. If you want a short, quiet trip without dinner, the morning safari suits better.
Where can I book an evening desert safari in Abu Dhabi online?
Right here: tap Check dates, fill in the panel and send it on WhatsApp. We confirm in minutes, 24/7.
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