: The Short Answer
Looking for honest Abu Dhabi desert safari reviews before you book? Royal Arabian Safari is rated 4.9/5 stars by over 5,000+ guests on Google, TripAdvisor, and WhatsApp.
- How much does a desert safari in Abu Dhabi cost?: Booking direct with us: AED 35 self-drive, AED 50 shared bus from Al Wahda or Mazyad Mall, AED 100 shared hotel pickup, AED 599 for a private 7-seater car and AED 800 for a private Land Cruiser.
- How long is the dune bashing?: Around 40 to 45 minutes with short breaks. Tyres are deflated to roughly 15 psi first so they float on the sand.
- What time does the desert safari start and finish?: Pickup is usually 3:00 to 3:30 PM and you are back in the city around 10:00 to 10:30 PM. Timings follow sunset, so in December pickup moves earlier and in June it moves later.
- Where does the desert safari take place?: At our own DCT-licensed camp in the Al Khatim desert, roughly 80 km east of Abu Dhabi city along the E22 Abu Dhabi to Al Ain highway, about a 50 to 60 minute drive.
- What is included in the Abu Dhabi desert safari?: Every evening package includes 4×4 dune bashing, a short camel ride, sandboarding, a sunset photo stop, Arabic costume for photos, henna for ladies, a full BBQ buffet dinner with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, unlimited soft drinks, water, Arabic coffee and tea, a shisha corner, separate washrooms and around eight live shows including tanoura, belly dance and a fire show.
- How do I book?: Message us on WhatsApp with your date and group size. We reply with the exact total, no deposit and no booking fee, and you pay at the camp on the day.
The Tours Behind the Reviews
Every review on this page came from one of these three evenings. Read what guests said, then book the same run.
From AED 35 per personEvening Desert Safari
The evening most reviews describe — dune bashing, camel, sandboard, BBQ dinner and the three shows.
- AED 50 by coach · AED 100 hotel pickup
- The 4.9-rated flagship
- Pay on the day
AED 599 per carPrivate 4×4 Safari
The format families praise most — own vehicle, own pace, child seats when asked.
- Up to 7 guests, one price
- Land Cruiser AED 800
- No shared pickup circuit
VIP +AED 50VIP Majlis Upgrade
The add-on reviewers keep mentioning — front-row cushioned seating for all three shows.
- +AED 50 per person
- Add to any safari
- Best view of the fire show
Abu Dhabi Desert Safari Reviews — What Real Guests Say
Looking for honest Abu Dhabi desert safari reviews before you book? Royal Arabian Safari is rated 4.9/5 stars by over 5,000+ guests on Google, TripAdvisor, and WhatsApp. Below you’ll find real guest experiences, what people love most, and answers to common questions from first-time visitors.
Overall Rating: 4.9 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Based on 5,000+ verified guest reviews
What Guests Love Most About Royal Arabian Safari
✅ Professional & Experienced Drivers
Guests consistently praise our certified dune bashing drivers for being skilled, safe, and fun. Multiple reviews mention feeling completely safe while still getting the full adrenaline experience.
✅ Punctual Hotel Pickup
Hundreds of reviews mention that pickup was on time or early. Guests love not having to worry about arranging their own transport to the desert.
✅ Excellent BBQ Dinner Quality
The BBQ buffet receives outstanding feedback. Guests rave about the quality and variety of food — especially the grilled meats, hummus, and Arabic desserts.
✅ Great Value for Money
Many reviews mention being surprised at how much is included for the price. Starting from AED 35, guests get hotel pickup, dune bashing, camel riding, sandboarding, BBQ dinner, and live entertainment.
✅ Memorable Entertainment
The tanoura dance, belly dancing, and fire show are crowd favourites. Guests say it was more impressive than expected and a highlight of their entire Abu Dhabi trip.
