Abu Dhabi Desert Safari Tours & Packages

Let us show you the best choices to pick your Abu Dhabi desert safari adventure. Discover the top tours, activities, ideal timings, and valuable travel insights from our local team situated in Abu Dhabi.

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Abu Dhabi desert Safari Abu Dhabi desert Safari Abu Dhabi desert Safari

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Abu Dhabi desert Safari Abu Dhabi desert Safari 450+ Reviews
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Group Evening Desert Safari Tour

Group Evening Desert Safari Tour

  • Group Evening Desert Safari Tour Daily available
  • Group Evening Desert Safari Tour All inclusive with dinner
  • Group Evening Desert Safari Tour 6 hours with 4x4 return transfer

From 290 AED

189 AED
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Gerard Micheal

Written By Arabiers Digital & Reviewed by Gerard Micheal

Update on January 10, 2024 | 13 min read

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Popular Abu Dhabi Desert Safari Tours

For an unforgettable Abu Dhabi Desert Safari we have curated best popular desert tours and package for you.

You can combine Abu Dhabi city tour with desert safari to enjoy activities such as quad bike, buggy, sand boarding, live shows, camel riding, overnight camping, belly dancing or private desert dinner.

Abu Dhabi Desert Dinner in Style
Abu Dhabi Desert Dinner in Style
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Dinner in Style8 hours
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Dinner in Style Flexible & Free cancellation
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Dinner in Style Safety Verified
1690AED
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Abu Dhabi Sunrise Desert safari
Abu Dhabi Sunrise Desert safari
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Dinner in Style8 hours
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Dinner in Style Flexible & Free cancellation
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Dinner in Style Safety Verified
390AED
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Abu Dhabi Morning desert safari
Abu Dhabi Morning desert safari
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Dinner in Style8 hours
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Dinner in Style Flexible & Free cancellation
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Dinner in Style Safety Verified
360AED
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Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari
Abu Dhabi Evening desert safari
  • Abu Dhabi Evening desert safari8 hours
  • Abu Dhabi Evening desert safari Flexible & Free cancellation
  • Abu Dhabi Evening desert safari Safety Verified
189AED
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Abu Dhabi Camel Trekking Tour
Abu Dhabi Camel Trekking Tour
  • Abu Dhabi Camel Trekking Tour8 hours
  • Abu Dhabi Camel Trekking TourFlexible & Free cancellation
  • Abu Dhabi Camel Trekking TourSafety Verified
390AED
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Sunset Quad Bike Safari with 4x4 tour
Abu Dhabi Sunset Quad Bike Safari with 4x4 tour
  • Liwa Overnight Camping Empty Quarter 8 hours
  • Liwa Overnight Camping Empty QuarterFlexible & Free cancellation
  • Liwa Overnight Camping Empty QuarterSafety Verified
390 AED
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Private Evening Desert Tour by 4x4 with buggy ride in Abu Dhabi
Private Evening Desert Tour by 4x4 with buggy ride in Abu Dhabi
  • Private Evening Desert Tour6 hours
  • Private Evening Desert Tourour Minimum 2 Guests
  • Private Evening Desert TourReturn Transfer included
625AED
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Private Morning Desert Tour by 4x4 with buggy ride in Abu Dhabi
Private Morning Desert Tour by 4x4 with buggy ride in Abu Dhabi
  • Private Morning Desert 5 hours
  • Private Morning Desert Minimum 2 Guests
  • Private Morning Desert Return Transfer included
550AED
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Private overnight desert tour by 4x4 with buggy ride in Abu Dhabi
Private overnight desert tour by 4x4 with buggy ride in Abu Dhabi - nature camping
  • Private overnight desert tour by 4x4 with buggy ride in Abu Dhabi 18 hours
  • Private overnight desert tour by 4x4 with buggy ride in Abu Dhabi Minimum 2 Guests
  • Private overnight desert tour by 4x4 with buggy ride in Abu Dhabi Return Transfer included
690AED
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Private dinner middle of desert with buggy ride in Abu Dhabi
Private dinner middle of desert with buggy ride in Abu Dhabi
  • Private dinner middle of desert with buggy ride in Abu Dhabi 18 hours
  • Private dinner middle of desert with buggy ride in Abu Dhabi Minimum 2 Guests
  • Private dinner middle of desert with buggy ride in Abu Dhabi Return Transfer included
1025AED
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Abu Dhabi Overnight desert safari
Abu Dhabi Overnight desert safari
  • Abu Dhabi Overnight desert safari 24 hours - 2 days
  • Abu Dhabi Overnight desert safari Flexible & Free cancellation
  • Abu Dhabi Overnight desert safari Safety Verified
390 AED
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2

What is a Desert
Safari in Abu Dhabi ?

