Sheikh Zayed Mosque & Desert Dune Bash: Abu Dhabi

The sand shifts under the wheels as you crest each dune and drop down the next one.

A three-hour activity in Abu Dhabi combining a photo stop at Sheikh Zayed Mosque with dune bashing in the desert, where a Safari Marshal drives you over sand slopes in a roll-cage vehicle. Pickup from your hotel is included. The guide speaks English and the vehicle is air-conditioned. Light refreshments (Arabic tea, coffee, dates, soft drinks and water) are provided.

The experience

If you have a free afternoon in Abu Dhabi, this combines two things most visitors want to do but don't know how to link: a glimpse of the Sheikh Zayed Mosque and a proper run through the desert. You get picked up from your hotel, driven to the mosque for a 10-minute photo stop outside the building, then head out to the dunes on the city's edge. The whole thing runs three hours.

The dune bash is where the day shifts. Your Safari Marshal takes the wheel of a roll-cage vehicle. The cage is there for safety, and you'll feel why once the car starts climbing the slopes, pausing at the top, then dropping down the shifting sand. The wheels slip and skid on purpose. That's the point. You're not watching the desert from a distance. You're inside it, feeling the vehicle work through terrain that moves under you.

The vehicle stays air-conditioned between the dunes, and the guide speaks English throughout. Arabic tea, coffee, dates, soft drinks and water come along, served during the drive. This is not a walking tour or a camel ride. It's a vehicle-based activity built around the sensation of the drive itself.

What’s included

• Private transportation in an air-conditioned, roll-cage vehicle.
• pickup from your hotel.
• a Safari Marshal guide speaking English.
• a 10-minute photo stop at Sheikh Zayed Mosque.
• three hours of dune bashing with climbing and sliding.
• light refreshments including Arabic tea, coffee, dates, soft drinks and water.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except Friday

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 14 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Emirates Tours and Safaris

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English throughout, so you follow the commentary and the route without translation. If you want the dune-driving experience but prefer not to drive yourself or navigate alone, this setup puts you in the passenger seat with someone who knows the terrain.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

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.

What exactly happens at the Sheikh Zayed Mosque stop?

The Sheikh Zayed Mosque stop is a 10-minute photo opportunity outside the building. You get out, take pictures, and then the vehicle heads to the desert for the dune bash portion of the activity.

How rough is the dune bashing, and what should I expect physically?

Dune bashing involves climbing slopes, pausing at the top, and sliding down sand dunes with the wheels slipping and skidding. It's thrilling and bumpy. The activity is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnant travelers, or those with poor cardiovascular health, but it suits all other fitness levels.

Is the vehicle air-conditioned during the desert drive?

Yes, the vehicle is air-conditioned throughout the activity, including the dune bashing portion. The roll cage is built in for safety and does not affect the cooling.

What refreshments are included?

Arabic tea, coffee, dates, soft drinks and water are provided during the drive. These are light refreshments served as part of the activity.

Does pickup from my hotel cost extra?

No, pickup from your Abu Dhabi hotel is included in the activity price. The Safari Marshal collects you before heading to the mosque and then the desert.