Abu Dhabi Desert Safari Tours & Packages

An Abu Dhabi desert safari starts from around 189 AED per person for a shared evening tour with 4x4 transfers, a BBQ dinner and live shows. Morning and sunrise safaris start around 360 to 390 AED, camel trekking from 390 AED, and a private buggy or romantic desert dinner runs from about 550 to 1,690 AED. The final price depends on whether the tour is shared or private and the inclusions you choose.

Yes. A short layover desert safari is one of the most popular options in Abu Dhabi. Return transfers are provided, and guests are usually asked to meet at the Premier Inn Abu Dhabi Airport hotel lobby for an easy pickup. Allow enough time before your onward flight, and confirm pickup timing with the operator when booking.

An Abu Dhabi desert safari is quieter and more spread out than a Dubai safari, with the wide Al Khatim and Liwa dunes and a stronger focus on Emirati heritage and stargazing. Dubai safaris are busier and closer to the city. Both include dune bashing, camel rides and a BBQ dinner, but Abu Dhabi feels calmer and is ideal for sunrise and overnight tours and airport-layover trips.

Most traditional desert camps used for Abu Dhabi safaris are about a 50 minute drive from the city, while the luxury desert resorts are roughly 70 minutes away. The Al Khatim desert, where standard and budget safaris run, is around a 50 minute drive from the Zayed Festival area. Hotel and airport pickup can usually be arranged.

The best time is the cooler season from October to March, when daytime temperatures are mild and evenings are comfortable. From June to September the daytime heat is intense, so early-morning and overnight safaris are the most comfortable options. Desert nights can drop to around 10 degrees Celsius, so bring a light layer.

Most Abu Dhabi desert safaris are half-day tours, which suit travellers on a layover or a tight schedule. If you have more time, an overnight safari lets you watch both the sunset and sunrise in the desert and enjoy stargazing and a campfire. A morning safari is best if you want cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.

Yes. It is generally suitable for children and seniors, though high-intensity dune bashing is not recommended for very young children, pregnant women or people with heart, back or neck conditions. Gentler options such as camel rides, cultural shows, falconry displays and seated dining are available for all ages.

Most packages include return hotel pickup and drop-off in a 4x4 vehicle, and layover guests are usually met at the airport hotel lobby. Always confirm your pickup location and time when booking, as timings vary by season and tour type.

Yes. Many visitors combine an Abu Dhabi city tour with a desert safari, often using the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque as the pickup point for the safari afterwards. This works well for layover travellers who want to see the main sights and the desert in a single day.

Wear light, breathable cotton or linen for daytime and bring a light jacket or sweater for the evening, when temperatures can drop to around 10 degrees Celsius. Open sandals are easiest on relaxed tours, while closed shoes suit camel trekking and quad biking. Add a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.

Yes. Desert safaris in Abu Dhabi are safe when run by licensed operators using insured 4x4 vehicles with vehicle third-party liability cover and trained drivers. A safety briefing is given before dune bashing, and guests with health conditions should inform the operator in advance. If you feel a driver is unsafe on the dunes, you can stop the tour and contact the operator.