Abu Dhabi Desert Safari Half-Day: Dunes, Camel Ride & Dinner

Dune driving, camel farm visit, sand boarding, dinner under the stars, and four live shows in one evening

A half-day desert safari in Abu Dhabi combines 4x4 dune driving through the Al Khatim Desert with camel riding, sand boarding, and an evening of Bedouin-style hospitality. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included. The experience runs roughly five hours and ends between 9 and 9:30 p.m. A minimum of two people per booking is required, and the tour is not available during Ramadan or New Year's Eve.

Step-by-step itinerary

Abu Dhabi Desert Safari Adventure

• Pickup from hotel in 4x4 vehicle
• Drive to Al Khatim Desert
• 4x4 dune bashing ride
• Visit camel farm and ride camel
• Enjoy welcoming drinks and dates
• Try sand boarding and meet animals
• Watch Tanoura, belly, fire, camel shows
• Experience shisha, henna, and dress photo
• Dinner buffet with soft drinks
• Drop off at hotel by 9:30 PM

The experience

The safari starts with pickup from your Abu Dhabi hotel in a 4x4 vehicle, then heads out of the city toward the Al Khatim Desert. Professional drivers take the vehicle over sand dunes at varying speeds. The dune drive itself is usually the highlight, with the sensation of an off-road rollercoaster. You'll stop at a camel farm to ride a camel and interact with other animals, then move into sand boarding on the dunes.

As evening falls, the tour shifts to the camp setting. Welcoming drinks arrive first (water, coffee, tea and dates) followed by a henna tattoo, an Arabic dress souvenir photo opportunity, and a shisha (Arabic water pipe) session. Four live performances unfold: Tanoura dance, belly dancing, a fire show, and a camel show on the hill. A dinner buffet with soft drinks and vegetarian and non-vegetarian options closes the evening, with drop-off back at your hotel between 9 and 9:30 p.m.

An English-speaking guide leads the entire experience. Quad biking is available as an add-on at checkout if you want to extend the adventure portion of the day.

What’s included

• Hotel or cruise terminal pickup and drop-off.
• 4x4 dune drive through the Al Khatim Desert.
• camel farm visit and camel ride.
• sand boarding.
• welcome drinks (water, coffee, tea, dates).
• henna tattoo and Arabic dress souvenir photo.
• shisha session.
• four live shows (Tanoura dance, belly dancing, fire show, camel show).
• dinner buffet with soft drinks and vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.
• English-speaking guide throughout.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (13 to 70 years) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 50

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 5 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Good to know

Physically demandingNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Capital Gate Tourism

Is this one for you?Hotel pickup means you don't need a car or directions to the desert. The driver collects you and handles the entire route, which matters if you're staying in the city center or arriving without a rental.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What's the dune driving actually like on this safari?

Professional drivers take the 4x4 over sand dunes at varying speeds, creating an off-road rollercoaster sensation that most travelers describe as the highlight of the experience.

Do I get to ride a camel, or just see them?

You visit the camel farm and ride a camel as part of the tour, plus interact with other animals on site.

What time does the tour end and how do I get back to my hotel?

Drop-off happens between 9 and 9:30 p.m., and your hotel return is included in the booking. The driver brings you back after dinner and the evening shows.

What's included for dinner?

A sumptuous dinner buffet with soft drinks is served at the camp, with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available.

Is alcohol served on this tour?

Alcohol is not available on this safari. The welcome drinks and dinner beverages are non-alcoholic.

What happens if I'm visiting during Ramadan?

The tour is not available during Ramadan or on New Year's Eve (December 31) due to UAE law restrictions on entertainment during Islamic holidays.