White 4x4 driving across sand dunes in warm evening light

Abu Dhabi desert tours · 20 years of excellence

Abu Dhabi Desert Safari: Real Dunes, Real Adventure, Since Day One

Dune bashing, camel rides, sandboarding and a BBQ dinner under the stars, with free hotel pickup across Abu Dhabi.

Our packages

Abu Dhabi Desert Safari Packages

Evening, morning, VIP, private and overnight safaris, plus dune buggy rides. Pick your package and we'll handle the pickup, the driving and the camp.

  • Evening Desert Safari

    6–7 Hours

    Sunset dune bashing, camel ride, BBQ dinner & shows

    AED 149 / per person

    What's Included

    • Pickup and drop-off from your hotel or home in Abu Dhabi
    • 30–45 minutes of dune bashing in a 4x4 Land Cruiser
    • Sunset photo stop on the dunes
    • Camel ride at the camp
    • Sandboarding
    • Henna painting
    • Arabic coffee, dates, tea and water
    • Unlimited soft drinks
    • Tanoura dance show
    • Fire show
  • Evening Safari + ATV

    6 Hours

    30-minute ATV ride plus the full evening safari experience

    AED 249 / per person

    What's Included

    • Hotel or home pickup and drop-off in Abu Dhabi
    • Guided quad bike (ATV) session with helmet and safety briefing
    • 30–45 minutes of dune bashing in a 4x4 Land Cruiser
    • Sunset photo stop
    • Camel ride
    • Sandboarding
    • Henna painting and traditional dress photos
    • Arabic coffee, dates, tea, water and soft drinks
    • Tanoura, fire and belly dance shows
    • BBQ buffet dinner with veg and non-veg options
  • VIP Desert Safari

    6 Hours

    Private seating, separate dinner service, premium comfort

    AED 199 / per person

    What's Included

    • Hotel or home pickup and drop-off in Abu Dhabi
    • 30–45 minutes of dune bashing in a 4x4 Land Cruiser
    • Sunset photo stop on the dunes
    • Camel ride and sandboarding
    • Henna and traditional dress photos
    • Arabic coffee, dates, tea, welcome drinks and soft drinks
    • Tanoura, fire and belly dance shows
    • Table-served BBQ dinner with veg and non-veg options
    • Shisha in the VIP area
  • VIP Safari + ATV

    6 Hours

    VIP seating with a 30-minute ATV ride included

    AED 350 / per person

    What's Included

    • Hotel or home pickup and drop-off in Abu Dhabi
    • Guided quad bike session with helmet, goggles and safety briefing
    • 30–45 minutes of dune bashing in a 4x4 Land Cruiser
    • Sunset photo stop
    • Reserved VIP majlis seating with the best stage view
    • Welcome drinks, fresh fruit, Arabic coffee and dates
    • Priority camel ride, sandboarding and henna
    • Table-served premium BBQ dinner with veg and non-veg options
    • Unlimited soft drinks, water and tea
    • Tanoura, fire and belly dance shows
  • Private Desert Safari

    6 Hours

    Your own private car, pickup and drop-off, no strangers

    AED 1,000 / per vehicle

    What's Included

    • Private 4x4 Land Cruiser with a dedicated, licensed driver
    • Pickup and drop-off from your hotel, villa or apartment in Abu Dhabi
    • Dune bashing at your chosen intensity, from gentle to thrilling
    • Private sunset or sunrise photo stop
    • Camel ride and sandboarding
    • Arabic coffee, dates, water and soft drinks
    • Evening option: BBQ dinner and live shows at camp
    • Flexible itinerary and timings
  • Overnight Desert Safari

    16+ Hours

    Sleep under the stars in a Bedouin tent with breakfast

    AED 400 / per person

    What's Included

    • Hotel or home pickup and drop-off in Abu Dhabi
    • 30–45 minutes of dune bashing in a 4x4 Land Cruiser
    • Sunset photo stop
    • Camel ride and sandboarding
    • Henna and traditional dress photos
    • Arabic coffee, dates, tea, water and soft drinks
    • Tanoura, fire and belly dance shows
    • BBQ buffet dinner
    • Overnight stay in a tent or sleeping area with mattress, pillow and blankets
    • Campfire and stargazing
  • 2 Seater Dune Buggy

    6 Hours

    30-minute buggy ride across the golden dunes

    AED 900 / per buggy

    What's Included

    • 2 seater dune buggy for the chosen duration
    • Professional lead guide throughout the ride
    • Safety briefing and driving instructions
    • Helmets, goggles and face scarves
    • Water and soft drinks
    • Photo stops on the dunes
    • Optional hotel pickup and drop-off in Abu Dhabi

Simple booking

Book your desert safari in 3 simple steps

  1. Choose a package

    Evening, morning, VIP, private, overnight or dune buggy. Not sure? Ask us.

  2. Send your request

    Use the booking form or WhatsApp with your date, guests and hotel.

  3. Get confirmed

    We confirm the price and your pickup time. Then you just enjoy the dunes.

Start your booking

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.

Sun setting over rolling sand dunes

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.

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.

Dune buggy driving across dunes at sunset

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
  • BBQ buffet dinner with veg and non-veg options
  • Soft drinks and water
  • Optional extras: quad biking, dune buggy, falcon photo, shisha

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:

Desert safari prices in Abu Dhabi
PackagePrice
Morning Desert SafariFrom AED 250 per person
Evening Desert SafariFrom AED 149 per person
VIP Desert SafariFrom AED 199 per person
Overnight Desert SafariFrom AED 400 per person
Private Desert SafariFrom AED 1,000 per vehicle
2 Seater Dune BuggyFrom AED 900 per buggy
4 Seater Dune BuggyFrom AED 1,000 per buggy

Kids usually get a reduced rate, and we run seasonal deals for groups, residents and early bookings. Have a look at our Offers page before you book.

How to Book Your Abu Dhabi Desert Safari

Booking takes less than five minutes.

  • Choose your package from the list above or our Packages page.
  • Pick a date and tell us how many adults and children are coming.
  • Send us your pickup location, whether that's a hotel, apartment or villa.
  • Confirm your booking by WhatsApp, phone or email. You'll get a confirmation with your pickup time the day before.

Call or WhatsApp us on +971 50 930 0406, or email booking@desertsafaridunes.com.

Who Is an Abu Dhabi Desert Safari For?

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.

Camels walking across the desert sand

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.

Call / WhatsApp: +971 50 930 0406 | Email: booking@desertsafaridunes.com

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