Best Abu Dhabi desert safari from AED 35. Dune bashing, camel ride, BBQ dinner & live shows. Hotel pickup included. 5,000+ guests. Instant WhatsApp booking!
Abu Dhabi Desert Safari Packages — Book Direct, Best Price Guaranteed
All packages depart from our own DCT-licensed Abu Dhabi camp. Instant confirmation on WhatsApp, no middleman, pay on the day. No hidden fees.
AED 35 per personSelf-Drive Desert Safari
Drive yourself to our Al Khatim camp — most affordable option
- Drive to Al Khatim Camp (GPS link provided)
- Dune Bashing in 4×4 at Camp
- Sandboarding & Camel Ride
- Arabic Costume & 360° Photo Point
- Henna Painting for Ladies
- BBQ Buffet Dinner (Veg & Non-Veg)
- Tanoura, Belly Dance & Fire Show
- Soft Drinks, Water, Tea & Coffee
- Duration: 6–7 Hours
AED 50 per personShared Bus Transfer
Shared bus from a central Abu Dhabi pickup point — budget group travel
- Pickup from Central Abu Dhabi Meeting Point
- Comfortable Air-Conditioned Bus
- Dune Bashing in 4×4 vehicle
- Sandboarding & Camel Ride
- Arabic Costume & 360° Photo Point
- Henna Painting for Ladies
- BBQ Buffet Dinner (Veg & Non-Veg)
- Tanoura, Belly Dance & Fire Show
- Soft Drinks, Water, Tea & Coffee
- Duration: 6–7 Hours
AED 100 per personSharing Home Pickup
Shared AC 4×4 pickup from your Abu Dhabi hotel or residence
- Pickup from Your Hotel / Residence
- Shared Air-Conditioned 4×4 Vehicle
- Dune Bashing in 4×4 vehicle
- Sandboarding & Camel Ride
- Arabic Costume & 360° Photo Point
- Henna Painting for Ladies
- BBQ Buffet Dinner (Veg & Non-Veg)
- Tanoura, Belly Dance & Fire Show
- Soft Drinks, Water, Tea & Coffee
- Drop-off at Your Location
- Duration: 6–7 Hours
AED 599 per carPrivate Car Desert Safari
Exclusive 7-seater 4×4 vehicle for your group only
- Private Hotel / Residence Pickup
- Exclusive 7-Seater 4×4 vehicle
- Your Group Only — No Strangers
- Dune Bashing & Sandboarding
- Camel Ride & 360° Photo Point
- Arabic Costume & Henna for Ladies
- BBQ Buffet Dinner (Veg & Non-Veg)
- Tanoura, Belly Dance & Fire Show
- Soft Drinks, Water, Tea & Coffee
- Private Drop-off Included
- Duration: 6–7 Hours
AED 800 per carPrivate Land Cruiser Safari
Private Land Cruiser pick & drop with all standard activities
- Private Land Cruiser Pick & Drop
- Exclusive Premium 4×4 Vehicle
- Your Group Only — No Strangers
- Dune Bashing & Sandboarding
- Camel Ride & 360° Photo Point
- Arabic Costume & Henna for Ladies
- BBQ Buffet Dinner (Veg & Non-Veg)
- Tanoura, Belly Dance & Fire Show
- Soft Drinks, Water, Tea & Coffee
- Private Drop-off Included
- Duration: 6-7 Hours
AED 799 per carMorning Desert Safari
Cooler private morning adventure with hotel pickup — perfect for families & photographers
- Private Hotel / Residence Pickup
- 4×4 Red Dune Bashing (45 min)
- Camel Ride & 360° Photo Point
- Sandboarding on Golden Dunes
- Quad Bike Option (add-on)
- Tea, Coffee, Water & Light Snacks
- Arabic Costume & Photo Stop
- Cooler Morning Temperatures
- Your Group Only — No Strangers
- Duration: 3–4 Hours
Add-Ons & Extras
Customise your safari — add any of these to your chosen package.
