Picture this. The city skyline fades behind you, the tarmac turns to sand, and within an hour you're sitting in a 4x4 climbing a dune that looks taller than a building. Your driver lets a little air out of the tyres, grins, and says, "Ready?" That's the moment most of our guests remember first, and it's exactly why people keep telling us our Abu Dhabi desert safari was the best part of their UAE trip.
We're Desert Safari Dunes, and we've been taking travellers, families, couples and corporate groups into the Abu Dhabi desert for more than 20 years. We don't do rushed, crowded tours. We do well-planned days and nights in the dunes, with experienced drivers, a comfortable camp, honest pricing and a team that picks up the phone when you call.
Whether you want the classic evening trip with a BBQ dinner, a quiet morning in the sand, a private 4x4 just for your family, or a full night under the stars, there's a desert safari in Abu Dhabi on our list that fits you.
Why Choose Desert Safari Dunes for Your Abu Dhabi Desert Safari?
There are plenty of safari companies in the UAE. Here's what our guests say makes us different.
20 Years in the Abu Dhabi Desert
Two decades of driving the same dunes means our team knows which slopes are fun and which ones to avoid, where the light is best for photos, and how the sand changes after a windy day. That local knowledge is something you feel from the first climb.
Licensed, Safety-Trained Drivers
Every driver is licensed for desert driving and trained in off-road safety. Our Land Cruisers are serviced regularly and fitted with roll cages, seatbelts and first-aid kits. Fun matters, but safety comes first, always.
Free Hotel Pickup and Drop-Off
We collect you from your hotel or home anywhere in Abu Dhabi city, including Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, Al Reem Island, Corniche and Khalifa City. Staying in Dubai? Ask us about our Abu Dhabi desert safari from Dubai with pickup.
Clear Prices, No Surprises
The price you see is the price you pay. We tell you up front what's included and what's an optional extra, so there's no awkward upselling at the camp.
Small Groups, Big Smiles
We keep group sizes sensible, so you get time on the camel, a turn on the sandboard, and a seat at dinner without queuing for everything.
Our Most Popular Desert Safari Packages in Abu Dhabi
Every trip has its own mood. Pick the one that matches yours, or call us and we'll help you decide.
Evening Desert Safari
Our best-seller. Dune bashing, sunset photos, camel ride, sandboarding, henna, live shows and a BBQ buffet dinner at our Bedouin-style camp. It's the classic desert safari Abu Dhabi with dinner experience most first-timers are looking for.
Evening Desert Safari + ATV
Everything in the evening package plus a quad bike session on the dunes. Great for anyone who wants to take the handlebars themselves.
VIP Desert Safari
Premium seating, table service, a quieter majlis area, upgraded dinner and extra attention from our team. Ideal for couples, honeymooners and special occasions.
VIP Desert Safari + ATV
The VIP evening, plus your own quad bike ride before sunset. Comfort and adrenaline in one trip.
Private Desert Safari
A 4x4 and driver just for you. Set your own pace, choose your pickup time and enjoy the desert without strangers in the car. Perfect for families and small groups.
Overnight Desert Safari
Stay after the crowds leave. Sleep at camp under a sky full of stars and wake up to a desert sunrise and breakfast.
Morning Desert Safari
Cooler air, softer light, fewer people. Dune bashing, sandboarding and a camel ride, back at your hotel by lunchtime.
Morning Desert Safari + ATV
The morning trip plus quad biking. A short, high-energy half day.
2 Seater Dune Buggy
Drive a powerful dune buggy across the sand with a guide leading the way. Built for two, built for fun.
4 Seater Dune Buggy
The same buggy thrill with room for the whole family or a group of friends.
What's Included in a Typical Abu Dhabi Desert Safari?
Inclusions change from package to package, but here's what most of our evening safaris cover:
Pickup and drop-off from your hotel or home in Abu Dhabi
30 to 45 minutes of dune bashing in a 4x4 Land Cruiser
Photo stop on the dunes at sunset
Short camel ride at the camp
Sandboarding on the dunes
Henna painting for guests who'd like it
Traditional Arabic coffee, dates and tea
Live entertainment: Tanoura show, fire show and belly dance
Each package page lists its own inclusions in full, so check the one you're interested in before booking.
A Desert Safari in Abu Dhabi Is Different From Dubai
People often ask us whether an Abu Dhabi safari is worth it if they've already done one in Dubai. Our honest answer: yes. The Abu Dhabi desert feels wider and quieter. The dunes around Al Khatim are tall and deep red, the camps are usually less crowded, and you spend more time actually in the desert and less time in convoy traffic. If you're staying in Abu Dhabi, it's also much closer, so you don't lose half your day in the car.
How Much Does a Desert Safari in Abu Dhabi Cost?