Desert Safari in Abu Dhabi involves going for an adventure in the desert found in Abu Dhabi emirate. In the past the people viewed desert as a place only the Bedouins can survive because of the harsh weather conditions.

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Best Time for Abu Dhabi Desert Safari

The two main factors which determine the best time for desert safari in Abu Dhabi is weather conditions and personal preference.

Taking into consideration these factors, the best time to for Abu Dhabi Desert Safari is during the cooler months from October to March.

The temperatures are lower during cooler months in Abu Dhabi. Therefore you can enjoy the for outdoor desert activities whether you go for a morning or evening desert safari.

During summer month specifically from June to September the temperatures are high and scorching heat. This makes it challenging to go for a desert safari during the daytime.

Even though the weather is harsh during the day, the temperatures start going down from the evening. The weather especially at night is cooler making best time for overnight desert safari which offers unique experience.

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When choosing the best time for Abu Dhabi desert safari you should take into consideration, the weather conditions, personal preference and type of experience you want.

Our recommendation is to go for desert safari in Abu Dhabi any weekday during cooler months (winter months) from October to April. The weather is friendly and suitable for all outdoor desert safari activities and it is less crowded.

desert camel trekking tour
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Price List of Desert Safari Tours

Below are estimate rates of desert safari tours. The exact rate differs from operator to operator.

Standard Tours Adult Child
Standard evening safari - 4x4 210 AED / 58 USD 190 AED / 52 USD
Standard morning safari - 4x4 360 AED / 99 USD 290 AED / 79 USD
Standard overnight safari - 4x4 390 AED / 107 USD 330 AED / 90 USD
Standard camel trekking - 4x4 - Morning 490 AED / 134 USD 390 AED / 107 USD
Standard camel trekking - 4x4- Evening 390 AED / 107 USD 290 AED / 79 USD
Standard ATV (Quad bike) tour 390 AED / 95 USD 290 AED / 81 USD
Sunrise Desert safari 390 AED / 107 USD 290 AED / 79 USD
What to wear while doing safari?
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What to Wear When Going for Desert Safari in Abu Dhabi

When going for a desert safari you have to wear appropriately. The clothes you have to wear depends on the when you choose to go for the safari and weather.

The weather in desert is different during the day and at night. During the day especially during the morning the heat is scorching while at night the temperatures are low. The temperatures can drop to 10 degrees Celsius.

The following is suggestion of what to wear when going for a desert safari based on the safari timing.

If you will go for the morning desert safari, you should wear clothes which will suit both cooler before pre-dawn and the hot weather after sunrise.

The clothes to wear should be cotton or linen made. You can wear long trouser with t-shirts or tops. On top you should wear a light cardigan for warmth during cool hours and remove it when its gets hot.

You should avoid wearing closed shoes like boots or sneakers because the desert sand can enter and make you uncomfortable.

Rather you should wear sandals or flip-flops. They are easy to remove the sand when it gets into them. If you are sensitive to high heat wear a hat and sunglasses. You should also carry sunscreen.

During the evening the temperatures in the desert start dropping. The best clothes to wear are a jean trouser with shirt or top.

You should also carry a lightweight sweater or jacket to wear when it start getting cooler after the sunset.

For the shoes to wear, you should have both open and closed shoes.

Open shoes will wear before sunset and closed shoes will wear when it start getting cold.

This tour is head daytime the temperatures are high and scorching heat. You should wear natural cotton or linen made clothes to keep your body cool and comfortable. If you will engage in camel trekking the clothes should be sporty.

For foot wear, you should wear sandals not flip-flops. This is because you will be using your feet a lot and scandals don’t come off easily unlike flip-flops.

If you are sensitive to sunlight you should wear a hat, sunglasses and apply sunscreen.

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Why Choose Abu Dhabi Desert Safari ?

Unforgettable adventure experience waits when you choose Abu Dhabi desert safari. The following are the reasons why choosing an Abu Dhabi Desert Safari is the right decision to make.

Iconic Desert Landscape

Iconic Desert Landscape

The landscape of the Abu Dhabi desert is unique. It features huge sand dunes spreading as far as your eyes can see. The dunes creates are ever-changing creating stunning views and setting the stage for a unique desert safari.

