Abu Dhabi Desert Safari: Morning Dune Bashing & Camel Ride

Summary

Morning desert adventure with sandboarding camels & laughter

You’ll wake up early for a real taste of Abu Dhabi’s desert: dune bashing with a local driver, sliding down sandboards (or tumbling!), then meeting gentle camels before heading back to your hotel. Expect laughter, new textures underfoot, and moments of quiet you might not expect so close to the city.

What’s the experience like?

I forgot my sunglasses in the hotel lobby, which seemed like a small thing until we hit those first golden dunes outside Abu Dhabi. The sun was already sharp at 8am, bouncing off endless sand — our driver Khalid just grinned and handed me his spare pair (they were a bit scratched, but honestly, I was grateful). The drive out was quieter than I expected, everyone half-awake, but as soon as the 4x4 started climbing those dunes, it felt like waking up twice. There’s this moment when you’re halfway up a slope and gravity pulls at your stomach — it’s not scary exactly, just… wild. Someone in the back actually squealed. Not naming names.

Khalid knew every dip and curve — he grew up around here, he said, and pointed out where his cousins sometimes race their old trucks. When we stopped for photos, the silence hit me: no city noise at all, just wind moving over the sand and that faint mineral smell you get in dry places. Sandboarding looked easy when Khalid showed us (it wasn’t), but falling didn’t hurt much. Sand gets everywhere though; I’m still finding grains in my shoes. We laughed a lot — especially when I tried to pronounce “sabkha” (salt flat) and totally failed.

The camel ride at the end was shorter than I’d imagined but somehow perfect after all that adrenaline. The camels blinked slowly at us like they’d seen it all before (they probably have). Heading back to Abu Dhabi with sand stuck to my elbows and Khalid humming quietly up front — I don’t know, it felt good to have done something so simple and physical before most people had even finished breakfast. I still think about that view from the top of the tallest dune — sky so wide it made my phone camera feel useless.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Morning desert safari with activities

• Hotel pick-up in the morning
• Drive 45 minutes to desert
• Dune bashing in 4x4 vehicle
• Try sandboarding on dunes
• Take photos in the desert
• Enjoy a short camel ride
• Return to pick-up point

Top questions

How long does the Abu Dhabi morning desert safari last?

The tour lasts about 4 hours including pickup and drop-off.

Is hotel pickup included for this morning desert safari?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from your selected Abu Dhabi hotel or location is included.

Can I try sandboarding during this safari?

Yes, sandboarding is included along with instructions from your guide.

Are there any health restrictions for dune bashing?

Dune bashing isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with heart or back problems.

What should I wear for sandboarding in Abu Dhabi?

Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on sand and secure clothing for active movement.

Is water provided during the tour?

Yes, mineral water is included throughout the trip.

Are children allowed on this desert safari?

Dune bashing isn’t allowed for infants under 3 years old due to safety reasons.

How far is the desert from central Abu Dhabi?

The drive takes about 45 minutes from central Abu Dhabi hotels to reach the desert area.

What’s included

Your morning includes air-conditioned 4x4 transport with pickup and drop-off at your chosen hotel or location in Abu Dhabi city center or cruise port. You’ll get guided dune bashing (about 30-40 minutes), time to try sandboarding with help if needed, a short camel ride near Etihad Towers area, plus bottled mineral water along the way before returning by midday.