✅ Perfect for Families & Groups
Families with children, couples, and large groups all leave positive reviews. Guests appreciate that activities are suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
Real Guest Reviews — Abu Dhabi Desert Safari
Sarah M. — United Kingdom ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Absolutely incredible experience! The dune bashing was exhilarating — our driver was brilliant. The camp was beautifully decorated with authentic Bedouin style. BBQ dinner was delicious and the entertainment was mesmerising. This was the highlight of our entire UAE holiday. Highly recommend Royal Arabian Safari to anyone visiting Abu Dhabi!”
Raj P. — India ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“We booked the evening desert safari for a family of 6 including our elderly parents. The team was so accommodating and made sure everyone was comfortable. The driver slowed down when we asked during dune bashing. Camel ride and sandboarding were amazing fun. The stars in the desert sky were breathtaking. Perfect experience!”
Emma & James T. — Australia ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“We did the VIP desert safari for our honeymoon and it was truly unforgettable. Private 4×4, luxury camp setup, gourmet dinner under the stars. Worth every dirham. The team went above and beyond to make it special for us. The dune sunset photos came out stunning. 10 out of 10!”
Mohammed A. — Saudi Arabia ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Best desert safari company in Abu Dhabi! We have tried others before and this is by far the best in terms of professionalism, food quality, and entertainment. The henna artist was very talented. Pickup was exactly on time. Will be booking again on our next visit.”
Lisa K. — United States ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Booked this through WhatsApp and the process could not have been easier. Instant response and confirmation. The evening safari exceeded all expectations. Our kids (ages 7 and 10) absolutely loved the camel ride and sandboarding. The fire show at night was spectacular. Highly recommend for families!”
Abu Dhabi Desert Safari Review Breakdown
| Category | Rating | What Guests Say |
|---|---|---|
| Dune Bashing | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.9/5 | Professional, thrilling, adjustable pace |
| Camp Experience | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.9/5 | Authentic, beautifully decorated, atmospheric |
| BBQ Dinner | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.8/5 | Delicious variety, generous portions, great vegetarian options |
| Entertainment | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.9/5 | Impressive tanoura, belly dancing & fire show |
| Punctuality | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.9/5 | On-time or early hotel pickup |
| Value for Money | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.9/5 | Exceptional value, all-inclusive pricing |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Royal Arabian Safari the best desert safari company in Abu Dhabi?
Royal Arabian Safari is rated 4.9/5 stars by over 5,000+ guests, making it one of the top-rated desert safari companies in Abu Dhabi. We are consistently praised for professional drivers, authentic camp experience, excellent BBQ dinner, and outstanding entertainment.
How many reviews does Royal Arabian Safari have?
Royal Arabian Safari has served over 5,000+happy guests and accumulated thousands of 5-star reviews across Google, TripAdvisor, and WhatsApp. Our 4.9/5 rating reflects consistent delivery of exceptional Abu Dhabi desert safari experiences.
What do families say about the Abu Dhabi desert safari?
Families consistently give 5-star reviews, especially praising the camel riding, sandboarding, and family-friendly atmosphere. Parents appreciate that dune bashing intensity can be reduced for younger children, and that the entire experience is safe and well-supervised.
Book Your Abu Dhabi Desert Safari Today
Join over 5,000+happy guests who have experienced the magic of the Arabian desert with Royal Arabian Safari. Starting from just AED 35 per person.
📱 Book on WhatsApp — Instant Confirmation — 24/7 Available
🐪 Popular Desert Safari Packages
- Best Desert Safari Abu Dhabi — Top-Rated
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari Prices — Compare All Packages
- Luxury VIP Desert Safari Abu Dhabi
- Family Desert Safari for Kids — Safe & Fun
- Affordable Desert Safari from AED 35
- Best Time to Visit Desert Safari Abu Dhabi
- Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner
- Home Pickup Desert Safari from AED 100
📞 Book now: WhatsApp +971 58 228 2683 — Free cancellation 12hrs, no advance payment.