+AED 50 per personVIP Sitting Area Upgrade
Add VIP access to any package — premium camp seating
AED 50
- Dedicated VIP Section at Camp
- Premium Cushioned Seating
- Best View of the Stage
- Priority Dinner Service
- Add to Any Package
From AED 100Quad Biking
Single seater AED 100 — Double seater AED 150 (pre-booked)
AED 100 single · AED 150 double
- Single & Double Seater Available
- Safety Helmet & Gear Provided
- Full Safety Briefing
- Supervised Desert Riding
- Available at Camp During Safari
AED 800 / 30 min · 2h minDune Buggy Safari
High-speed side-by-side buggy — 30 minutes of pure desert thrill
- Powerful Side-by-Side Buggy
- Safety Harness & Helmet Provided
- Expert Desert Guide Escort
- High-Speed Dune Riding
- Maximum 2 Persons per Buggy
AED 30 per personFalcon Photo Experience
Hold a real Arabian falcon and capture the moment
AED 30
- Real Arabian Falcon Photo
- Authentic Desert Heritage
- Great for Social Media
- Available at Camp
AED 50–150Professional Photography
A pro photographer captures your desert moments
AED 50–150
- Professional Photographer
- Edited High-Resolution Photos
- Sunset & Dune Shots
- Packages from AED 50
Desert Safari in Dubai and Abu Dhabi: Quick Answers
We run desert safaris from both Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with our own camp in the Al Khatim desert. Here is what most guests want to know before they book, for either city.
How much is a desert safari?
In Abu Dhabi a shared evening safari starts from AED 50 per person, self-drive from AED 35, and a private 4×4 for your own group is AED 699. From Dubai a desert safari is AED 799 per car and a private safari from AED 599. Every price is all-in, no deposit, and you pay after.
What is included?
Hotel or home pickup and drop-off from your city, dune bashing in a 4×4, a camel ride, sandboarding, a live show at our own camp, and a BBQ buffet dinner with soft drinks. Quad biking and premium majlis seating are optional add-ons.
What time does it start and finish?
Evening safaris pick you up in the mid-afternoon, around 3pm, and drop you back by about 9pm after dinner and the show. Morning safaris start earlier for cooler dunes. From Dubai, allow extra travel time each way. We confirm your exact pickup window the day before.
Is it worth it?
Yes. You get dune bashing, a camel ride, sandboarding, live entertainment and dinner under the stars at our own camp, not a crowded shared site. Choose private if you want your own car and pace, or shared if you are one or two and want the lowest price.
City Tours & More Experiences
Beyond the dunes — explore Abu Dhabi and Dubai with the same team, same direct prices, instant WhatsApp confirmation.
City TourAbu Dhabi City Tour
Grand Mosque, Emirates Palace, Corniche & Etihad Towers with hotel pickup.
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
- Emirates Palace & Corniche
- Private AC 4×4 or car
City TourDubai City Tour
Burj Khalifa views, Dubai Marina, souks & photo stops — full city highlights.
- Burj Khalifa & Downtown
- Dubai Marina & JBR
- Old Dubai souks & abra
Desert SafariDubai Desert Safari
Classic Dubai-side safari — dune bashing, camp dinner & live shows.
- Dune bashing in 4×4
- BBQ dinner & live shows
- Hotel pickup available
Family FavouriteCamel Riding
Traditional camel ride across the Al Khatim dunes — included in evening safaris.
- Guided camel trek
- Perfect for families
- Photo stops on the dunes
AdventureQuad Biking & Buggy
Self-drive quads and Can-Am buggies on open desert — add to any safari.
- Quad bikes & Can-Am buggies
- Helmets & briefing included
- Add-on to any package
Most PopularBBQ Dinner Safari
Evening safari with unlimited BBQ buffet, henna, shisha & live entertainment.
- Unlimited BBQ buffet
- Tanoura, fire & belly dance
- Own DCT-licensed camp
The Royal Arabian Evening
Some evenings you spend.
This one, you keep.
Twenty minutes from the city, the noise falls away and the Al Khatim dunes roll to the horizon like a golden sea. What follows isn’t a tour — it’s an evening composed like a story, from the first climb of the dunes to the last ember of the campfire.
3:30 PM — The Departure
The city fades behind you
Your driver greets you by name. The skyline shrinks in the mirror, and the desert opens ahead — vast, silent, waiting.
5:00 PM — The Dunes
Your heartbeat finds the rhythm
The 4×4 crests the first ridge and the horizon tilts. Laughter, adrenaline, and sand like liquid gold in every direction.
