Desert Safari Abu Dhabi: Dune Bashing, Camel Ride & Sand Boarding
Dune bashing and camel riding in one afternoon, ending at a Bedouin camp with activities and sunset views.
A desert safari from Abu Dhabi combines dune bashing in a 4x4 vehicle with activities at a Bedouin camp: camel riding, sand boarding, henna tattooing, and photos with a falcon in traditional Arabic clothing. The guide picks you up from your location, drives to Al Khatim desert about an hour away, stops at a camel farm and scenic photo spot, then takes you to the camp for the evening activities before returning you to your starting point.
Step-by-step itinerary
Desert safari with activities and sunset
- Pickup from your location
- Drive to Al Khatim desert
- Visit camel farm
- Dune bashing ride
- Stop for desert photos
- Drive to Bedouin camp
- Welcome with tea, coffee, and dates
- Enjoy camel riding and sand boarding
- Get henna tattoo and dress in traditional clothing
- Take photos with falcon
- Drop off at your location
What’s included
- Certified English-speaking guide and driver.
- hotel or location pickup and return drop-off.
- bottled water, soft drinks, tea, Arabic coffee and dates.
- camel ride, sand boarding, henna tattoo and falcon photo in traditional dress provided at the camp.
Times
- Every day No fixed time
Before you book
Operated by ALADDIN ADVENTURE ABU DHABI DESERT SAFARI TOURS UAE
Prices and times updated 9 days ago
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The experience
You get picked up from your hotel or location in Abu Dhabi and driven roughly an hour to Al Khatim desert. The 4x4 vehicle does the real work here: the guide navigates the dunes at speed while you hold on, moving across the sand in a way a regular car never could. A stop at a scenic spot lets you photograph the landscape before the light fades, then the drive continues to the Bedouin camp.
At the camp, the welcome is traditional: Arabic coffee, tea, water and dates arrive first. Then you move through the activities at your own pace. Camel riding takes you across the sand. Sand boarding is the sliding version. A henna artist applies a temporary tattoo while you wait, and the falcon photo happens in full UAE national costume. The operator provides the clothing. The entire outing runs from roughly 3pm to 7:30pm, though the exact timing shifts with your pickup point and the sunset.
The guide is certified, speaks English, and handles all the driving. Bottled water and soft drinks come with you throughout, so you're not managing thirst in the heat. The return drop-off takes you back to wherever you started, which matters if you're without a rental car or unfamiliar with the routes out to the desert.
Is this one for you?Hotel pickup means you don't need a car or directions to the desert. The guide collects you and handles the drive, which matters if you're new to Abu Dhabi or without a rental.
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Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (1 to 2 years): free.
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
How far is Al Khatim desert from Abu Dhabi city center?
Al Khatim desert is roughly one hour's drive from Abu Dhabi city, so the journey out and back bookends the afternoon activities.
What activities happen at the Bedouin camp?
Camel riding, sand boarding, henna tattooing, and photos with a falcon in traditional Arabic clothing are all available at the camp. You choose which ones to do.
What time does the safari start and finish?
The safari runs from roughly 3pm to 7:30pm, though the exact times shift depending on where you're picked up and when the sunset occurs that day.
Is the guide included, and what language do they speak?
A certified guide and driver are included and speak English. They handle all the driving and lead you through the camp activities.
What's provided to drink and eat during the safari?
Arabic coffee, tea, water, dates and soft drinks are included. Dinner is not part of the package.
Desert Safari Abu Dhabi: Dune Bashing, Camel Ride & Sand Boarding
4h–5h · EN · at your hotel
from AED 248 per person
≈ US$ 69 in your currency
Next, you choose your date and number of travelers and see the final price.