Ring in 2027
Under a Billion
Desert Stars
New Year’s Eve Desert Safari Abu Dhabi
Forget the crowded rooftop. This New Year’s Eve, you are standing on a golden dune as the midnight fire blazes, counting down to 2027 surrounded by nothing but desert, stars, and the people you love most.
⚡ December 31 Fills Fast — Private vehicles typically sold out by October
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Ring in 2027Under a BillionDesert Stars New Year’s Eve Desert Safari Abu Dhabi: The Short Answer
Forget the crowded rooftop. This New Year’s Eve, you are standing on a golden dune as the midnight fire blazes, counting down to 2027 surrounded by nothing but desert, stars, and the people you love most.
- 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 Best New Years Eve Desert Safari Abu Dhabi
Isn’t in a Ballroom
There is a moment at midnight in the desert that nobody who has experienced it quite manages to describe. The fire show ignites. The music swells. The whole camp erupts. And above all of it — no building, no light pollution, no ceiling — a sky that looks like someone spilled a jar of diamonds across black velvet. This is exactly why a New Years Eve Desert Safari Abu Dhabi feels nothing like an ordinary party.
You are standing on warm sand in the cool night air, surrounded by the people you came with. No queue for drinks. No strangers bumping into you. No hotel gala price tag for a dinner that disappointed. Just a genuine, extraordinary, once-a-year night that guests book again the following October before anyone else can.
This is how Abu Dhabi’s most memorable people spend December 31. Not on a rooftop. In the desert. Under the stars. With us.
The Night,
Hour by Hour
From golden dunes at 3 PM to midnight fire at 12 AM — here is exactly how your New Year’s Eve unfolds.
Your Night Begins
Your private 4×4 arrives at your hotel. Cold drinks and Arabic dates waiting. The 45-minute drive to Al Khatim is the last city you will see tonight.
Dune Bashing at Golden Hour
The last sun of 2026 turns the dunes gold as your 4×4 vehicle rides the ridgelines. Thrilling, beautiful, and the perfect warm-up for the night ahead.
The Last Sunset of 2026
Stop at your private dune for the final sunset of the year. The desert turns amber. This is the photo your friends will not believe you took with your phone.
Camel, Henna, Sheesha & Falcons
Settle into the camp as the stars begin appearing. Camel ride, sandboarding, henna, falcon photography, and a sheesha as the evening sky deepens to midnight blue.
Special NYE Feast Under the Stars
The full BBQ buffet with special New Year’s Eve additions — extra dishes, an NYE cake at midnight, unlimited drinks. The best outdoor dinner table in Abu Dhabi is a patch of desert sand.
Tanoura · Belly Dance · Music
The camp comes alive. Tanoura spinning in spirals of light. Belly dance weaving through the tables. DJ music building as midnight approaches. The energy rises with every passing hour.
Midnight — Fire, Stars, 2027
The fire show blazes against the ink-black desert sky. The whole camp counts down together. The New Year arrives. And for one perfect moment, it is just you, the people you love, the fire, and a sky that goes on forever.
The Full NYE
Desert Experience
“We came back the next morning and booked it again for the following year. That’s all you need to know about the NYE desert safari.”James H. · Abu Dhabi New Year’s Eve · January
Choose Your
December 31st
Both packages include the full NYE evening — dune bashing, sunset, camp activities, special feast, midnight countdown and fire show. WhatsApp to confirm final NYE pricing and availability.
NYE Shared Safari
- Shared 4×4 · hotel pickup & drop-off
- Dune bashing at golden hour
- Final sunset stop of 2026
- Camel ride · Sandboarding · Henna · Sheesha
- Special NYE BBQ feast + midnight cake
- Tanoura · Belly dance · Live DJ music
- Midnight countdown + fire show
Base price from AED 100 · NYE premium applies · confirm availability
NYE Private Car
- Exclusive 7-seater 4×4 vehicle · your group only
- Your own reserved table at the camp
- Flexible timing ±60 minutes
- Dune bashing · sunset · all activities
- Special NYE BBQ feast + midnight cake
- Tanoura · Belly dance · Live DJ music
- Midnight countdown + fire show
AED 599 per vehicle · up to 7 · limited vehicles available Dec 31
People Who Did
NYE in the Desert
“The midnight countdown at the camp with the fire show blazing, a sky full of stars, music playing and the whole camp on its feet — I have never experienced anything like it. Booked again for 2026 already.”
“Last year we went to a rooftop party — overpriced and crowded. This year we chose the desert safari and it was a completely different level of experience. Intimate, beautiful, exciting, great food. Will do this every NYE.”
“For couples this is the ultimate NYE. Private vehicle, romantic dune sunset, incredible dinner, dancing at midnight in the open desert under the stars. Nothing in the city comes close.”
“Group of 7 friends in a private car. Our own table, our own space, and a midnight countdown that none of us expected to be so emotional and beautiful. The sheesha after midnight, lying back looking at the stars, was something else.”
“Parisienne who thought she had seen it all for NYE. The silence just before midnight, then the fire show igniting and music starting — my whole group had goosebumps. Absolutely extraordinary.”
“Brought our kids aged 8 and 11 — they were allowed to stay up until midnight for the first time. The countdown in the desert was the most memorable moment of their year. The fire show right at midnight, the stars, the music — perfect.”
Your Questions
Answered
It runs from approximately 3:00 PM to 1:00 AM. Hotel pickup, then dune bashing as the sun sets, arrival at the Bedouin camp for camel rides, sandboarding, henna and sheesha. A special NYE BBQ feast is served under the stars. DJ music and live entertainment build toward midnight. At 12:00 AM, the fire show blazes and the camp counts down to 2027. Return hotel drop-off in the early hours.