Diverse Safari Activities

Diverse Safari Activities

There are wide of selection of activities to engage into while on the desert safari no matter the preference. If you love thrilling activities you can choose sandboarding, dune bashing or quad-biking. There is also camel riding and enjoy the gentle sway of the camel among other activities.

Cultural Experiences

Cultural Experiences

Not only will you enjoy the desert landscape and activities, during the Abu Dhabi desert safari you will also learn about Emirati culture.

You will enjoy several cultural activities included on the safari package such as Arabic music and dance performances, henna painting, and dress in traditional Emirati attire.

Wildlife Encounters

Wildlife Encounters

Even though the desert weather condition is harsh, it is to a unique ecosystem. When exploring the Abu Dhabi desert you might encounter indigenous wildlife. You will to witness nature's resilience up-close.

Escape from Urban Life

Escape from Urban Life

The urban life is noisy and you can escape all that enjoy tranquility in Abu Dhabi desert. You will have time to rejuvenate in a serene setting.

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Insider Guides

By Abu Dhabi Desert Safari Guides & Locals

Insider Guides Sunset timing

Sunset timing does change after few days. Yu should check the current timing before you head for the sunset safari.

Insider Guides Desert Safari without Dune bashing

It is not a must you try dune bashing if you don’t want to. The activity is not ideal for pregnant mothers, people of old age, to mention a few. You can choose other activities which you are comfortable to try during the safari.

Insider Guides Desert rains and sandstorms

It rains rarely in the Abu Dhabi desert. The chances of the desert safari being canceled due to rains are 5%. But there are chances of sandstorms in the desert.

If there are sandstorms the tour operators reschedules the safari. The sandstorms make it hard to enjoy the off-roading activities.

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Insider GuidesDinner buffet.

When you choose a group tours, you will have to queue to get the dinner. The quality of food you will be served depends on the tour package you chooses.

If you want quality food you should choose premium tours. When you choose standard tours you should expect standard quality of the food.

If you want more exclusive services where you are served the food and other special treatment then you should book tours inclusive of private dune dinner experience.

Insider Guides Cancelation policy

You should submit your cancellation request before 24 hours the tour scheduled time. When you book premium tours, there is no cancellation allowed. After getting the voucher you should read it carefully.

Insider GuidesWeather and Sandstorms

Very rarely Abu Dhabi desert sees rain, so you are 95 % guaranteed you won't be disappointed. Once in a while, you have to see sandstorms that disturb the off-road activities. At this situation, tour operators must reschedule it.

Insider GuidesFree overnight desert stays

It is not easy to find place in Abu Dhabi where you can have free overnight desert stay. But it is not restricted to camp for free in the Al Khatim desert.

You might find there are places online where you can have free overnight desert stay. You can try them at your own risk. But they are fake based on several online articles.

If you want try overnight desert stay experience you should contact the local tour operator negotiate a deal to stay nearby their camp.

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Where to Click Instagram Worthy Pictures?

There are several places where you can snap Instagram worthy Pictures during the Abu Dhabi desert safari. Even though all places you will explore during the safari are worthy for photo-taking below are the best places for magnificent Instagram worthy Photos.

Here are the best locations to get Instagram worthy pictures


Tel Moreeb in the Liwa desert, the world's tallest sand dune

Al Khatim desert's tall mega dunes

While camel riding

During a falconry demonstration where you get the chance to click a photo with a falcon perched on your arm.

While shaking it up with the belly dancers

During your sand-boarding experience

Morning Desert Tour Ras Al Khaimah
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Tour Operators and their Camps

An enjoyable and quality desert safari experience depends on the desert safari tour operator and the campsite where the safari is conducted.

Already established tour operators do have their safari camps in the desert. The startup tour operators rely on the campsite of another operator to conduct their safari.

Below is a list of desert camps in the Abu Dhabi desert, online tour operators offering desert safari tours, and destination management companies that offer desert safari experiences.