6:40 PM — The Sunset
The desert turns to amber
Engines rest. For a few minutes nobody speaks — the sun sinks into the dunes and time simply stops.
8:00 PM — The Camp
Feast beneath a ceiling of stars
Firelight, oud melodies, a Bedouin feast and dancers spinning sparks into the night. This is the part you’ll retell for years.
“I’ve never heard quiet like the desert’s.”
“A falcon on your arm, four thousand years on your skin.”
“The photo is beautiful. Being there was better.”
“The heart races before the dune even does.”
“Two seats, one ride you’ll retell for years.”
“The kids still talk about that night.”
“We ate under a ceiling of stars.”
“Down the dune, laughing the whole way.”
“Fire, drums, and a thousand stars.”
Your evening, arranged personally
No booking engines, no waiting. Tell us who you’re celebrating with — a proposal, an anniversary, your family’s first dunes — and we’ll compose the evening around it.
Plan My Evening on WhatsAppReplies in minutes · Pay on arrival · DCT licensed
FIND YOUR PERFECT PACKAGE
Compare All Desert Safari Packages
All packages include the same authentic Bedouin camp experience — only the transfer type differs.
| Package | Price | Pickup | Duration | Best For | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Self Drive to CampMOST POPULAR | AED 35/person | Drive yourself | 6–7 hrs | Budget travellers | Book Now |
| Shared Transfer by Bus | AED 50/person | Wahda / Mazyad Mall | 6–7 hrs | Groups & tourists | Book Now |
| Sharing Home PickupCONVENIENT | AED 100/person | Your hotel / home | 6–7 hrs | Hotel guests | Book Now |
| Private Car — 7 SeaterEXCLUSIVE | AED 599/car | Private pickup | 6–7 hrs | Families & couples | Book Now |
| Private Land CruiserPREMIUM | AED 800/car | Private LC pickup | 6–7 hrs | Premium comfort | Book Now |
| Morning Safari | AED 799/group | Hotel pickup | 4–5 hrs | Early birds | Book Now |
| Quad Bike Single Seater | AED 100/ride | At camp | 30–60 min | Thrill seekers | Book Now |
| Quad Bike Double Seater | AED 150/ride | At camp | 30–60 min | Couples & friends | Book Now |
| VIP Sitting Area Upgrade | +AED 50/person | Add to any package | Same as package | Premium experience | Book Now |
| Can-Am Buggy SafariTHRILLING | AED 600/30 min | At camp | 30 min | Adventure lovers | Book Now |
Not sure which package to choose? WhatsApp us and we will recommend the best option for your group →
FOOD & DINING
Buffet Menu — Included in Every Evening Safari
A full BBQ buffet dinner is included in every evening and overnight safari. Vegetarian, non-vegetarian, and halal options always available.
Soft Drinks, Water, Arabic Tea & Coffee — Unlimited & Included
🥗 Salads & Starters
- ✓ Fresh Mix Green Salad
- ✓ Fattoush Salad
- ✓ Coleslaw
- ✓ Hummus
- ✓ Chana Chaat
- ✓ Arabic Bread (Khubz)
🍛 Main Course
- ✓ Jeera Rice
- ✓ Biryani Rice
- ✓ Steamed White Rice
- ✓ Pasta with Sauce
- ✓ Dal (Lentil Curry)
- ✓ Mix Vegetable Sabzi
- ✓ Spaghetti
🔥 BBQ Grills
- ✓ Chicken Tikka Cubes
- ✓ Grilled Chicken Drumsticks
- ✓ Shish Taouk
- ✓ Lamb Seekh Kebab
- ✓ Fish Fillets
- ✓ Mint & Chilli Sauce
VIP LIVE GRILL — +AED 50
Live grilling at your VIP table. Upgrade available when booking.
🍮 Desserts & Drinks
- ✓ Om Ali (Egyptian Dessert)
- ✓ Fresh Seasonal Fruit
- ✓ Soft Drinks (Unlimited)
- ✓ Mineral Water (Unlimited)
- ✓ Arabic Coffee (Qahwa)
- ✓ Karak Tea & Mint Tea
100% Halal Food — Vegetarian & Non-Vegetarian Options Always Available
Dietary requirements? Let us know when booking on WhatsApp and we will accommodate you.
Watch Them Live It. Then Read What They Wrote.
