
Everything You Can
Do in the Desert Abu Dhabi Desert Safari — Full Activities Guide & Upgrade Pricing
Complete transparency — every included activity, every upgrade, every price. Pre-book quad bikes today and pay half the at-camp price. No hidden charges. No surprises when you arrive.
Everything You CanDo in the Desert Abu Dhabi Desert Safari — Full Activities Guide & Upgrade Pricing: The Short Answer
Complete transparency — every included activity, every upgrade, every price. Pre-book quad bikes today and pay half the at-camp price.
- 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.
It is our camp — and that is why we can promise the rest of this page
We built our desert camp and we run it. We are not buying you a seat at somebody else’s. It sounds like a small distinction and it is the most important one on this page, because almost every operator ranking for these searches is reselling space at a camp they do not control.
Here is what that actually changes for your evening, in plain terms:
| What we can commit to | Why a reseller cannot |
|---|---|
| Nobody will pressure you to buy an upgrade. | Our camp, our staff, no commission on extras. A reseller does not employ the people selling henna, photographs and seating once you arrive. |
| Your seating is settled before you travel. | We are not buying tables from a host camp that tiers them and sells the better ones on arrival — which is exactly where guests report feeling cornered. |
| Vegetarian, Jain or allergy meals arranged properly. | We run the kitchen. A reseller has to ask a favour of a camp that has never met you. |
| The timings we quote are the timings you get. | We are not fitted around another camp’s schedule and another operator’s coaches. |
| We can answer questions about the animals. | It is our operation, so there is someone to ask. Ask a reseller about camel rest periods and there is nobody on the other end of the question. |
| You can have the camp without the dune drive. | We can reshape the evening because it is ours to reshape. |
We are a DCT-licensed Abu Dhabi operator. And where this page says we will confirm something in writing before you pay, that is not a hedge — it is us checking our own operation rather than repeating a promise made by a company we booked you with.
What You Get
Without Paying Extra
The standard AED 599 private package includes all of this. Every activity below is included at no additional charge.
Dune Bashing
Thrilling 4×4 drive over the Al Khatim dunes at golden hour. Standard duration included.
Camel Ride
Traditional camel ride at the Bedouin camp. Short camel ride included with every package.
Sandboarding
Slide down the golden dunes on a sandboard. All equipment provided, included in price.
Falconry Show
Traditional Emirati falconry display at the camp. Hold the falcon on your arm — free of charge.
Henna Tattoo (Basic)
Standard henna design included. Upgrade to full hand/arm design available — see extras.
Sheesha (Corner)
Sheesha available at the camp sheesha corner. Included. Table-side service is an upgrade.
Full BBQ Dinner
Grilled meats, salads, hummus, Arabic bread, desserts, unlimited drinks and Arabic coffee.
Tanoura Dance
Traditional Emirati spinning dance performance. Part of the included evening entertainment.
Belly Dance
Live belly dance performance at the Bedouin camp. Included in all packages.
Fire Show
Spectacular fire show to end the desert evening. Included in all packages at no charge.
Sunset Viewpoint
Private high dune sunset stop at golden hour. The most photographed moment of the evening.
Stargazing
Desert stargazing after dinner — no light pollution, extraordinary night sky. Included.
Upgrades & Add-Ons —
Pre-Book & Save
Add any of these to your booking on WhatsApp. Pre-booked prices are significantly lower than at-camp walk-up prices. This week’s offers below.
VIP Area Seating Upgrade
Exclusive premium seating section at the Bedouin camp — closest to the entertainment, best view, private cushioned section away from the main crowd. Elevates the entire camp experience.
🔥 This Week 25% OffExtra Dune Bashing — 35 Minutes More
Can’t get enough of the dunes? Add 35 extra minutes of dune bashing to your standard session. Go deeper into the Al Khatim Desert with your private driver. Most popular upgrade with thrill-seekers.
🔥 This Week 25% OffFalcon Portrait Photo
Professional photo taken with the falcon perched on your arm — a stunning keepsake photograph from one of UAE’s most iconic cultural traditions. Printed or digital delivered on the day.
🔥 This Week 25% OffLong Camel Ride — 30-Minute Desert Trek
A proper camel trekking experience through the Al Khatim Desert for 30 minutes — not just the short camp ride but a genuine camel journey across the golden dunes as the desert changes colour at dusk. For up to 2 persons.
🔥 This Week 25% Off — Most Popular UpgradeFull Henna Design Upgrade
Upgrade from the included basic henna to a full elaborate hand, wrist or arm design created by our skilled henna artist. Traditional Arabic patterns, full coverage designs. Especially popular with female guests.
🔥 This Week — Limited TimeTable-Side Sheesha Service
Upgrade from the shared sheesha corner to personalised sheesha served directly at your table — your own sheesha, your choice of flavour, served and tended throughout your dinner. A premium social experience.
🔥 This Week 25% OffQuad Biking — Save 50%
When You Pre-Book
Quad bike prices at the camp on the day are double the pre-booked price. Add quad bikes to your WhatsApp booking and pay half price. One of the most thrilling activities in the desert.
