Abu Dhabi: Sunrise Desert Safari with Camel Ride & Coffee

Summary

Desert sunrise, Arabic coffee on dunes, gentle camel ride near Abu Dhabi

You’ll slip out of Abu Dhabi before dawn, watch golden light spill across silent dunes, sip strong Arabic coffee on woven carpets, and try a gentle camel ride as morning arrives. With hotel pickup and local guides taking care of everything, you’ll have space to breathe in desert air and let your mind wander.

What’s the experience like?

I was already half awake when the van rolled out of Abu Dhabi — you know that weird hour when the city is still dark but you can feel the day starting? Our driver, Khalid, had this quiet energy and played old songs softly. It felt almost secret, heading out while everyone else was asleep. The desert didn’t look like much at first, just darkness and a bit of wind through the cracked window. But then we stopped somewhere in the middle of nowhere (I think Khalid called it Al Khatim) and suddenly it was just us and these endless sand dunes. I could smell cardamom before I even saw the little setup — carpets spread out right on top of a dune, steam rising from tiny cups. One of the guides handed me sweet dates and poured thick Arabic coffee that tasted almost smoky. I tried to say “shukran” properly but probably messed it up — he just smiled.

It got cold fast, colder than I expected actually, so I wrapped my jacket tighter and sat cross-legged on the carpet. The sunrise wasn’t dramatic — more like this slow gold light creeping over everything, making all the footprints in the sand glow orange for a minute. Everyone went quiet for a bit (even the kids), except for one guy who kept snapping photos every few seconds. There was this calm — not silence exactly, because you could hear someone laughing softly or a kettle clinking — but something peaceful that stuck with me longer than any picture would’ve. When they brought out more tea and water, I just kept sipping because honestly my hands were freezing.

The camel ride was short but honestly kind of funny. Camels are taller than they look up close; mine made this deep grumbling sound when I climbed on (I laughed nervously). We didn’t go far — just enough to see more dunes rolling away into nothingness before looping back to where Khalid waited with the van. My shoes filled with sand but I didn’t care; it felt good to walk barefoot for a second after climbing down. On the way back to Abu Dhabi, everyone was quieter than before — maybe tired or maybe just thinking about that first light over the desert. I still think about how simple it all felt.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sunrise desert safari and camel ride

• Travel to desert from Abu Dhabi
• Watch sunrise over desert dunes
• Enjoy Arabic tea, coffee, and dates
• Take short camel ride
• Return to Abu Dhabi city

Top questions

What time does the Abu Dhabi sunrise desert safari start?

The tour starts early in the morning before dawn to catch sunrise over the dunes.

Is hotel pickup included in this sunrise desert safari?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in both sharing or private options.

Do you get Arabic coffee during the tour?

Yes, Arabic tea, coffee, dates, soft drinks, and water are served on carpets in the dunes.

How long is the camel ride on this safari?

The camel ride is short—just enough for photos and a quick loop near camp.

Is this tour suitable for young children?

No, it’s not recommended for children aged 3 and under due to safety reasons.

What should I wear for an Abu Dhabi sunrise desert safari?

Wear comfortable clothing with closed-toed shoes and trousers; bring warm layers during winter months.

Are specialized infant seats available?

Yes, specialized infant seats are available upon request for those who need them.

Does this tour require physical fitness?

A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended due to walking on sand dunes.

What’s included

Your morning includes hotel pickup from Abu Dhabi (with sharing or private options), round-trip transportation into the desert, Arabic tea and coffee served with dates right on top of a dune as you watch sunrise, plenty of water and soft drinks to keep you comfortable, plus a short camel ride before heading back into town together.