Unedited WhatsApp Messages From Guests
Every review platform on this page shows typed text you cannot trace back to a real booking. These are screenshots of the actual WhatsApp thread guests use to book with us — the same thread that becomes your ticket. Names and numbers are cropped; nothing else is edited.
How to Tell a Real Desert Safari Review From a Written One
Most operator pages, including the ones ranking above this, publish hundreds of five-star quotes with no way to check a single one. A review is only evidence if it can be traced to a booking. These are the tells worth knowing before you trust any of them — ours included.
| What you see | What it usually means | How to check |
|---|---|---|
| Dozens of reviews posted the same week | Bought in a batch, or harvested from a template | Sort the platform by date rather than relevance |
| Every review is five stars | Filtered, not collected | A real operator with thousands of guests always has some threes |
| Reviewer has one review, no photo, no history | Single-use account | Click the profile — genuine travellers review hotels and restaurants too |
| Review names activities the operator does not run | Copied from another company | Compare it against the inclusions list on the same site |
| Quote with no platform, no date, no link | Typed by the website owner | Ask where it was published; a real one can be opened |
Where Abu Dhabi Desert Safari Reviews Actually Live
Each platform verifies something different, and none of them verifies everything. Knowing what each one checks tells you how much weight to give it.
| Platform | Verifies a real booking? | What it is good for | Blind spot |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Business Profile | No — anyone with an account can post | Volume, and the local pack ranking | Easiest place to buy reviews |
| TripAdvisor | No, but moderates heavily | Long written detail from tourists | Reviews often describe a different operator on a shared camp |
| Viator / GetYourGuide | Yes — tied to a paid booking | The most trustworthy star ratings | Only covers trips booked through them, at their markup |
| The operator’s own website | No | Nothing, unless the source is shown | Where invented quotes live |
| WhatsApp thread screenshots | The message and its context are visible | Seeing the actual conversation, unedited | Small sample — we publish twelve, not hundreds |
What a 4.9 Average Actually Hides
An average is a summary, not a report. Two operators can both show 4.9 while running completely different trips: one with two thousand ratings collected over years, another with sixty collected in a month. Before the number means anything, check how many ratings it rests on, over what period they arrived, and whether the low ones are still visible. If the one-star reviews have disappeared, the average has been managed rather than earned.
The Complaints That Repeat Across This Market
Reading competitor pages on this search, the same handful of problems show up again and again — and they are usually visible in the fine print before you book, not only in the reviews afterwards.
| Complaint | Where it comes from | How to avoid it before booking |
|---|---|---|
| “The price went up at the camp” | Headline rate excludes items sold on arrival | Ask for the list of what costs extra, in writing |
| “The trip was shorter than advertised” | Duration on the page disagrees with the same site’s FAQ | Read both, then ask which is correct |
| “They cancelled because we were only two” | A minimum group size buried under the headline price | Ask whether the trip runs regardless of numbers |
| “It was not the desert in the photos” | Camp is in a different emirate to the one being sold | Ask for the camp location by name, then check the map |
| “Nobody answered on the day” | Booking sold by a reseller, delivered by someone else | Book with whoever operates the vehicle |
What to Ask Before You Trust Any Operator’s Reviews
Five questions settle it quickly: which camp do you use, by name? What is not included in this price? Does the trip run if only two people book? Who answers the phone on the day? And can you show me a message from a guest rather than a quote on your own page? An operator who can answer all five in writing is telling you the truth; one who cannot is why the complaints above exist.
Why Two Reviews of “the Same Camp” Describe Different Trips
This is the single biggest reason desert safari reviews contradict each other, and almost nobody explains it. Many camps in this market are shared. Several companies sell seats into one camp, each with its own drivers, its own vehicles and its own idea of what the package includes. Two guests can sit at neighbouring tables on the same night, book through different websites, and come away with genuinely different experiences — one with dinner and shows included, the other paying at the counter for both.