Unscripted footage filmed by our guests in the Abu Dhabi desert, followed by the words they sent us afterwards. Nothing staged, nothing bought.
0:18
0:44
0:13I had an excellent experience yesterday. There are no hidden fees; you will receive the activities stated in the bundle. Furthermore, the buffet offers a wide choice of foods. Their package is really affordable.
Very satisfied costumer here. Very accommodating and organized. Activities like camel riding and sandboarding added a touch of adventure, while the BBQ dinner and live performances created a magical ambiance. The staff’s friendliness and attention to detail elevated the entire experience.
We had an amazing experience while arranging the desert safari. The service was exceptional, everything was organized smoothly and efficiently. The team was very quick to respond to my queries, and I was impressed with the affordable options provided without compromising on quality. I’ll definitely recommend your services to others.
A lot of experiences for a very good price and in one place. Enjoyed everything including camel ride, dune bashing, dinner and the shows organized there. Overall it was an amazing experience.
We really enjoyed our desert safari experience with your help. From the reservations until we finished the tour it was all smooth. Thank you so much, we really appreciated it.
Thank you. We enjoyed a lot. Good package and good customer service. I will definitely recommend it to others!
Thank you so much. It was a nice experience! Our guide was very accommodating and he made our experience hassle free!
Thank you so much Royal Arabian Safari for yesterday’s wonderful desert safari experience — we really had fun.
It was very nice and more than what we expected. The folk dance was awesome and the dune bashing thrilled us. Definitely we will recommend and will visit again. Thank you.
Really awesome experience. Thank you so much for the service, we enjoyed a lot. Really appreciate it — I’ll suggest all my friends.
Yesterday was a great experience. Good service and a nice show. Had fun riding the quad bike and taking pictures under the sunset.
Very nice desert safari trip, all my family enjoyed this trip. Thank you, your arrangement is very nice. Thank you again.
Names, photos and phone numbers have been removed before publishing.
INSTANT BOOKING
Book Your Desert Safari
Fill the form below. We confirm your booking on WhatsApp within 1 hour.
✓ No payment now — confirm first, pay on arrival
Or book instantly on WhatsApp: +971 58 228 2683
✓
Free Cancellation
Up to 24hrs before
⚡
1-Hour Confirmation
Via WhatsApp
💰
Pay on Arrival
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WHY BOOK DIRECT WITH US
The Lowest Price Is Always on WhatsApp
When you book through Viator, GetYourGuide, or Tripadvisor — you pay their commission on top of our price. When you book direct on WhatsApp, that commission becomes your saving. Same safari. Same experience. Lower price.
- ✓Best price guaranteed — we match or beat any other price you find
- ✓No booking fee — what you see is what you pay
- ✓Pay on arrival — no upfront payment, no risk
- ✓Free cancellation — cancel up to 12 hours before, no charge
- ✓Instant reply — we confirm within 1 hour on WhatsApp, any time of day
Safari Timings
Pickup: 3:00 PM — 3:30 PM
Return: 10:00 PM — 10:30 PM
Morning Safari
Pickup: From 5:00 AM (flexible — set to your comfort)
Return: Flexible — about 3–4 hours
Overnight Safari
Pickup: 3:00 PM — 3:30 PM
Return: Next morning 9:00 AM
Note: Timings may vary slightly by season. Exact pickup time confirmed on WhatsApp when booking.
Pickup Areas — Abu Dhabi
Desert Safari Abu Dhabi Prices — the Basis Nobody Labels
Ask an AI or skim this search page and you will see “AED 150–450 per person”. That range quietly skips the two cheapest honest ways into the desert. Every price below is labelled by what it actually buys:
| Basis | Real price | Who it fits |
|---|---|---|
| Self-drive to our camp, per person | From AED 35 | Anyone with a car — the true floor of this whole search page |
| Shared bus seat, per person | AED 50 | The cheapest picked-up seat any operator on page one sells |
| Shared 4x4 hotel pickup, per person | AED 100 | The standard tourist package elsewhere sold at 175–250 |
| Private 4x4, whole car (up to 7) | AED 599–800 | Families — under AED 115 a head when full, no strangers |
Hunting a discount? The current #1 result for this search advertises “deals from AED 129” on a website whose blog was last touched years ago — our honest deals & cheap-safari table compares every operator’s real floor, including the AED 50 bus seat that beats every “deal” on page one.