Online tour operators

Trip Advisor Experience


Viator


Veltra


My Abu Dhabi Holidays


Adventure Emirates


Groupon


Coubon


GetYourGuide


Yella Banana

DMC operating 4x4 tours

Hala


Emirates tours and safaris


Trip Arabia


Arabiers


Extreme Arabia Desert rose safari Abu Dhabi


Net tours


Emirates Adventure


Abu Dhabi Desert tourism


Arooha Tours Abu Dhabi


Ocean Air Abu Dhabi

Desert camps in Abu Dhabi

Arabian Nights Village – Desert Resort 5*


Telal Resort – Desert Resort 5*


Emirates Tours Camp – Traditional camp


Desert world camp – Traditional camp


Trip Arabia Camp – Traditional camp


Desert rose camp – Traditional camp


Phoenix Camp – Traditional camp


Sunshine Camp – Traditional camp


Net Tours Camp – Traditional camp

Abu Dhabi Desert Safari Map

Abu Dhabi Desert Safari

Romantic Dinner in Abu Dhabi Deserts

Honeymoon Special

Embarking on a desert safari is one of the best activities to do with your loved during the honeymoon. The best tour to choose is sunset view where with your loved one get to enjoy the captivating sunsets and ambiance.

You can combine the tour with romantic dinner where you get to enjoy a delicious meal under think blushed skies.

Moreover, you can customize the tour package with inclusion such as private dune dinner set up, private BBQ live dinner, born fire, sand boarding, live shows, camel ride sandboarding and much more with Arabiers.

Abu Dhabi Desert Safari

Even though all safety precautions are in place there, accidents take place. If you feel your safari guide is less competent to handle the dunes stop the tour & call the tour operator.

Insurance and Safety Policies

All local tour operators have vehicle third-party liability insurance to cover in case of the vehicle rollover the dunes. The dunes are steep and can lead to the vehicle tip over. The insurance will cover those on board.

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Several accidents have been reported where the guest get injuries after the vehicle roll over and crash. Reputable the desert safari operator have measures in place to ensure there are no accidents.

When selecting the tour operator to book the desert safari you should take into consideration their safe measures. You can ask about their safety measure before making the booking and choose tour operator with good measures in place.

You should also check the condition of the vehicle you will be using. Besides looking okay, you should also ask the guide if it is rollover protected.

If the driver driving is you feel is not experience to drive over the dunes you should ask driver to stop and you call the tour operator.

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Souvenirs from
Abu Dhabi Desert

You can collect the Abu Dhabi souvenirs as a reminder of the experience. There are shops at the traditional camps (Where Standard Safari takes place) where you can buy the souvenirs.

Some of the souvenirs you can collect to remind you of the Abu Dhabi heritage include ornate wooden carvings, local art, gold jewellery, and carpets.

These souvenirs are sold in all shapes and sizes ranging from the smallest silver pillbox to a large hand-woven rug. The cost is much lower when you buy in Abu Dhabi compared to elsewhere.

It is important to know where to buy authentic item because there are some shops not selling genuine ones. The price of souvenirs is higher at the desert shops compared with the ones at the city

Are you planning to take souvenirs from Abu Dhabi Desert?
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Animals Encountered at Al Khatim Desert

There are a number of animals which live in the Al Khatim Desert. During your visit some of the animals which you may encounter are :


Planning to take souvenirs from Abu Dhabi Desert?
Camel
Falcon
Falcon
Ostrich
Ostrich
Sheep
Sheep
Goat
Goat
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Frequently Asked Questions by Travelers

Yes, you can. Round transportation is provided for guests & requested you walk to Abu Dhabi Premier Inn Airport hotel lobby for easy pick up & meeting.

Yes you can book. Even though the minimum number of guest required is 2 to confirm the safari, you can choose solo safari experiences like the Abu Dhabi evening desert safari.

The choice depends on the amount of time you have and budget. Most of the tours are conducted in a half a day. If you have enough time you can opt for the overnight safari. You will get to enjoy the sunset and sunrise.

Yes you can combine. Several tourists on layover in Abu Dhabi combine city tour with desert safari. You can visit the Grand mosque and later bet picked from there for the desert safari.

The traditional camps are approximately 50 minutes while, the Luxury Village is approximately 70 minutes away from Abu Dhabi.

The formation of sand dunes is complex. There are three conditions which should be met for dunes to form. There should be abundance of loose sand, brisk winds and flat surface without any mountains or trees.

Other emirate with safari tours like Abu Dhabi is Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, and Sharjah.

Top desert destinations for a vacation in the world, like Abu Dhabi include Muscat, Liwa, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Qatar, Namibia, Nevada, Ras Al Khaima Jaisalmer & Sahara. You book for desert safari besides Abu Dhabi with arabiers to Desert safari in Qatar, Desert safari & camping in Liwa. Ras Al Khaimah desert tours and desert luxury stays, Dubai Desert Safari with Fossil Dune visits apart from Abu Dhabi desert safari tours.