2-Day Abu Dhabi City Tour & Dubai Desert Safari with BBQ

Summary

Abu Dhabi Landmarks & Dubai Desert Adventure: Full Experience

If you want both city sights and desert thrills in one go, this tour nails it—think grand mosques and local markets one day, then wild dunes and BBQ under desert stars the next.

What’s the experience like?

We left Dubai just after breakfast, coffee still in hand, and watched the city fade into the rearview as we headed south. The drive to Abu Dhabi took about two hours—long enough to notice how the landscape shifts from glass towers to dusty stretches and then, suddenly, green plantations popping up near the city’s edge. Our guide, Ahmed, pointed out Jebel Ali’s industrial zone as we passed; it’s not much to look at, but he joked that it’s the “engine room” of the UAE.

First stop: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Even if you’ve seen photos, nothing prepares you for the sheer scale—white marble everywhere, sunlight bouncing off the domes so bright I had to squint. Inside, I found myself tracing my fingers along cool marble railings and staring up at a chandelier bigger than my old apartment. Ahmed shared how the mosque blends Turkish, Moroccan, and Egyptian touches; I tried to spot them all but got distracted by the intricate gold calligraphy circling above us.

We wandered through Heritage Village next—a bit like stepping into a time capsule. There were artisans weaving baskets and blowing glass right in front of us; one let me try spinning some clay (my pot was lopsided but hey, it’s a souvenir). The little spice shop smelled incredible—cloves and dried lemons mostly—and I picked up some handmade soap for my sister.

Lunch was a quick bite near the Corniche. Locals lounged on picnic mats under palm trees while kids zipped by on bikes. There’s a salty breeze off the Gulf here that makes even midday heat bearable. We snapped photos of the city skyline from the breakwater—those high-rises really do look like something out of a sci-fi movie at night.

Before heading back to Dubai, we cruised past Yas Island—caught a glimpse of Ferrari World’s red roof and heard distant screams from Formula Rossa (no way was I getting on that roller coaster after lunch). Our last quick stop was Marina Mall; honestly, it’s huge, but I was more interested in people-watching over an iced karak chai at one of the cafés.

Day two was all about sand and sky. Our safari guide picked us up in a 4x4 just as the afternoon heat started to mellow. Out in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, we paused to let air out of the tires (apparently that’s key for dune bashing). The ride itself? Wild—like being on a roller coaster with no tracks. Sand everywhere, laughter bouncing around inside the car.

We stopped on top of a dune just as the sun started dipping low—orange light stretching across endless sand. I tried sandboarding (fell twice), then hopped onto a camel for a slow walk while someone played oud music nearby. The air smelled faintly smoky from grills already firing up for dinner.

Evening settled in at camp—BBQ dinner under string lights, plates piled high with kebabs and salads. There were live shows: belly dancing, tanoura spinning so fast my head spun too, and a fire show that left everyone silent for a second before clapping broke out. By the time we drove back to Dubai, sand still in my shoes and hair smelling like charcoal, I felt like I’d squeezed two totally different worlds into one trip.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Abu Dhabi City Tour

• Abu Dhabi City Tour sightseeing
• Visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
• Explore Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
• Enjoy Yas Waterworld waterpark
• Tour Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque details
• View Sheikh Zayed Road architecture
• Walk Abu Dhabi Corniche
• Shop and explore Marina Mall
• Visit Abu Dhabi Heritage Village
• See Emirates Palace Hotel
• Explore Abu Dhabi date market

Day 2 — Dubai Desert Safari

• Dubai Desert Safari tour
• 4x4 desert drive with guide
• Stop and quad bike ride option
• Camel ride and sand boarding
• Adventure drive on dunes
• Photo stop at highest dune
• High dunes roller coaster drive
• Sand boarding and desert views
• Belly and Tanoura dance show
• Enjoy desert dune views
• Adrenaline rush desert safari
• Return to Dubai hotel

Top questions

Is there a dress code for visiting Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque?

Yes—modest clothing is required. Arms and legs should be covered; women need to bring a scarf to cover their hair.

Are meals included during both days?

The BBQ dinner is included during the desert safari. Lunch in Abu Dhabi isn’t included but there are plenty of local spots near Corniche or Marina Mall.

Is this tour suitable for kids or older travelers?

It’s suitable for most ages and fitness levels. Infants need to sit on an adult’s lap during transfers; some activities like dune bashing can be bumpy.

Can I try quad biking during the desert safari?

Yes! Quad bikes are available at an extra charge when you reach the meeting point in the desert.

What about entertainment during Ramadan or public holidays?

During Ramadan or official holidays there won’t be live shows or alcohol served due to local regulations.

What’s included

Here’s what you get: full-day guided Abu Dhabi city tour (including Grand Mosque entry), Heritage Village visit, stops at Corniche and Marina Mall; afternoon-to-evening Dubai desert safari with dune bashing, camel rides, sandboarding, BBQ dinner with live performances (except during Ramadan/holidays); pick-up and drop-off from your Dubai hotel; friendly local guides throughout.