Abu Dhabi Desert Safari: Morning Dune Bashing & Camel Ride

Summary

Morning desert adventure with camels sand boarding & local stories

You’ll ride out from Abu Dhabi into golden morning dunes for dune bashing thrills, meet camels up close at a local farm, try your luck at sand boarding, and snap photos with a real falcon. With pickup included and cold drinks waiting in camp, you’ll have time to soak in desert silence before heading back—maybe still grinning from that last wild ride.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the way the sunlight hit the sand — not harsh, but kind of golden and soft, like someone dimmed the world just enough to make it feel secret. Our driver, Khaled, picked us up right on time from our hotel in Abu Dhabi (I was still half-asleep and clutching my coffee). The city faded away fast; after maybe an hour, those glass towers were just a memory and suddenly it was all open desert. The car windows rattled when we hit the dunes — honestly, I laughed out loud the first time we tilted sideways. It’s louder than you’d expect inside the 4x4, tires squeaking on sand. Khaled grinned at us in the mirror and said something about “rollercoaster style.” He wasn’t kidding.

We stopped at a camel farm that smelled earthy and warm — not unpleasant, just different. One camel stared me down for ages while I tried to get a photo (I think he won). At the camp, there was this quiet moment where everyone just stood around sipping cold water and squinting at the endless dunes. Then someone handed me a falcon for a photo — its feathers felt softer than I thought they’d be, but its eyes were wild. Sand boarding looked easy until you actually tried it; I wiped out twice before managing to stay upright for five seconds. Khaled clapped and said “champion!” which made me laugh because he definitely saw my face when I fell.

Camel riding was bumpier than I expected — there’s a weird rhythm to it that you sort of have to surrender to or else you’ll overthink every step. My friend Li tried saying “thank you” in Arabic to our guide and completely butchered it; everyone cracked up (including the guide). The sun kept climbing higher but somehow it didn’t feel too hot yet — maybe because we were all distracted by everything happening around us. I still think about that view from the top of one dune: empty except for our little group and some distant tire tracks winding away.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Morning desert safari and activities

• Pickup from Abu Dhabi location
• Drive 60 minutes to desert
• Dune bashing with photo stops
• Visit camel farm
• Camel riding and sand boarding
• Photos with falcon
• Enjoy soft drinks and water
• Return to pickup location by noon

Top questions

How long does the morning desert safari from Abu Dhabi last?

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

Is hotel pickup included in this Abu Dhabi desert safari?

Yes, pickup is included from Abu Dhabi hotels, cruise terminals, or private residences.

What activities are included on this morning desert safari?

Dune bashing, camel farm visit, camel riding, sand boarding, and photos with a falcon are all included.

Are drinks provided during the tour?

Yes, soft drinks and water are provided during your time at camp.

Can infants join this Abu Dhabi desert safari?

Infants can join but must sit on an adult’s lap; infant seats are available for an extra charge.

What time does the tour start and end?

The tour starts at 8:00 am with drop-off around 12:00 pm.

Is this morning desert safari suitable for people with low fitness?

A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended for this tour.

How far is Al Khazna desert from Abu Dhabi city?

The drive takes about 60 minutes from central Abu Dhabi to Al Khazna desert.

What’s included

Your morning includes pickup by 4x4 from your hotel or residence in Abu Dhabi (or cruise terminal), a drive out to Al Khazna desert for dune bashing with photo stops at a camel farm along the way. At camp you’ll try camel riding, sand boarding on the dunes if you want (it’s harder than it looks!), snap photos holding a falcon, and enjoy cold soft drinks or water before heading back around midday.