Desert safari Abu Dhabi price depends on the package, the time of day and whether you choose shared or private transport. As a rough guide:
Pretty much everyone. Here's who we host most often:
Families with kids. Camel rides, sandboarding and henna keep children busy, and we can go gentler on the dune bashing.
Couples and honeymooners. Our VIP and private safaris give you space and a beautiful sunset.
Friends and solo travellers. Quad bikes and dune buggies bring out the adventure.
Corporate teams. We organise team outings, private dinners and group events at the camp.
Cruise passengers and stopover visitors. Short morning trips fit neatly into a single day in Abu Dhabi.
Safety Tips Before You Go
A little preparation makes the day much more comfortable:
Wear light, loose clothes and closed shoes or sandals you don't mind getting sandy.
Bring sunglasses, sunscreen and a light jacket in winter, as evenings can get cool.
Dune bashing isn't recommended for pregnant women, people with back or heart problems, or very young babies. Let us know and we'll suggest a calmer option.
Eat lightly before the drive if you get motion sickness.
Follow your driver's instructions and keep your seatbelt on at all times.
Best Time for an Abu Dhabi Desert Safari
The busiest and most comfortable season runs from October to April, when days are warm and evenings are pleasant. Summer safaris still run, and morning or late-evening trips are the best choice in the hotter months. For time of day, evening safaris give you the sunset and dinner, while morning safaris are cooler and quieter.
Abu Dhabi Desert Safari Activities Explained
New to the desert? Here's a quick guide to the activities you'll see on our Abu Dhabi desert safari packages, so you know exactly what you're signing up for.
Dune Bashing
An experienced driver takes your 4x4 up, down and across the dunes. It's the signature thrill of any desert safari in Abu Dhabi, and you can ask for a gentle ride or a wild one.
Camel Riding
A short, slow ride on a calm camel, led by a handler. It's great for photos and kids love it.
Sandboarding
Like snowboarding, but on sand. Stand up or sit down on the board and slide down a dune. It's easy, it's messy and it's a lot of fun.
Quad Biking and Dune Buggies
Prefer to take control? Our quad bikes and dune buggies let you drive across the sand behind a guide. No experience needed for quad bikes.
Henna, Arabic Coffee and Traditional Dress
At camp, you can try henna, sip gahwa (Arabic coffee) with dates and dress up in traditional Emirati clothes. These small cultural touches make an Abu Dhabi safari feel special.
Tanoura, Fire and Belly Dance Shows
After sunset, our performers take the stage. The spinning Tanoura dancer is a guest favourite, followed by a fire show and a belly dance.
Abu Dhabi Desert Safari Pickup Areas
Our free pickup covers all of central Abu Dhabi and the islands, including the Corniche, Al Markaziyah, Al Khalidiyah, Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, Al Reem Island, Al Raha Beach, Khalifa City and Mohammed Bin Zayed City. Cruise guests can be collected from Zayed Port. Pickup from Dubai, Al Ain and Ruwais is available on request for an extra charge.
Frequently Asked Questions About Abu Dhabi Desert Safari
How long is a desert safari in Abu Dhabi?
An evening safari runs about 6 to 7 hours including pickup and drop-off. Morning safaris take around 4 hours. Overnight safaris last until the next morning.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes. Pickup and drop-off from anywhere in Abu Dhabi city is included in our shared packages. Pickup from Dubai is available for an extra charge.
Is the Abu Dhabi desert safari safe for kids?
Yes. Children are very welcome. We use child-friendly driving for families and recommend the morning or private safari for toddlers.
What should I wear on a desert safari?
Light, comfortable clothing, sunglasses and a hat for the day. In winter, bring a light jacket for the evening.
Do you offer vegetarian food?
Yes. Our BBQ buffet includes plenty of vegetarian dishes, salads and desserts. Tell us about allergies when booking.
Can I book a desert safari in Abu Dhabi for the same day?
Often, yes, depending on availability. WhatsApp us on +971 50 930 0406 and we'll check right away.
What is the best desert safari in Abu Dhabi for first-timers?
The Evening Desert Safari. It covers dune bashing, sunset, camel ride, sandboarding, shows and dinner in one trip.
Ready for the Dunes?
Your Abu Dhabi desert safari is a message away. Tell us your date, your group size and your pickup point, and we'll take care of the rest. After 20 years in these dunes, we'd love to show you why we still get excited every time the tyres hit the sand.
Wondering what happens on an evening desert safari in Abu Dhabi? Our hour-by-hour guide covers pickup, dune bashing, sunset, camp, dinner, shows and drop-off.
First time quad biking in Abu Dhabi? Learn how ATV rides work, age rules, what to wear, safety tips and the best time to ride in the desert. Read our guide.
Plan a romantic desert safari in Abu Dhabi: quad biking, sunset, VIP seating and dinner under the stars. Tips for honeymoons, anniversaries and proposals.