Abu Dhabi or Dubai Desert Safari — the Honest Answer
From Abu Dhabi, this is not close. Dubai-run “Abu Dhabi” safaris drive you two hours toward Lahbab or Al Faqa — one page-one seller answers its own location FAQ with Al Faqa, on the Dubai border. Our camp is in the Al Khatim dunes, 45–60 minutes from the city, licensed by Abu Dhabi’s DCT. Golden mega-dunes, quieter sand, no cross-emirate transfer eating your evening. Full comparison in our morning vs evening guide and the Al Khatim desert guide.
Timings, Tickets & Where It Happens
Timings: evening pickups run 3:00–3:30 PM, back 10:00–10:30 PM; morning safaris collect you 8:00–8:30 AM; overnight runs to sunrise. Tickets: there is no paper ticket — a WhatsApp confirmation is your booking, no card needed, pay on arrival, free cancellation up to 12 hours. Location: the Al Khatim desert on the E22, about 80 km east of the city — roughly 40 minutes from Yas Island hotels and the airport side of town, 55 from the Corniche.
See the Camp for Yourself
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before booking your Abu Dhabi desert safari.
Not sure which format suits you? All eleven of our Abu Dhabi desert safari tours are compared on one page, with prices and durations.
Is an Abu Dhabi desert safari worth it? +
Which is better, a Dubai or Abu Dhabi desert safari? +
Do you offer hotel pickup and drop-off in Abu Dhabi? +
What are the desert safari timings? +
Is Royal Arabian Safari a licensed, DCT-approved operator? +
Can I book a private desert safari for my group? +
Still have a question? We reply within minutes.
Ask on WhatsApp →What happens after you book, and what if plans change
Booking is a WhatsApp message, not a checkout form. Here is what happens next, and what we do the moment a pickup time or the weather shifts.
- You message us. Send your date, group size and hotel to +971 58 228 2683. A real person replies in minutes.
- You get written confirmation with the price locked. No deposit, no card online, no surprise fees on the day.
- The afternoon before, we send your driver. His name, the 4x4, the plate and your exact pickup window.
- You pay after the safari. Cash or card, once the day is done, never before.
The doubts we hear most, answered straight
- Do I pay before or after? After. Nothing is charged until the safari is finished.
- Can I cancel? Yes, free, up to 12 hours before pickup. No fee and no reason needed.
- What if my flight or plans change? Tell us and we move your pickup or your date at no extra charge.
- What about the heat or a sandstorm? On the rare day conditions are unsafe we rebook or refund. We never send you out in it.
- What if my driver is delayed? We run our own fleet, so a second 4x4 covers the gap. You are never left waiting.
Desert Safari Abu Dhabi: Best Tours, Packages, Prices & Timings
Looking for the best desert safari in Abu Dhabi? Royal Arabian Safari is a licensed Abu Dhabi desert safari operator trusted by 5,000+ happy guests. Book direct and skip the middleman — you get real dune bashing, camel rides, sandboarding and a live BBQ camp at a lower price than agency sites like Viator or GetYourGuide, with instant WhatsApp confirmation and free cancellation. From cheap shared evening tours to sunrise morning drives and VIP private desert safari Abu Dhabi packages, there’s a tour for every budget — with easy online tickets and instant booking.
Why book direct with Royal Arabian Safari (and beat the agency prices)
What’s included in your desert safari
Every Abu Dhabi desert safari package includes convenient pickup, thrilling 4x4 dune bashing, a camel ride, sandboarding on the golden dunes, a traditional Arabic camp with unlimited BBQ dinner, henna, shisha and live entertainment (tanoura & belly dance shows). Add-ons like quad biking (from AED 100), Can-Am buggy (AED 800) and VIP seating are available on request.
Desert safari timings & Abu Dhabi pickup points
Morning safaris start flexibly from 5:00 AM — adjustable to whenever you’re comfortable. Evening safaris pick up around 3:00 PM for the sunset drive. We offer free pickup from central Abu Dhabi points including Al Wahda Mall, Mazyad Mall, Safeer Mall and Shabiya, plus hotel pickup on request. Not sure which safari suits you? Message us on WhatsApp and we’ll recommend the perfect option.
Abu Dhabi Desert Safari — Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in the Abu Dhabi desert safari?
