Desert tour Dubai vs Abu Dhabi

Desert Tour Dubai vs Abu Dhabi - Adventures in the UAE

Places to go when You are in RAK

Written By Arabiers Digital & Reviewed by Robeena Brown

December 27, 2023 | 13 min read

Love desert tour experiences? You can embark on captivating desert tours in Dubai and Abu Dhabi desert tour and enjoy the breathtaking desert scenery for exciting and unforgettable experiences.

If you are planning a desert tour but need clarification about choosing Dubai or Abu Dhabi, it is understandable given they all offer a unique experience.

In this article, we have highlighted the differences and similarities between Dubai and Abu Dhabi desert safaris before deciding which desert tour to embark on. Given each unique experience, strive to embark on a desert tour in both cities.


What is Desert tour?


Desert tours are exciting adventures into the expansive desert landscapes that exhibit the rich Emirati culture and nature through various exhilarating activities.

The two main cities in the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi and Dubai, provide unique desert tour experiences to suit different tastes.


Locations in Dubai and Abu Dhabi


Despite being in the United Arab Emirates, Dubai and Abu Dhabi have different desert landscapes. During desert tours in Dubai, visitors frequently go through the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, home to diverse flora and fauna. On the other side, Abu Dhabi is characterized by the vastness of the Arabian Desert, which results in a distinct atmosphere and sensation.


Difference between Desert tour Dubai vs Abu Dhabi


Type of Desert

Dubai's desert scenery is made up of the red dunes of the Arabian Desert, which their reddish-orange color can recognize. On the other hand, the Abu Dhabi desert tour has red and yellow dunes, which makes for a different sight for safari-goers.

Activities Offered

Desert tours in Dubai are famous for offering thrilling activities to thrill seekers, such as sandboarding, quad biking, and dune bashing. Whereas Abu Dhabi tours are more concerned with providing a cultural experience, they host falconry demonstrations, camel treks, and traditional Arabic performances like belly dancing.

Duration and Timing

In Abu Dhabi, desert tours can take up to eight hours, giving visitors enough time for a more in-depth cultural experience. In Dubai, desert tours are typically shorter, lasting about six hours.

Accessibility and Convenience

For visitors who need to spend a short time in Dubai, it is more accessible due to its closeness to the Dubai city center. On the other hand, due to its distance from the city center, Abu Dhabi's desert tours could necessitate a longer travel time.

Pricing and Packages

Dubai offers a broader range of packages for its desert tours that may accommodate different budgets. Abu Dhabi may provide more immersive experiences, but prices are higher because of its focus on cultural aspects.


Similarities


Desert Tour Dubai vs Abu Dhabi

Adventure and Thrill

Adventure and excitement are promised in both cities, though to differing degrees. Both locations provide unique experiences, whether it's the exhilarating thrill of dune bashing or the cultural immersion in Bedouin customs.

Desert Landscape

Even though their colors and topographies differ, Dubai and Abu Dhabi exhibit the amazing splendor of the Arabian Desert, providing visitors with some of the most amazing landscapes.


Best Time to Visit


Dubai

Winter is the best time for embarking on a Dubai desert tour from November to March. The lovely coolness of the weather during this time of year makes it ideal for desert dune explorations.

Visitors can enjoy activities like camel riding, dune bashing, and desert camping without the intense heat of the summer due to the milder weather.

The nights in Dubai's desert are stunning during these winter months; as the temperature drops, a peaceful, starry sky is created, ideal for stargazing or indulging in traditional Emirati performances around a campfire.

Abu Dhabi

Like Dubai, the winter months of November through March are the best times to embark on Abu Dhabi desert tour. This time of year provides a break from the scorching summer heat, enabling tourists to enjoy the stunning desert scenery comfortably. These months' milder weather makes for more enjoyable pursuits like wildlife viewing, desert photography, and cultural excursions.

Furthermore, during the winter in Abu Dhabi, visitors can see stunning sunsets against the backdrop of the desert terrain. These sunsets create picturesque moments that are great for recording memories that will last from generation to generation.

Winter is the best time to experience the enthralling desert tours in the United Arab Emirates since both Abu Dhabi and Dubai have a window of perfect weather.


Tips for an Unforgettable Experience


  1. Choosing the Right Tour Operator: Selecting a tour operator that is reliable and accredited is the best way to ensure a pleasant and safe excursion.
  2. Dress Code and Essentials: To protect oneself from the severe climate of the desert, it is recommended to wear clothing that is lightweight and comfortable and to carry basics like sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats.
  3. Hydration and Sun Protection: Drink plenty of water and take proper precautions to protect yourself from the sun's rays.

Conclusion


Both Abu Dhabi and Dubai offer amazing desert tours, but each city offers its special brand of excitement and cultural immersion.

Travelers can make an informed decision for an outstanding desert adventure by understanding the similarities and differences between these sites.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)


Authenticity varies according to personal preferences. Abu Dhabi's focus is on cultural immersion, and Dubai is all about adventure.

Depending on the activity, there may be varying age limitations. It is recommended to consult with tour providers to determine the particular age requirements.

Yes, when going on desert tours, both cities put safety first. Following the tour's rules will keep you safe.

Yes, several tour operators offer private desert tours that fit each guest's needs.

The prices vary based on the activities and package you choose. Dubai may have more options for people on a budget than Abu Dhabi.