Abu Dhabi & Dubai Desert Safari: 2-Day City & Dunes

Two Days, Two Sides of the UAE: Abu Dhabi's Landmarks and a Desert Night

You spend day one moving through Abu Dhabi's main sights (the Grand Mosque, palaces, temples, and markets), then return to Dubai. Day two is the desert: dune bashing, camel rides, and a BBQ dinner with live entertainment under the stars. Hotel pickup and drop-off both days mean you're not managing logistics yourself, and the 2-day pace keeps you from feeling rushed through either experience.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Abu Dhabi City Tour

• Pick up from Dubai hotel
• Visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
• Photo stop at Abu Dhabi Corniche
• Drive past Emirates and Presidential Palaces
• Photo stop at Dates Market
• Visit BAPS Hindu Mandir
• Photo stop at Ferrari World
• Return to Dubai hotel

Day 2: Dubai Desert Safari

• Pick up from Dubai hotel
• Travel to Al Madam Desert
• Dune bashing and desert drive
• Arrive at Bedouin desert camp
• Camel riding, shisha, henna painting
• Enjoy BBQ dinner and live shows
• Return to Dubai hotel

The experience

You're wondering if you can really fit both the culture and the adrenaline into one trip. Day one takes you to Abu Dhabi: a 9-hour drive from Dubai that covers the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (one of the world's largest, with white marble domes that catch the light in a way photos don't quite capture), the Corniche waterfront, Emirates Palace, the BAPS Hindu Mandir, and a stop at the Dates Market where you can see what locals actually buy. The drive back to Dubai takes about 90 minutes depending on traffic. You're not rushing. You're seeing the city at a pace that lets things sink in.

Day two flips the script entirely. You leave your hotel in the afternoon and head to the Al Madam Desert, roughly an hour's drive, where the real Dubai Desert Safari begins. Dune bashing comes first: the vehicle drops into the red sand, and you're holding on as the driver navigates the slopes. After that, a traditional Bedouin camp about 45 minutes deeper in. This is where the evening happens: camel rides, henna painting, shisha if you want it, and then a BBQ dinner under the sky. The live shows (belly dance, Tanoura, fire performance) run while you eat. It's 6 to 7 hours total, and you're back at your hotel after dark.

Both days include hotel pickup and drop-off on a sharing basis, so you're not arranging transport or timing yourself. The only thing to remember: wear modest clothing for the mosque (arms and legs covered, scarf for women). During Ramadan and official public holidays, the evening entertainment and alcohol don't happen. The government guidelines are clear on that. If you're traveling then, you'll still get the camp experience and dinner, just without the shows.

What’s included

Your two days include hotel pickup and drop-off on a sharing basis, a comprehensive Abu Dhabi city tour with stops at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi Corniche, Emirates Palace, BAPS Hindu Mandir, Dates Market, and Ferrari World, plus the full Dubai Desert Safari with dune bashing, camel rides, henna painting, shisha, and a BBQ dinner with live entertainment (belly dance, Tanoura dance, and fire show). Soft drinks and water are provided during the safari.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00 and 15:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (11 to 75 years) · Child (3 to 10 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 100

Live guideEnglish, Hindi and Urdu

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Saifco Travel and Tourism

Is this one for you?Book this if you want both Abu Dhabi's cultural landmarks and a desert evening in one trip without arranging separate tours, transport, or timing. The fixed itinerary handles all three, and the 2-day structure gives each experience room to breathe.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Hindi and Urdu.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 10 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long is the drive from Dubai to Abu Dhabi?

Approximately 90 minutes each way, depending on traffic. The return journey is included in the tour.

What's included in the desert safari part?

Dune bashing, camel rides, henna painting, shisha, BBQ dinner with soft drinks and water, and live entertainment (belly dance, Tanoura, fire show). Pickup from your Dubai hotel is included.

Do I need to dress a certain way for the mosque?

Yes. Arms and legs should be covered, and women need a scarf to cover their hair. Modest dress is recommended throughout Abu Dhabi.

What time does the desert safari start?

It starts in the afternoon and lasts 6 to 7 hours. Hotel pickup coordination takes up to 30 minutes.

Is alcohol served during the BBQ dinner?

Complimentary soft drinks and water are included. During Ramadan and official public holidays, alcohol is not served per government guidelines.

Can I bring my passport to the BAPS Hindu Mandir?

You'll need to carry your passport or Emirates ID to enter the temple.

What happens if I'm staying outside the main pickup zone?

You can meet the tour at a designated pickup point, or upgrade to a private transfer from your hotel.