A desert safari is the easiest way to see the other Abu Dhabi, the one of red-gold dunes and empty horizons that begins less than an hour from the city. Most trips follow a familiar and enjoyable pattern. You are picked up from your hotel in the afternoon by a four-by-four, deflate the tyres at the edge of the desert, then spend a thrilling half hour dune bashing, climbing and sliding over the ridges. There are stops to try sandboarding, take a short camel ride and watch the sun set over the sand. After dark you arrive at a camp with low seating and lanterns for a barbecue dinner, Arabic coffee and dates, henna painting and performances such as tanoura dancing. Morning safaris skip the dinner but offer cooler air and softer light, and full-day trips head deeper into the vast dunes around Liwa. The linked Tiqets page gathers several options so you can choose the style that suits you.
How it works: choose between evening safaris with dinner, shorter morning trips, and full-day or overnight trips to the dunes near Liwa. Prices vary with the size of the group, the quality of the camp and whether you share a vehicle. Hotel pickup and drop-off are usually included, and most evening trips last around six hours door to door. Read what is included, such as drinks, quad bikes or private seating, before you book.
What to expect: dune bashing is bumpy and not suitable for pregnant travellers, very young children or anyone with back or heart problems; ask your driver to go gently or skip it if needed. Bring sunglasses, a scarf against the sand and a warm layer for winter evenings, when the desert cools quickly. Alcohol policies vary between camps. Camps can be busy and lively, so choose a smaller operator if you want quiet.
Making the most of it: an evening safari is the best first taste, timed for sunset on the dunes. For something more memorable, go deeper to Liwa, where the dunes are among the highest in the region. Couples might upgrade to private seating, while families can opt for a morning trip that leaves the evening free.
What to expect
The experience
A guided four-by-four trip with dune driving, sandboarding, a camel ride and sunset, usually ending with a barbecue dinner and entertainment at a desert camp.
Best time
October to April; evening trips catch the sunset, morning trips offer cooler air.
How long
About six hours for an evening safari including hotel transfers.
Tips
Check what is included before you book, bring a scarf and sunglasses, pack a warm layer in winter, and skip dune bashing if you have back problems or are pregnant.
Quick picks
- Best for
- First-time visitors who want to experience the desert and the sunset over the dunes.
- Families
- Fun for older children; families with toddlers may prefer a morning trip with gentler driving.
- Couples
- Upgrade to private seating at the camp for a memorable dinner under the stars.
- Pair with
- A slow morning at your hotel beach, or the Grand Mosque the following day.
- Time needed
- Half a day.
Good questions
What happens on an Abu Dhabi desert safari?+
Typically dune driving in a four-by-four, sandboarding, a short camel ride and sunset in the dunes. Evening trips end with a barbecue dinner and entertainment at a camp.
Is dune bashing safe?+
It is run by experienced drivers but is bumpy and intense. It is not recommended for pregnant travellers, very young children or people with back or heart conditions.
What should I wear and bring?+
Light, comfortable clothing, closed shoes, sunglasses and a scarf against the sand. In winter, bring a warm layer for the evening.
Is hotel pickup included?+
Most safaris include pickup and drop-off from Abu Dhabi hotels. Check the product details for your area.
What is a Liwa desert safari?+
It is a longer trip to the Liwa area, home to some of the highest dunes in the region. Expect a full day with longer drives and bigger landscapes.