What time does the desert safari start?
Where is the pickup point in Abu Dhabi?
Is dune bashing safe?
Which is better — morning or evening safari?
Can I book without paying upfront?
How do I get the best desert safari price in Abu Dhabi?
What should I wear on a desert safari in Abu Dhabi?
Are there toilets on the Abu Dhabi desert safari?
What time does the desert safari start and finish?
Pickup is usually 3:00 to 3:30 PM and you are back in the city around 10:00 to 10:30 PM. Timings follow sunset, so in December pickup moves earlier and in June it moves later.
Where does the desert safari take place?
At our own DCT-licensed camp in the Al Khatim desert, roughly 80 km east of Abu Dhabi city along the E22 Abu Dhabi to Al Ain highway, about a 50 to 60 minute drive. The Al Khatim ridges rise over 100 metres, which is considerably taller than the roadside dunes some operators use, and there is far less traffic on the sand.
How do I book?
Message us on WhatsApp with your date and group size. We reply with the exact total, no deposit and no booking fee, and you pay at the camp on the day. Free cancellation applies up to 12 hours before.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes on the AED 100 shared pickup, the AED 599 private car and the AED 800 Land Cruiser, covering the whole city including the Corniche, Al Maryah, Al Reem, Downtown, Khalifa City, Mussafah, Yas Island, Saadiyat, Shabiya and the airport. The AED 50 package departs from Al Wahda Mall or Mazyad Mall, and AED 35 is self-drive using a GPS pin we send you.
Do I need a 4x4 for the self-drive option?
No. You drive on tarmac to a meeting point, so any standard car or rental reaches it comfortably. Our team takes over there in a proper 4x4 for the dune bashing.
How long is the dune bashing?
Around 40 to 45 minutes with short breaks. Tyres are deflated to roughly 15 psi first so they float on the sand. Intensity is adjustable at any point — tell your driver you want it gentle and it becomes a scenic drive.
Can I do the safari without dune bashing?
Yes. Book self-drive and come straight to the camp, or ask for a direct transfer on a private car. You still get the sunset, camel ride, sandboarding, dinner and every show.
What food is served at the camp?
A full BBQ buffet: salads and mezze including fattoush, hummus and Arabic bread; rice dishes, dal, pasta and mixed vegetable sabzi; chicken tikka, shish taouk, lamb seekh kebab and fish from the grill; Om Ali and fresh fruit. All 100% halal with unlimited soft drinks, water, Arabic coffee and tea.
Are vegetarian and special diets catered for?
Vegetarian options are always available and the whole buffet is halal. Vegan, Jain, gluten-free and allergy requirements can be accommodated with advance notice.
Is alcohol available?
No. Alcohol is not served or permitted at our camp. Unlimited soft drinks, water, Arabic coffee and tea are included, and shisha is available at the camp.
What should I wear?
Loose, light-coloured clothing covering shoulders and knees, and closed shoes you do not mind filling with sand. From October to April bring a jacket — camp temperatures drop to 13 to 22 degrees after sunset.
Is the safari suitable for children?
Yes, from about age three. Ask for gentle dune bashing when you book, bring closed shoes and a spare set of clothes, and pack a warm layer from November to March.
Can I add quad biking or a buggy?
Yes. Quad bikes are AED 100 single seater and AED 150 double, the Can-Am buggy is from AED 800 for 30 minutes, VIP majlis seating is +AED 50 per person, the falcon photo is AED 10–30 and professional photography starts at AED 50. Nothing is required and nothing is upsold under pressure at the camp.
What is the best time of year for a desert safari?
November to March gives the most comfortable conditions. October and April are excellent value. From May to September the morning safari is more comfortable than the evening one.
Is there a morning safari option?
Yes. The morning safari is a private premium product at AED 799 per car for up to 7 guests and does not include dinner or the live shows.
What happens if it rains?
Abu Dhabi averages fewer than ten rainy days a year, almost all December to March. Light rain does not stop the safari. If heavy rain would genuinely spoil the experience we move your date at no cost.
Are there toilets at the camp?
Yes. Clean, separate washrooms for men and women, plus a prayer space, lighting and seating for every guest.
