Overview
Abu Dhabi's desert safari scene is often overlooked in favour of its Dubai counterpart, but the experience here sits a notch above the typical budget Dubai tour. Set 75 km from the city centre, primarily in the Al Wathba area, the landscape is grander and the operators more curated. Expect sweeping red dunes, fewer crowds on weekday evenings, and a more structured programme that moves from high-octane dune bashing into cultural encounters.
Price points start at AED 250 per person for a standard evening package and rise to AED 450 for premium operators offering luxury camp setups with a la carte dining. Children under 5 typically travel free; children aged 5 to 12 receive a 30 to 40 percent discount on most packages.
What Is Included
Dune Bashing
The tour opens with 45 to 60 minutes of dune bashing in 4x4 vehicles. Tyre pressure is deflated before entering the dunes, and experienced drivers navigate steep ridges at controlled speeds. It is intense by design — seatbelts are mandatory and passengers with back problems, heart conditions, or who are pregnant should skip this segment and wait at the camp.
Camel Ride
A short camel ride at the base camp is included in all standard packages. Rides typically last 5 to 10 minutes and are sufficient to photograph the experience. Riders who want longer treks can sometimes arrange an extended ride directly with the handlers for an additional AED 20 to 40.
Falconry Demonstration
Abu Dhabi safaris consistently include falconry displays — a fitting tradition given the UAE's deep cultural connection to the sport. Handlers will allow guests to photograph with the birds and, in premium packages, wear a glove and have a falcon land on the arm.
BBQ Buffet Dinner
All evening tours end with a buffet dinner at a Bedouin-style camp. Expect grilled meats (chicken, lamb, beef), rice dishes, hummus, bread, salads, and standard soft drinks. Premium operators add live cooking stations, upgraded meats such as whole lamb, and mocktail bars. Most camps also offer shisha for an additional charge of AED 30 to 60.
Al Wathba vs. Liwa Desert
The Al Wathba area, roughly 45 minutes from central Abu Dhabi, handles the majority of evening safaris. The dunes here are well-managed for tourism and accessible year-round. The Liwa Desert, located 230 km from Abu Dhabi city in the Rub' al Khali (Empty Quarter), offers a dramatically different scale — dunes here reach 300 metres in height — and is best suited for day-long or overnight premium experiences starting at AED 800 per person.
For most visitors on an evening budget, Al Wathba is the practical choice. If time and budget allow, a full-day Liwa Oasis trip is one of the most spectacular desert experiences in the Arabian Peninsula.
Prices at a Glance
| Package | Price per Person | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Evening Safari | AED 250 – 300 | Dune bashing, camel ride, BBQ dinner |
| Premium Evening Safari | AED 350 – 450 | Upgraded camp, falconry, live cooking |
| Morning Safari (sand boarding focus) | AED 200 – 280 | No dinner, activity focused |
| Full-Day Liwa Desert | AED 800 – 1,400 | Mega dunes, luxury lunch, extended activities |
| Overnight Desert Camp | AED 1,200 – 2,500 | Private tent, breakfast, star gazing |
Getting There
All reputable tour operators include hotel pickup from Abu Dhabi city centre hotels and major areas. Pickups typically begin at 3:00 pm to 3:30 pm for an evening safari. Return to hotel is around 9:30 pm to 10:00 pm. If travelling independently, the Al Wathba area is reached via Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Road (E22) heading south-east from Abu Dhabi.
Hotel concierge desks can arrange reputable operators at competitive prices. Online booking through DesertSafariAbuDhabi.com or GetYourGuide typically offers the same or lower rates compared to hotel booking desks.
What to Wear and Bring
Light, breathable clothing is best for the desert heat during the dune bashing portion. Temperatures drop significantly after sunset — carry a light jacket from October through March. Closed shoes are strongly recommended in dunes (sandals fill with sand). Sunglasses and a hat are essential for daytime safaris. Most camps provide prayer mats and washing facilities; guests of all faiths are welcome.
Insider Tips
- Book through your hotel concierge for last-minute availability — they hold reserved seats most evenings.
- Sit in the middle row of the 4x4 for the least intense dune bashing experience; front seat is the smoothest.
- Bring cash (AED) for shisha, extra camel rides, henna, and photos on the camp — most camps are cash only for extras.
- Weekday evenings (Sunday to Wednesday) are noticeably less crowded than Thursday and Friday nights.
- If travelling with young children, ask about camps with dedicated family seating areas away from the shisha lounge.