Abu Dhabi: Empty Quarter Desert Safari with Sunset Picnic

Summary

Rub Al Khali desert safari with sunset, camel farm & picnic

You’ll ride through Rub Al Khali’s endless dunes with a local guide, climb Tal Moreb dune (or try to), visit a camel farm, and share a picnic lunch near an oasis. As sunset colors spill across the sand, you’ll feel both small and oddly peaceful—something you might carry home long after.

What’s the experience like?

I still remember stepping out of the car and just standing there for a second — the sand in the Empty Quarter (Rub Al Khali) outside Abu Dhabi looked like it went on forever. Our guide, Khaled, grinned at us and said something about “no fences here,” which made me laugh because it really did feel like we’d landed on another planet. The wind was warm but not harsh, and I could smell the sand — kind of dry and clean, if that makes sense. We bumped along in the 4x4 for a while, stopping at Tal Moreb dune. I tried to climb a bit but ended up sliding down halfway; Khaled just shook his head and told me most people do that their first time.

We visited a camel farm after that. The camels were surprisingly chill — one of them kept sniffing my backpack (maybe hoping for snacks?). There was this moment where everything got quiet except for their soft grumbling noises and the wind moving over the dunes. Lunch was a picnic box under what little shade we could find near an oasis; nothing fancy, but eating out there made even a simple sandwich taste different. I didn’t expect to care about sandboarding but ended up giving it a try anyway — mostly fell over, but honestly, who cares? It was fun.

The main thing everyone talks about is the sunset in Rub Al Khali. I thought maybe it’d be overhyped but… yeah, no. The sky turned this weird mix of orange and purple that felt unreal. We all just sat there quietly for a while — even Khaled stopped talking — watching the light change on the dunes. I still think about that view sometimes when things get too noisy back home. If you’re looking for some kind of reset button or just want to see what “empty” really feels like, this day trip from Abu Dhabi is probably it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Empty Quarter Desert Sunset Safari

• Pickup at 10:30 AM
• Drive through Empty Quarter desert
• Visit camel farm and oasis
• Explore Tal Moreb dune
• Enjoy picnic lunch box
• Sand boarding (optional)
• Capture beautiful sunset
• Refresh with water and soft drinks

Top questions

How long does the Empty Quarter desert safari take?

The tour starts with pickup at 10:30 AM and lasts most of the day.

Is lunch included in this Abu Dhabi desert safari?

Yes, a picnic lunch box is provided during the tour.

Do you visit any camel farms on this tour?

Yes, there’s a stop at a local camel farm included in the itinerary.

Can I try sandboarding during this safari?

Sandboarding is available depending on guest interest and conditions.

Is hotel pickup included in this Empty Quarter safari?

Pickup is included; exact location details are provided after booking.

Are drinks provided during the tour?

Bottled water and soft drinks are available throughout the day.

Is this tour suitable for pregnant travelers or those with health issues?

No, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular problems.

What’s special about Tal Moreb dune on this trip?

You’ll get to explore one of the highest dunes in the world—Tal Moreb—during your visit.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your hotel in Abu Dhabi, all drives through Rub Al Khali with a local guide, entry to Tal Moreb dune and a camel farm visit, bottled water and soft drinks along the way, plus a simple picnic lunch near an oasis before heading back as evening falls.