It gets worse when the camp is not where the listing implies. Reading the pages competing on this search, some sell a camp on the Dubai–Al Ain road as “Abu Dhabi”, and at least one sells Mleiha — which is in Sharjah — under an Abu Dhabi heading. A review complaining about a two-hour drive is not a lie; the reviewer simply was not taken where they thought. Ours is Al Khatim, roughly forty minutes from Abu Dhabi city, and we name it because a name can be checked on a map.
What Guests Raise, by Who They Travel With
Complaints and praise are not random — they cluster by group type. Knowing which cluster you belong to tells you which reviews are actually about your trip.
| Travelling as | What they consistently praise | What goes wrong most |
|---|---|---|
| Family with young children | Camel ride, camp space, food they recognise | Dune bashing intensity; nobody asked their ages beforehand |
| Couple | Sunset light, quiet time away from the stage | Seated at a long shared table when they expected privacy |
| Solo traveller | Cost per head on a shared seat | Pickup order — first collected, last dropped |
| Group of friends | Quad bikes, the drive itself | Split across two vehicles without being told |
| Cruise passenger | Getting back before all-aboard | Timing promised verbally, never in writing |
What Reviews Almost Never Mention — and Should
Star ratings capture the dinner and the shows. They rarely capture the parts that actually carry risk, because a guest cannot see them. Before the reviews, these are worth asking about directly.
| What to check | Why it matters | What a straight answer sounds like |
|---|---|---|
| Is the operator licensed for tourism | Licensing is what gives you somewhere to complain | A licence issued by the tourism authority, shown on request |
| Who is driving, and for how long | Dune driving at the end of a double shift is the real safety variable | A named driver on one shift, not “whoever is free” |
| Seatbelts in the third row | The row children are usually put in | Belts in every seat, checked before the dunes |
| What happens if the weather turns | Sandstorms and heavy rain do cancel trips | A stated policy: move the date or refund, in writing |
| Who answers if something goes wrong | Resellers disappear; operators cannot | The same number that took the booking |
Season Changes What People Complain About
Read a review with its date next to it. Between roughly June and September the recurring complaint is heat — camps are hot until the sun drops, and a midday activity is unpleasant regardless of who runs it. From about March to May, wind and blowing sand are the theme, and photographs suffer. Between November and February the complaints almost disappear and are replaced by a different one: the camp is busy, because that is when everyone visits. None of those three is really about the operator. Separating them from the reviews that are about service is most of the skill in reading this page, or any page like it.
How We Handle It When a Trip Goes Wrong
A reviews page that only shows praise is not a reviews page. Things do go wrong — a vehicle develops a fault, weather closes the dunes, a pickup runs late in traffic. What separates operators is what happens next, so here is ours, stated plainly enough that you can hold us to it.
If we cancel, we contact you as soon as we know and rebook you at no charge on the next date that suits you, and you pay nothing for the cancelled booking. If weather stops the dune driving but the camp still runs, we tell you before you leave the city so you can decide, rather than discovering it in the desert. If a pickup is running late, you get a message with the actual delay, not a reassurance. And the number that took your booking is the number that answers on the day — we do not hand you to a call centre, because there is not one.
The one thing we will not do is argue with a guest about what was promised. If our own message thread says something different from what happened, the thread wins. That is part of why we publish the screenshots above rather than typed quotes: the same record that protects you also holds us to account.
Reading This Page Against the Others on This Search
Compare like for like. The pages competing here publish between a handful and several hundred five-star quotes; one of them carries over six hundred images of reviews with no way to open a single one, and no structure to the page at all. We publish twelve, transcribed, with the theme of each stated in the caption, because twelve you can read beats six hundred you cannot verify.
That is not a claim that we are rated higher. It is a claim about evidence. If another operator on this page shows you their booking thread, weigh theirs the same way — and if none of them will, that itself is the most useful review on the search.
What is included in the Abu Dhabi desert safari?
Every evening package includes 4×4 dune bashing, a short camel ride, sandboarding, a sunset photo stop, Arabic costume for photos, henna for ladies, a full BBQ buffet dinner with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, unlimited soft drinks, water, Arabic coffee and tea, a shisha corner, separate washrooms and around eight live shows including tanoura, belly dance and a fire show.
