Abu Dhabi Desert Safari: Complete Price Guide and Top Locations 2025

To get a full picture of the country you are visiting, you need to step beyond its cities and explore its untamed landscapes. The UAE is no exception. When people think of the Emirates, they picture endless sand dunes, golden deserts, and vast open spaces – and for good reason. Going to Abu Dhabi, please don’t limit yourself to beaches and shopping malls. Go beyond the city and explore its natural wonders such as vast deserts and lush oases. 

Luckily, the local market is sprawling with different offers to help you discover the stunning desert. Numerous desert safari operators in Abu Dhabi are ready to be at your service. But with so many choices, what should you consider when looking for the right desert safari tour? What could make your desert experience really unforgettable? In this guide, we will try to make things easier for you by breaking down top desert tour options, looking into what each package includes, and helping you find the best value for your money. 

Why every traveler should experience a desert safari in Abu Dhabi

If you're still unsure about going on a desert safari, don’t be! Nearly everyone who has done it agrees that this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Just think about it: a stunning desert view, majestic golden dunes glowing under the setting sun, surreal, almost Martian landscapes stretching endlessly before you, the whisper of the wind shaping the sands, and a sky so vast and clear that the stars feel within reach.

Apart from presenting beautiful landscapes, a desert safari in Abu Dhabi is also a fully immersive cultural experience. It offers a glimpse into the rich culture and warm hospitality of the Bedouins, with some traditional arts and local cuisine. For instance, a typical tour program will include henna painting and traditional dinner in the Bedouin-style camp, where guests can enjoy authentic Arabic entertainment with belly dancing. 

Desert safari trips in abu dhabi often include adrenaline-based activities such as dune bashing, buggy riding, and sand boarding or sand skiing. 

Most tours are group-based, meaning that tourists travel together in a group in a convoy of cars. However, private 4x4 tours are also available at a higher price.

There are also different types of tours to choose from, such as overnight desert safaris, evening safaris, or morning desert adventures. Evening safaris remain the most popular choice among tourists as they offer the perfect mix of adventure, cultural experiences, and breathtaking desert sunsets.

Where to go for a desert safari

Most of the tour operators in abu dhabi will take you to either of these places: The Rub' al Khali Desert (Empty Quarter), Al Khatim Desert, and Liwa Oasis.

The Rub' al Khali Desert (Empty Quarter) is located in the south of the United Arab Emirates. More precisely, only its small northern section lies in the UAE, while the rest stretches across Saudi Arabia. Rub' al Khali is the largest sand desert in the world. And please, don’t confuse it with the Sahara! This desert holds the title of the largest sandy desert, meaning it is the biggest continuous area covered entirely by sand. Summer temperatures here soar above 50°C, while in winter, it gets cooler—around 30°C.

This place is known for its massive sand dunes, which can reach heights of up to 250 meters, making them among the tallest in the world. One of the most famous dunes is Tel Moreeb, renowned for its impressive height and popularity among dune-driving enthusiasts.

Here, you will also find Liwa Oasis, one of the largest oases in the UAE. In fact, it’s not a single area but rather a cluster of 50 oases stretching over 100 kilometers. Liwa Oasis is home to the largest concentration of date palm plantations in the UAE, representing the country's most important agricultural crop.

Additionally, this region serves as a cultural hub with a rich historical heritage, reflecting the deep-rooted traditions of the area.

The Al Khatim Desert is part of a vast desert region located southeast of Abu Dhabi. It is known for its landscapes typical of Arabian deserts: vast sand dunes and sparse vegetation. This area is often associated with extreme weather conditions, including high temperatures, dryness, and rare rainfall.

This region holds great cultural and historical significance in the UAE, particularly due to the traditions of nomadic tribes and the historical trade routes that once passed through the desert.

Although the desert is largely uninhabited, it attracts adventure seekers with opportunities for jeep safaris, camel rides, and visits to remote oases.

A typical tour experience: what to expect and what’s included

To give you a general idea of what to expect on a desert safari trip, we’ll start with a brief overview of what most safari packages look like. Then, we’ll go into more details of each tour option depending on your focus of interest. 

All tours start with a pickup at Abu Dhabi city, either from your hotel or a shopping mall. Chances are, you’ll be hopping into a white Toyota Land Cruiser because, let’s be honest, they’re everywhere in the UAE. It’s the go-to 4x4 for desert safari operators, practically the official vehicle of dune bashing. You’ll see them rolling in convoys, looking all sleek and identical, ready to take you on a roller-coaster ride across the sands. These cars can fit up to six people, which is good if you are going with a family or a group of friends. 

The majority of tours typically last for about 6 hours (except for overnight trips) but rest assured, those will be the most action-packed hours of your entire trip.

The departure time is usually set between 2:45 and 3:15 PM. In general, setting out to the desert from Abu Dhabi earlier than 2:00 PM is a bad idea. Should you arrive earlier, you might find yourself pleading for mercy. Just imagine: even within Abu Dhabi city, with its fountains and shades, the heat sometimes feels as though the white-hot sun will roast you alive. In the desert, its merciless rays strike with a force a million times sharper. This is the main reason why most tours are built around either a very early morning or post afternoon. 