The shared safari starts from AED 100 per person (base price — NYE premium applies). The private vehicle is AED 599 per vehicle for up to 7 guests. WhatsApp +971582282683 to confirm the exact NYE pricing and check availability. Book early — private slots fill up by October.
For most people, yes. No queues, no overpriced drinks, no crowded rooftop. Instead: a real desert, real stars, a genuine BBQ feast, live entertainment, and a midnight countdown unlike anything a hotel ballroom can offer. Guests who have done both consistently say the desert wins. It is also significantly better value than most hotel gala dinners.
Yes. The entire evening is built around the midnight moment. As the clock approaches 12:00 AM, music builds, the fire show performer takes the stage, and the whole camp counts down together to the New Year. It is the centrepiece of the night — a moment in a setting no ballroom can match.
Yes — one of the most popular NYE choices for families in Abu Dhabi. Children love the dune bashing, camels, sandboarding and the spectacular fire show at midnight. Book a private car for families so the driving can be adjusted and you have your own space for the midnight celebration.
Hotel pickup, dune bashing, sunset photography stop, camel ride, sandboarding, henna, sheesha, Arabic coffee and dates, special NYE BBQ buffet dinner, unlimited soft drinks and juices, Tanoura dance, belly dance, fire show at midnight, midnight countdown, NYE celebration cake, and return hotel drop-off.
Book as early as possible — ideally by October. December 31 is the most in-demand night of the year and private vehicle slots sell out weeks in advance. WhatsApp +971582282683 to reserve your place and confirm NYE pricing for your group.
December 31 Comes
Once a Year
Don’t spend it on a crowded rooftop. Spend it under a billion stars, with fire blazing at midnight, in the most beautiful desert on earth. Limited slots — WhatsApp to confirm yours now.
Continue Planning Your Trip
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
What happens at a New Year’s Eve desert safari in Abu Dhabi?
A New Year’s Eve desert safari in Abu Dhabi runs from approximately 3:00 PM to 1:00 AM. It begins with hotel pickup in a AC 4×4 and dune bashing as the sun sets over the golden dunes. You then arrive at the Bedouin camp for camel rides, sandboarding, henna, and sheesha. A special NYE BBQ feast is served under the stars. As midnight approaches, DJ music and live entertainment fill the camp. At midnight, the fire show blazes and the whole camp counts down together to the New Year. You are dropped back to your hotel in the early hours.
How much does a New Year’s Eve desert safari in Abu Dhabi cost?
The shared NYE desert safari with home pickup starts from AED 100 per person. The private vehicle option (exclusive 7-seater 4×4 vehicle for your group only) is AED 599 per vehicle for up to 7 guests. NYE is a peak date and slots are limited — book early to secure your spot and confirm final pricing on WhatsApp at +971582282683.
Is a New Year’s Eve desert safari better than a hotel party in Abu Dhabi?
For most travellers, yes. A desert NYE safari offers a completely unique experience — no queues, no overpriced drinks, no crowded rooftop. Instead you get a private desert under a real sky full of stars, a proper BBQ feast, live entertainment, and a midnight countdown that is genuinely magical. Guests who have done both consistently say the desert wins. It is also better value than most hotel gala dinners.
Does the New Year’s Eve desert safari have a midnight countdown?
Yes. The NYE desert safari is specifically designed around a midnight countdown at the Bedouin camp. As the clock approaches midnight, music builds, the fire show performer takes the stage, and the whole camp counts down together to the New Year. It is an unforgettable moment in a setting no ballroom can match.
Is the New Year’s Eve desert safari suitable for families?
Yes. It is one of the most popular NYE activities for families in Abu Dhabi. Children love the dune bashing, camel rides, sandboarding and the spectacular midnight fire show. We recommend booking a private car for families so the dune bashing can be adjusted for children and you have your own space for the midnight celebration.
What is included in the NYE desert safari?
The New Year’s Eve desert safari includes: hotel pickup and drop-off in a AC 4×4, dune bashing at golden hour, sunset photography stop, camel ride, sandboarding, henna painting, sheesha at the camp, Arabic coffee and dates on arrival, special NYE BBQ buffet dinner, unlimited soft drinks and juices, Tanoura dance show, belly dance performance, fire show at midnight, midnight countdown, and return hotel drop-off.
When should I book the NYE desert safari?
Book as early as possible — ideally by October. December 31 is the most in-demand night of the year for desert safaris in Abu Dhabi and private vehicle slots in particular sell out weeks in advance. Shared spots fill up quickly too. WhatsApp +971582282683 to reserve your place and confirm the exact NYE pricing for your group.
Is there a special menu for New Year’s Eve?
Yes. The NYE safari features a special extended BBQ feast with additional dishes and a NYE celebration cake at midnight alongside the standard BBQ buffet. All food is 100% halal with generous vegetarian options. Unlimited soft drinks, fresh juices, Arabic coffee and mint tea are served throughout the evening.
Can I book a private desert camp for New Year’s Eve?
Yes. The Private Car option (AED 599 for up to 7 guests) gives your group an exclusive 4×4 with no strangers, plus a reserved table at the camp. For larger groups or fully exclusive camp arrangements, WhatsApp +971582282683 to discuss custom group packages.
What time does the New Year’s Eve desert safari start and end?
Hotel pickup begins from approximately 3:00 PM. Dune bashing and sunset activities run from around 4:00 to 6:30 PM. Camp activities and dinner from around 7:00 to 11:30 PM. Midnight countdown and fire show at 12:00 AM. Return hotel drop-off from approximately 12:30 to 1:00 AM.
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.