How much does a desert safari in Abu Dhabi cost?
Booking direct with us: AED 35 self-drive, AED 50 shared bus from Al Wahda or Mazyad Mall, AED 100 shared hotel pickup, AED 599 for a private 7-seater car and AED 800 for a private Land Cruiser. Agencies and hotel desks typically charge AED 180 to 250 per person for the same evening because they add commission on top of an operator price.
What time does the desert safari start and finish?
Pickup is usually 3:00 to 3:30 PM and you are back in the city around 10:00 to 10:30 PM. Timings follow sunset, so in December pickup moves earlier and in June it moves later.
Where does the desert safari take place?
At our own DCT-licensed camp in the Al Khatim desert, roughly 80 km east of Abu Dhabi city along the E22 Abu Dhabi to Al Ain highway, about a 50 to 60 minute drive. The Al Khatim ridges rise over 100 metres, which is considerably taller than the roadside dunes some operators use, and there is far less traffic on the sand.
How do I book?
Message us on WhatsApp with your date and group size. We reply with the exact total, no deposit and no booking fee, and you pay at the camp on the day. Free cancellation applies up to 12 hours before.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes on the AED 100 shared pickup, the AED 599 private car and the AED 800 Land Cruiser, covering the whole city including the Corniche, Al Maryah, Al Reem, Downtown, Khalifa City, Mussafah, Yas Island, Saadiyat, Shabiya and the airport. The AED 50 package departs from Al Wahda Mall or Mazyad Mall, and AED 35 is self-drive using a GPS pin we send you.
Do I need a 4×4 for the self-drive option?
No. You drive on tarmac to a meeting point, so any standard car or rental reaches it comfortably. Our team takes over there in a proper 4×4 for the dune bashing.
How long is the dune bashing?
Around 40 to 45 minutes with short breaks. Tyres are deflated to roughly 15 psi first so they float on the sand. Intensity is adjustable at any point — tell your driver you want it gentle and it becomes a scenic drive.
Is dune bashing safe?
Yes with a licensed operator. Every passenger wears a seatbelt, vehicles are maintained and insured, drivers are trained specifically for dune driving, and vehicles travel in convoy so recovery is immediate. You can ask to stop at any time.
Can I do the safari without dune bashing?
Yes. Book the self-drive package and come straight to the camp, or ask for a direct transfer on a private car. You still get the sunset, camel ride, sandboarding, dinner and every show. This is the right choice for pregnant guests and anyone with back, neck or heart conditions.
What food is served at the camp?
A full BBQ buffet: salads and mezze including fattoush, hummus and Arabic bread; rice dishes, dal, pasta and mixed vegetable sabzi; chicken tikka, shish taouk, lamb seekh kebab and fish from the grill; Om Ali and fresh fruit for dessert. All 100% halal, with unlimited soft drinks, water, Arabic coffee and tea.
Are vegetarian and special diets catered for?
Vegetarian options are always available as standard, and the whole buffet is halal. Vegan, Jain, gluten-free and allergy requirements can be accommodated with advance notice — tell us when you book and we will confirm what will be on the table.
Is alcohol available?
No. Alcohol is not served or permitted at our camp and guests should not bring their own. Unlimited soft drinks, water, Arabic coffee and tea are included, and shisha is available at the camp.
What should I wear?
Loose, light-coloured clothing that covers shoulders and knees, and closed shoes such as trainers you do not mind filling with sand. From October to April bring a jacket — camp temperatures drop to 13 to 22 degrees after sunset. Avoid flip-flops, heels and skinny jeans.
Is the safari suitable for children?
Yes, from about age three. Ask for gentle dune bashing when you book, bring closed shoes and a spare set of clothes because sandboarding puts sand into everything, and pack a warm layer from November to March.
Can I add quad biking or a buggy?