A typical tour package consists of a pickup and drop-off, jeep dune bashing, stops for taking pictures, and then sand boarding or camel riding. Then they will take you to the desert camp where more activities await (photoshooting with falcons, photoshooting in traditional clothing and henna painting). In most packages, there will be a buffet Arabic dinner or barbecue and a belly dance live performance. Shisha (hookah) smoking is usually not included but is available for an additional charge. Please note that alcoholic beverages are not included either and can be purchased separately. However, during Ramadan, alcohol is not allowed even for tourists. 

Such activities as buggy or quad bike riding usually come at extra cost but some packages include those as well. 

Once again, here a brief overview of what is usually included in the package:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Transportation in an air-conditioned 4WD vehicle
• Chilled mineral water available during the transfer
• Professional English-speaking licensed driver
• Dune bashing
• Sand boarding
• Buggy or quad biking (available for an additional charge)
• Welcome drinks
• Henna painting
• Short camel ride
• Shisha (hookah) smoking (not everywhere)
• Traditional dance performance
• Unlimited water and non-alcoholic beverages
• BBQ buffet dinner

Afternoon and evening desert safaris cost between $80 and $150 per person. Packages with quad bikes included are usually more expensive. 

Notably, on a group tour, you will most likely share a car with other tourists. If you want to go only by your company or family, book a private package. Depending on the tour duration and services included, a private package will cost between $250 and $500. Alternatively, you can share the cost between participants. This premium option is good for those who prefer to stay away from tourist crowds and want to have their customized experience in the desert.  

When is the best time to go – morning or evening?

As for the schedule, desert safari tours are held both in the morning and evening. Yet, both options have their pros and cons. 

Going in the morning

To get there before the scorching heat makes it impossible to breathe, you need to set off at around 7:00 am. The trip itself will be shorter than an afternoon tour and will last around three hours. With getting up early and arriving in the desert first, you get some undeniable benefits:

- It's only you and the desert – no crowds, no noise, no distraction. The majority of groups arrive in the afternoon, so you will have a near-private experience before everyone gets there. 

- Desert sunrise is something you won't see often. The first golden rays of sunlight paint the dunes in warm hues, creating a truly magical landscape. It’s a sight you won’t easily forget.

- The sand surface is still untouched. Pristine ripples left by the night breeze create a perfect backdrop for stunning, one-of-a-kind photos.

- The trip is short and not tiring, so you won’t feel exhausted by the end of it. 

- You are free for the rest of the day and can explore Abu Dhabi at your own pace.

- The price for such tours usually ranges between $50 and $70 per person.

At the same time, there are some important factors that need to be considered. By 10-11 am, the temperature rises so high, especially in the summer, that it gets very uncomfortable to stay outside. Although all SUVs come with air-conditioning, stepping out onto the burning-hot sand can be quite a challenge. Also, keep in mind that this tour does not include a Bedouin camp visit or the evening entertainment show.

To sum it up, morning safaris are quite an affordable way to explore the peaceful beauty of the desert and return to the city by early afternoon – before the heat becomes overwhelming.

Going in the evening

But what if you are not a big fan of getting up at the crack of dawn? Then, evening safari tours come to the rescue. They usually start after 2:00 pm and end around 8:00 pm.

What unites them all is that most of them include the visit to the Bedouin camp and the evening show program. So, the program is more action-packed and culturally oriented. Besides, they offer some fun activities such as sand boarding, camel riding and buggy riding (in some packages) that morning tours usually lack. Let’s take a look at what else awaits: 

- By late afternoon, temperatures drop to a more bearable level, and closer to the night, it can even get chilly.

- A desert sunset feels like something straight out of an Arabian fairy tale. The golden hour lighting makes it a perfect set for your Vogue-like photoshoot. 

- A rare chance to see a starry desert sky. Light pollution in cities makes stargazing nearly impossible, but in the desert, the stars shine brightly.

- Some extended tours offer an overnight stay in a desert camp which is a rare and unique experience.

- A comprehensive entertainment program with live music and belly dancing lets you fully immerse yourself in the rich cultural and festive ambiance of the desert.

- A delicious BBQ buffet is included, so you don’t have to worry about dinner when you get back to the city.

The price for these tours varies widely, depending on the included activities and level of service.

Pricing breakdown:

• Adventure-packed evening safari (dune bashing, camel riding, entertainment): $100 – $120 per person
• Overnight desert safari (with accommodation): $180+ per person
• Standard evening safari (returning to the city at night): Around $100 per person

So, if you want to experience everything at once in a single trip and don’t mind the crowds, an evening or overnight safari might be the best choice for you.

Desert safari activities at a glance

Some of the experiences offered during a desert safari tour are built around adrenaline while others focus on cultural immersion and entertainment. Let’s cover the most popular activities you can expect.

