Abu Dhabi: Desert Safari 4x4, Camel Ride & Sandboarding

Summary

Evening desert safari from Abu Dhabi with camel ride and sandboarding

You’ll feel the rush of dune bashing across Abu Dhabi’s Al Khatim Desert, meet camels up close at a local farm, try your luck at sandboarding, and relax in a traditional camp with tea and snacks. This day trip includes hotel pickup so you don’t have to worry about logistics — just soak up that desert silence when it finally hits you.

What’s the experience like?

I woke up to the sound of my phone buzzing — our ride was already waiting outside the hotel. We piled into the 4x4, still a little groggy, and set off from Abu Dhabi toward the Al Khatim Desert. The city faded away pretty quickly, replaced by this endless stretch of golden sand. The air inside the car was filled with nervous laughter (mostly mine) because I’d heard stories about dune bashing but hadn’t really pictured what it felt like. Turns out: it’s like being on a rollercoaster where the tracks are made of soft sand and you can see forever in every direction. Our guide, Ahmed, grinned in the rearview mirror every time we squealed over a steep drop.

We stopped at a camel farm — I could smell hay before I saw anything. The camels themselves were way bigger up close than I expected, and their eyelashes are kind of beautiful? Ahmed showed us how to approach them without spooking them (he said they’re “moody but polite,” which made me laugh). I tried to feed one but mostly just got slobber on my palm. After that we headed to this camp tucked behind some dunes; there were carpets laid out everywhere and tea brewing somewhere nearby. It smelled sweet and earthy, mixed with that dry desert air.

I gave sandboarding a shot — not gracefully, but nobody seemed to mind except maybe my pride. There was time for photos in these wild traditional outfits (I looked slightly ridiculous but went with it), then we all sat down for coffee while Ahmed told stories about growing up near here. I still think about the light just before sunset — everything glowed orange and even the quiet felt different out there. We lingered longer than planned because none of us wanted to get back in the car just yet.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Morning desert safari with activities

• Pickup from Abu Dhabi hotel
• Drive one hour to Al Khatim Desert
• Enjoy dune bashing for one hour
• Visit camel farm and feed camels
• Take photos at camel farm
• Visit traditional camp for camel ride
• Try sandboarding at the camp
• Wear traditional dresses for photos
• Ride quad bike for 30 minutes
• Return to pickup point

Top questions

How long does the Abu Dhabi desert safari last?

The tour lasts around 6 hours including travel time from Abu Dhabi to Al Khatim Desert and back.

Is hotel pickup included in this desert safari?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from your hotel in Abu Dhabi are included.

Do you get to ride camels during this tour?

You’ll have a short camel ride for the experience at both the camel farm and camp.

Can you try sandboarding on this tour?

Yes, sandboarding is included as part of your visit to the desert camp.

Are drinks or food provided during the safari?

Bottled water is included along with coffee or tea at the camp; BBQ dinner may be available depending on option chosen.

Is quad biking part of this Abu Dhabi safari?

A 30-minute quad bike ride is included for each participant at the traditional camp.

Are there any health restrictions for joining?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular conditions.

What should I wear for an Abu Dhabi desert safari?

Wear comfortable clothes suitable for warm weather; traditional dress is available at camp for photos if you want.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in a 4x4 vehicle from Abu Dhabi, bottled water throughout the trip, dune bashing through Al Khatim Desert sands, stops at a camel farm with chances to feed and ride camels briefly, time for sandboarding at camp, plus coffee or tea served on carpets under open sky before heading back home again.