Desert Safari Abu Dhabi

Best Desert Safari in Abu Dhabi

Doing a desert safari is one of the most memorable events of any trip to the UAE, and while somewhat touristy, they are a whole lot of fun.

Invariably a typical desert safari consists of a drive out to the desert from around 430pm, usually towards Al Ain, where your driver will let down his tyres before driving into the desert, up and down the sand dunes, almost roller coaster like. This experience is amazingly crazy the first time you do it, and you somehow never quite trust the driver. If you’re feeling queasy, then sit in the front.  On the way into the desert, you sometimes stop at a camel farm to see the humped ones up close and personal. After the dune bashing you are often given the opportunity to have a go on some dune buggies for an extra charge as well as sand surfing, sand skiing or sand boarding, and riding on the camel depending on which tour operator you get. Once you get to the camp, you’ll be provided with a barbeque meal and if there are enough of you a belly dancer. Of course, this is the least realistic UAE experience, but it’s a lot of fun. And the belly dancers are from Russia or Easter Europe to add to the weirdness of the façade. All this while you sip on your khawa and smoke your shisha before you get taken back.

There is always the option to stay overnight in the desert under the stars, staying in tents. There’s something to be said for being at one with the stars. You’ll be woken in the morning for breakfast before your hosts drive you back to you hotel.

If you’re not really into the whole shebang of dune bashing, some of the tour operators set up a very early morning drive into the desert to watch the sun come up over dates and Arabic coffee. You may even see some of the desert life come to life at that time.

Prices start at roughly 300 Dhs per adult and you are picked up at your hotel or close by to where you are. If you are asking your concierge to book for you, they do take an extra cut. If you are booking yourself, you need to pay at least 24 hours beforehand usually at their offices at central Abu Dhabi. Also note that if there aren’t enough people you might not get everything you paid for, e.g. the belly dancer – everyone has their price you know.

There are many tour guides. We have given you our preferred three

1. Arabian Adventures - +971 2 691 1711
2. Net Tours - +971 26794656 
3. Sunshine Tours +971 24449914