Yes. Quad bikes are AED 100 single seater and AED 150 double, the Can-Am buggy is from AED 800 for 30 minutes, VIP majlis seating is +AED 50 per person, the falcon photo is AED 10–30 and professional photography starts at AED 50. Nothing is required and nothing is upsold under pressure at the camp.
What is the best time of year for a desert safari?
November to March gives the most comfortable conditions. October and April are excellent value with near-peak evenings and far fewer people. From May to September the morning safari is more comfortable than the evening one.
Is there a morning safari option?
Yes. The morning safari is a private premium product at AED 799 per car for up to 7 guests and does not include dinner or the live shows. It suits summer travel, photographers, families with young children and anyone with an evening flight.
What happens if it rains?
Abu Dhabi averages fewer than ten rainy days a year, almost all December to March. Light rain does not stop the safari and the desert afterwards is spectacular. If heavy rain or a strong wind would genuinely spoil the experience we move your date at no cost.
Are there toilets at the camp?
Yes. The camp has clean, separate washrooms for men and women, plus a prayer space, lighting and seating for every guest.
Join the 5,000+ Guests Behind the 4.9
Evening from AED 35, private car AED 599. No deposit — the review comes after, if we earn it.
Book this tour
No deposit and no card details. Message us and we confirm the plan and the exact price before you commit — answered at any hour.
- Send your date and guest countYour date, how many of you, and where we collect from. That is all we need.
- We send the plan and the pricePer car, not per person. You see the route, the timings and the exact figure first.
- Pay the driver on the dayCash or card, after the run. Free cancellation up to 12 hours before pickup.
Answered 24 hours · No deposit · No booking fee · Licensed operator
If we have to cancel, what happens?
A cancellation policy that covers your obligations but not ours is only half a document. Here is our side of it, in writing.
If we have to cancel your booking — for weather, a vehicle issue, or driver illness — we will contact you as soon as we know and rebook you at no charge on the next date that works for you. You pay nothing for the cancelled booking.
If we need to send a different vehicle than the one you booked, we will ask you first rather than turning up in something you did not book.
This is separate from your own cancellation rights, which are unchanged: you can cancel free up to 12 hours before pickup. Because we take no deposit and no booking fee, there is no money of yours sitting with us either way — nothing to chase, and nothing to wait for.
Desert safari Abu Dhabi: the timeline, hour by hour
This is how the evening actually runs, from pickup to drop-off. The sunset stop moves with the season; everything around it holds.
| Time | Stage | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| 3:00 – 3:30 PM | Pickup | Hotel, residence or an agreed pickup point in Abu Dhabi — or drive yourself to the camp using the GPS pin we send. |
| 3:30 – 4:10 PM | Drive to Al Khatim | About forty minutes from the city to the Al Khatim dunes. |
| 4:10 – 5:00 PM | Dune bashing | Tyres are deflated, then a 4×4 run across the dunes. Tell your driver if you want it gentle or lively — you set the intensity. |
| 5:00 – 6:30 PM | Camp activities | Camel ride, sandboarding, falcon photos, henna and Arabic costumes. |
| ~5:30 – 6:00 PM | Sunset stop | The photo stop on a high dune. This one moves with the sunset rather than the clock, so it shifts through the year. |
| 6:30 PM | Starters served | Arabic coffee, dates and welcome starters as the lamps come on. |
| 7:00 – 9:30 PM | Dinner and 8 live shows | BBQ buffet with separate vegetarian and halal non-vegetarian lines, plus unlimited soft drinks, water, tea and coffee — alongside eight live performances including belly dance, the LED Tanoura, and a fire show. Shisha in the designated area. |
| 9:30 – 10:00 PM | Wind-down | Stargazing away from the lamps, then the vehicles load for the drive back. |
| 10:00 – 10:30 PM | Drop-off | Back at your Abu Dhabi hotel or pickup point. |
Times are the standard evening run and shift a little with traffic and the sunset. Your confirmed pickup time is the one we send on WhatsApp the day before.