Abu Dhabi: Morning Dune Drive, Camel Ride & Sandboarding

Summary

Morning desert adventure from Abu Dhabi with camel rides dune bashing and sandboarding

You’ll cross from city to desert in under an hour, try wild dune bashing with a local guide, meet camels up close, and try your luck at sandboarding after sharing coffee and dates in a Bedouin-style camp. Expect laughter, some spills on the dunes, and a few quiet moments you might not expect out there.

What’s the experience like?

It started with our driver, Khalid, waving at us in the hotel lobby — he had this easy smile that made me feel less nervous about heading out to the Al Khatim desert before breakfast. The city faded behind us in about 45 minutes, replaced by endless sand that looked almost pink in the early light. I remember rolling down the window just to catch that dry, warm scent — like sun-baked stone and something sweet I couldn’t quite name. Khalid joked about “desert perfume” and handed us bottles of water before we hit the dunes.

I thought I’d be cool during the dune bashing part but honestly, I laughed so hard I nearly dropped my phone. The 4x4 lurched up these steep sandy hills then slid down sideways — it’s louder than you think inside the car, everyone shouting and holding onto whatever they could grab. We stopped at a camel farm for a bit (the camels looked unimpressed by us), and Khalid explained how Bedouins used to travel these same routes long before any roads cut through here. I tried saying thank you in Arabic — he grinned but didn’t correct me.

The camp itself was simple: low cushions, a pot of strong coffee bubbling on hot coals, dates piled on a plate. There was this moment when everything got quiet except for someone pouring tea nearby — I still think about that silence sometimes. The camel ride was short but weirdly calming after all the bouncing around; their gait is gentle if you let yourself go with it. Sandboarding was trickier than it looks on Instagram (I fell twice), but nobody cared — one of the guides clapped for me anyway. After that we just sat around sipping tea until it was time to head back into Abu Dhabi traffic again. The sand stuck in my shoes for days.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Morning desert safari activities

• Pick up from Abu Dhabi hotels
• Drive to Al Khatim Desert
• Dune bashing in 4x4 vehicle
• Visit camel farm
• Arrive at desert camp for refreshments
• Short camel ride
• Sandboarding on dunes
• Leave desert camp
• Drop off at hotel

Top questions

How long does the Abu Dhabi morning dune drive last?

The tour lasts approximately 4 hours including transfers from Abu Dhabi city hotels or malls.

Is hotel pickup included for this morning desert safari?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off within Abu Dhabi city limits are included.

What activities are part of this morning desert tour?

The tour includes dune bashing in a 4WD vehicle, a short camel ride, sandboarding, and refreshments at a desert camp.

Are refreshments provided during the trip?

Yes, Arabic tea, coffee, dates, soft drinks and mineral water are served at the camp.

Is this tour suitable for pregnant travelers or people with back problems?

No, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries or heart conditions.

How far is Al Khatim Desert from Abu Dhabi city?

The drive to Al Khatim Desert takes about 45 minutes from central Abu Dhabi.

Are children allowed on this tour?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels; specialized infant seats are available upon request.

What’s included

Your morning includes pickup from any hotel or mall within Abu Dhabi city limits, a drive out to Al Khatim Desert for dune bashing in a 4WD vehicle with an experienced driver, stops at a camel farm and Bedouin-style camp where you’ll get Arabic tea, coffee and dates (plus soft drinks), plus time to try both camel riding and sandboarding before returning to your hotel later that morning.