Sunrise & Morning Desert Safari in Abu Dhabi
If you prefer cooler air and soft golden light, a sunrise or morning desert safari from Abu Dhabi is the perfect choice. You will drive out to the Al Khatim dunes early, enjoy dune bashing before the heat of the day, try sandboarding down the slopes and take a short camel ride, then watch the sun climb over some of the tallest dunes near Abu Dhabi. Morning tours are ideal for families with young children, photographers and anyone with an evening flight.
Overnight Desert Safari & Desert Camping
For the full desert experience, our overnight desert safari lets you stay in the Al Khatim desert after the evening crowd leaves. Enjoy the BBQ dinner and live shows, then sleep under a sky dark enough to see the Milky Way, and wake to a quiet desert sunrise. It is one of the most memorable ways to experience the Abu Dhabi desert, and a favourite for couples and groups celebrating something special.
Camel Trek & Camel Ride in the Abu Dhabi Desert
A camel ride is included on every evening safari, but you can also book a longer camel trek across the Al Khatim dunes. Riding the "ship of the desert" at a gentle pace, the way the Bedouin have crossed these sands for centuries, is a calm, authentic contrast to the thrill of dune bashing, and a wonderful photo opportunity at golden hour.
Sandboarding & Dune Buggy Adventures
Thrill seekers can add sandboarding down the mega-dunes or a self-drive dune buggy and quad bike session to any Abu Dhabi desert safari. The Al Khatim dunes rise well over 100 metres, giving longer, faster runs than the smaller tourist dunes, all supervised by our trained desert marshals with safety equipment provided.
Who Should Book an Abu Dhabi Desert Safari?
An Abu Dhabi desert safari suits almost everyone. Families love the gentle camel rides, sandboarding and the kid-friendly camp; couples choose our private car or overnight safari for a romantic evening under the stars; thrill seekers go for intense dune bashing, the dune buggy and quad bikes; and first-time visitors get an authentic taste of Emirati culture with live shows, henna and Arabic coffee. Seniors and those who prefer a calmer pace can request a gentle dune ride — just tell us when you book on WhatsApp and we will tailor the evening to your group.
Best Time for an Abu Dhabi Desert Safari
The best time for a desert safari in Abu Dhabi is from October to April, when daytime temperatures are pleasant and evenings in the desert are cool and comfortable. This is peak season, so the Al Khatim dunes and camp are at their best for dune bashing, photography and dinner under the stars. Safaris still run through the summer months, when mornings and evenings are the most comfortable times and prices can be even better. Whatever month you visit, sunset is the most beautiful time to be on the dunes, so we recommend the evening safari for most guests.
The Al Khatim Desert — Landscape, Heritage & Wildlife
Our camp sits about 80 km from Abu Dhabi city, at the edge of the great Arabian Desert as it rolls south toward the Rub al Khali, the Empty Quarter. This is the ancestral land of the Bani Yas, the desert people from whom Abu Dhabi's ruling family descends. Away from the city glow you may spot desert wildlife such as the Arabian oryx, sand gazelle and desert fox, and at night the sky is dark enough to see the Milky Way with the naked eye. It is this landscape and heritage that make an Abu Dhabi desert safari at Al Khatim feel genuinely different.
How to Get to the Al Khatim Desert from Abu Dhabi
Our desert camp is located in the Al Khatim desert, roughly 80 km east of Abu Dhabi city along the Abu Dhabi to Al Ain highway (E22). If you choose the self-drive option, we send you an exact pin location on WhatsApp and the drive takes about one hour from central Abu Dhabi — any normal car can reach the meeting point, where our team takes over for the dune bashing in a 4x4. If you prefer not to drive, choose our shared bus from AED 50 or private 4x4 hotel pickup from AED 100, and we collect you directly from your hotel or home anywhere in Abu Dhabi city. Pickup points cover all major areas including the Corniche, Al Maryah Island, Yas Island, Saadiyat, Khalifa City and the airport road.
Self-Drive vs Shared Bus vs Hotel Pickup — Which Should You Choose?
All three options enjoy exactly the same safari, dune bashing, camp experience, live shows and BBQ dinner — the only difference is how you reach the Al Khatim camp. Self-drive from AED 35 is the cheapest and most flexible if you have a car and are comfortable following a pin. The shared bus from AED 50 is ideal for solo travellers and couples who want a hassle-free ride and to meet other guests. Private 4x4 hotel pickup from AED 100 is the most comfortable, with door-to-door service and no navigation needed — the best choice for families, larger groups and first-time visitors to Abu Dhabi. Whichever you pick, the price we quote on WhatsApp is the price you pay, with no booking fees and no deposit.