Dune bashing

You’ve probably seen those pictures of white 4WD Land Cruisers cutting through the golden desert sands. What they are doing is called “dune bashing” and has practically become a symbol of the region. In fact, all desert safaris are based on this activity and start with it.

In short, this is extreme riding on dunes. A word of caution—this experience is only for those with nerves of steel and an unshakable sense of balance. Just imagine a massive SUV racing at high speeds across towering dunes, defying gravity with every sharp turn and steep drop. It can be compared to swimming in the stormy sea of sand. At times, it might feel like the car is about to flip. No worries, the drivers are specially trained for this and know the tricks of extreme riding. 

The ride lasts for around 10 to 20 minutes, but trust us, this is more than enough for such a bumpy, heart-pounding adventure. Once you reach the dune summit, you'll have a chance to step out and soak in the breathtaking sunset views. In the desert, the sun goes down at around 6:00 pm, and the tours are organized so that you can catch this moment right in the heart of the dunes. 

Will everyone enjoy such a ride? Unfortunately no. If you tend to have motion sickness, then you might want to skip this stage. Taking medication against motion sickness before the tour might help, but it’s up to you to decide whether it is worth it. Also, pregnant women and people with back or neck issues or injuries are not allowed to participate. In this case, you can always opt out of the dune bashing and ask the tour guide to leave you at the desert camp. However, skipping the dune bashing part won’t influence the final price of the tour. 

Camel riding

You will also have a chance to ride a camel when arriving at the camp. Have you ever seen these majestic majestic creatures, known as the 'ships of the desert,' up close? Even if you are not keen on riding, seeing this symbol of the region is a must.

Camels are an essential part of Emirati culture and history. For centuries, they served as a primary mode of transport and were valued for their milk and meat. The ride itself is quite short, but it’s a fun way to experience how people once traveled across the vast dunes.

A Bedouin guide will help you hop onto the camel and will lead you on a gentle stroll through the sand. The whole walk will last no more than 10 minutes. The real trick, however, is getting off. As the camel kneels down, it might feel like its legs are folding up like a Transformer, catching many first-time riders by surprise.

And one last tip: camels have a habit of spitting, so watch out and try not to stand in the "splash zone"!

Sand boarding

Something that sounds like snowboarding and actually resembles it. Some people compare it to surfing, which is also right. The idea of this activity is to go down the slope of the dune on a board. You can choose between a bodyboard or a snowboard for your ride down. The good thing is that you don’t need to have any prior experience to do this. The hardest part is actually climbing back up the dune, which feels like a workout on its own!

Pro tip: If you decide to go down on your stomach, keep the front of the board lifted to avoid getting a face full of sand.

Riding toboggan-style (sitting or lying down) is the easiest way to pick up speed, while snowboarding-style requires a bit more balance to avoid getting stuck halfway down. Either way, it’s a fun and thrilling way to glide over the soft dunes!

Quad biking

If riding on a jeep wasn’t thrilling enough for you, don’t worry. You can always choose to get some extra adrenaline with quad bike riding. This option is usually not included in the package price and should be purchased separately. 

For an additional 50 AED per 10 minutes, you can rent an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) and zip across the sand. High-performance quad bikes of various brands, including top local brands like Sharmax Motors, are waiting there to take you on an exhilarating ride.

This activity requires some basic riding experience but overall even kids can do this. Keep in mind that quad bikes are typically used on flat desert terrain, as riding them on steep dunes can be too risky. If you're looking for a safer alternative for off-road fun, some tours offer dune buggies—a more stable and beginner-friendly option for exploring the desert on your own.

Final Thoughts

After comparing the existing options, the Evening Desert Safari Abu Dhabi package stands out as the best value package for most travelers. It offers an ideal balance of quality and price, combining adrenaline-pumping adventure with rich cultural experiences at a very reasonable cost. For around $150 per person, you get a comprehensive desert journey.

In short, the Evening Desert Safari delivers all the quintessential desert activities in one outing, making it the top choice for value. You’ll get adventure (dune bashing), a touch of heritage (camel rides, henna, costumes), and a festive dinner show – all for a cost that is hard to beat. It’s an ideal option for travelers seeking both thrills and cultural enrichment without overspending.

If you have the time and don’t mind a higher price, the Overnight Desert Safari ($180) offers an extended experience with the magical bonus of camping in the desert night. It’s a fantastic value for the additional hours, including sunrise views and breakfast, and is perfect for those craving extra adventure and time under the stars. However, for the majority of visitors with a normal schedule, the evening safari hits the sweet spot between duration, activities, and affordability.

Therefore, for the highest value desert safari in Abu Dhabi, go for the Evening Desert Safari. It provides a well-rounded mix of dune-driving excitement and authentic cultural immersion at a budget-friendly price, backed by outstanding customer reviews and memories that will last a lifetime. You’ll enjoy “dinner under the stars” and unforgettable entertainment – truly getting the best of both worlds on your desert adventure.