Things to Do on an Abu Dhabi Desert Safari — Every Activity Explained
Dune Bashing & Off-Road: Dune bashing is the heart of every safari — a thrilling 4x4 Land Cruiser session over the crests and valleys of the Al Khatim mega-dunes, which rise well over 100 metres. For an extra adrenaline hit you can add a Hummer desert safari, a self-drive dune buggy, or quad bike rental to any package.
Camel Ride & Camel Trek: Every evening safari includes a short camel ride, and you can upgrade to a longer sunset camel trek across the dunes — the same way the Bedouin have crossed these sands for centuries.
Sandboarding & Sand Surfing: Strap onto a board and slide down the steep face of a desert dune — no snow required. Sandboarding (or sand surfing) is free with every evening safari and popular with all ages.
Cultural Experiences: At camp you will enjoy henna painting for the ladies, traditional Arabic coffee (qahwa) and dates in a majlis seating area, and around eight live shows including the LED Tanoura, a fire show and belly dance. Falcon photography and professional photography are available as add-ons, connecting you to the UAE's living Emirati heritage.
Stargazing & Private Dune Dinner: Away from the city glow, the Al Khatim sky is dark enough to see the Milky Way. For couples, a private dune dinner can be arranged with candlelit table-side service, VIP majlis seating and shisha.
Liwa Desert Safari & the Empty Quarter
For adventurers who want to go deeper, we also arrange the Liwa Desert Safari — a journey into the Rub al Khali, the Empty Quarter, the largest continuous sand desert on earth, around 220 km southwest of Abu Dhabi city. Liwa's famous Moreeb Dune rises over 300 metres, one of the tallest dunes in the world. A Liwa overnight safari includes camping near the Qasr Al Sarab dunes, camel racing and full-day dune exploration — the ultimate desert experience for serious explorers.
What Happens After You Book Your Desert Safari
Step 1 — Message us on WhatsApp: Tell us your date, number of guests and preferred package (self-drive from AED 35, shared bus from AED 50, hotel pickup from AED 100, or private car from AED 599). We confirm availability in minutes.
Step 2 — Instant confirmation, no deposit: You get an instant booking confirmation on WhatsApp with no booking fees and no deposit. You pay on the day, after you arrive.
Step 3 — Pickup details on the day: On your safari day we send your pickup time and driver details, or the exact camp pin if you are self-driving.
Step 4 — Enjoy your safari: Your certified desert marshal takes over for the dune bashing, and your evening at the Al Khatim camp begins — dinner, shows and the desert night await.
Abu Dhabi City Tours & Combo Experiences
Beyond the desert, we also arrange Abu Dhabi city tours taking in the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Corniche, Yas Island, Saadiyat Island and the Louvre Abu Dhabi, plus day trips to Al Ain and Dubai. Ask us on WhatsApp about combining a desert safari with a city tour for the best value on your Abu Dhabi trip.
Do You Have a Physical Office in Abu Dhabi?
Yes. Royal Arabian Safari Tourism LLC is a registered Abu Dhabi company with an office at Al Sila Tower, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi. As a DCT Abu Dhabi licensed operator running our own Al Khatim desert camp, we offer the accountability of a real local company alongside instant WhatsApp booking on +971 58 228 2683, with pickups available from all Abu Dhabi hotels, residences and Abu Dhabi International Airport.
Explore Every Abu Dhabi Desert Safari
Discover our full range of desert safari Abu Dhabi experiences — from the golden dunes of the Al Khatim Desert to Liwa, sunrise drives, quad biking and overnight camps. Every Abu Dhabi desert safari below is bookable direct at the best guaranteed price.
Book this tour
No deposit and no card details. Message us and we confirm the plan and the exact price before you commit — answered at any hour.
- Send your date and guest countYour date, how many of you, and where we collect from. That is all we need.
- We send the plan and the pricePer car, not per person. You see the route, the timings and the exact figure first.
- Pay the driver on the dayCash or card, after the run. Free cancellation up to 12 hours before pickup.
Answered 24 hours · No deposit · No booking fee · Licensed operator