Book on WhatsApp
Walk-Up Price
Save up to AED 80 on quad bikes simply by adding them to your WhatsApp booking before you arrive. WhatsApp +971582282683 and mention how many quad riders you have when booking your safari.
Photography &
Capture Every Moment
From a quick falcon portrait to a full evening session. All photography add-ons at this week’s special pricing.
Professional photo with the falcon on your arm. Captured at the camp.
Usually AED 40 AED 30 🔥 This Week 25% OffPhotography session on the golden dunes at sunset. Portraits, silhouettes, golden hour captures.
Usually AED 67 AED 50 🔥 This Week 25% OffComplete evening photography — dunes, sunset, camp, dinner, entertainment. Edited gallery images.
Usually AED 200 AED 150 🔥 This Week 25% Off





Full Transparent
Pricing — No Hidden Costs
| Activity / Upgrade | Status | This Week’s Price | Normal Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Private Safari Package | Included | AED 599 / vehicle | — |
| Dune Bashing (standard) | Included ✓ | Free | — |
| Camel Ride (short) | Included ✓ | Free | — |
| Sandboarding | Included ✓ | Free | — |
| Falconry Show | Included ✓ | Free | — |
| Henna Tattoo (basic design) | Included ✓ | Free | — |
| Sheesha (at corner) | Included ✓ | Free | — |
| BBQ Dinner + Drinks | Included ✓ | Free | — |
| Tanoura + Belly Dance + Fire Show | Included ✓ | Free | — |
| VIP Area Seating Upgrade | Add-On | AED 50/person Save AED 17 this week | AED 67 |
| Extra Dune Bashing (+35 min) | Add-On | AED 150/vehicle Save AED 50 this week | AED 200 |
| Quad Bike Single (pre-booked) | Add-On | AED 50/ride Save 50% vs camp | AED 100 at camp |
| Quad Bike Double (pre-booked) | Add-On | AED 70/ride Save 53% vs camp | AED 150 at camp |
| Long Camel Ride (30 min, 2 persons) | Add-On | AED 300/2 persons Save AED 100 this week | AED 400 |
| Falcon Portrait Photo | Add-On | AED 30/photo Save AED 10 this week | AED 40 |
| Photography — Sunset Session | Add-On | AED 50 Save AED 17 this week | AED 67 |
| Photography — Full Evening Session | Add-On | AED 150 Save AED 50 this week | AED 200 |
| Full Henna Design (elaborate) | Add-On | AED 30–50 Save up to AED 17 | AED 40–67 |
| Sheesha — Table-Side Service | Add-On | AED 50/sheesha Save AED 17 this week | AED 67 |
Activities &
Pricing FAQ
The standard package includes: dune bashing, camel ride, sandboarding, falconry show, basic henna, sheesha at the corner, full BBQ dinner with unlimited drinks, Tanoura dance, belly dance and fire show. All of these are included at no extra charge.
Pre-book quad bikes with your safari booking on WhatsApp. Single seater AED 100 pre-booked vs AED 100 at camp. Double seater AED 150 pre-booked vs AED 150 at camp. That is a 50% saving simply for adding it to your booking before you arrive. WhatsApp +971582282683 and mention how many riders.
Sheesha at the camp sheesha corner is included in all packages at no charge. If you want sheesha served at your personal table rather than using the shared corner, the table-side service is AED 50 per sheesha — currently discounted from AED 67 this week.
Basic henna design is included in all packages free of charge. For a full elaborate design — full hand, wrist, arm patterns — the upgrade is AED 30 to AED 50 (this week’s discounted price; normal AED 40–67) depending on design size and complexity.
The VIP area provides premium exclusive seating at the Bedouin camp — closer to the entertainment, private section, better cushioned seating. AED 50/person this week (normally AED 67). Add it when booking on WhatsApp and the camp team reserves your VIP seats.
Simply WhatsApp +971582282683 when booking your safari and mention which upgrades you want: quad bike (single or double, how many rides), VIP seating, long camel ride, photography, extra dune bashing, sheesha at table. The team confirms pricing and adds everything to your booking. Pre-booked prices are locked in — no surprises at the camp.

Pre-Book Upgrades Today.
Save Up to 50%.
Quad bikes half price. Long camel ride AED 100 off. Photography this week from AED 50. Add any upgrade to your WhatsApp booking — no surprises at the camp, no queues, no missing out. This week’s prices won’t last.
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 activities are included in the Abu Dhabi desert safari?
The standard Royal Arabian Safari package includes: dune bashing in a 4×4, sunset viewpoint, camel ride, sandboarding, henna tattoo (basic), sheesha at the sheesha corner, falconry show, BBQ buffet dinner, unlimited drinks, Arabic coffee, Tanoura dance, belly dance and fire show. These are all included in the base package price with no additional charge.
What upgrades and add-ons are available at the Abu Dhabi desert safari?
Available upgrades at Royal Arabian Safari: VIP area seating (AED 50/person), extra dune bashing 35 minutes (AED 150/vehicle), falcon photograph (AED 10–30), professional photography session (AED 50-150), long camel ride 30 minutes (AED 300 for up to 2 persons), quad bike single seater pre-booked AED 100 (AED 100 at camp), quad bike double seater pre-booked AED 150 (AED 150 at camp), full henna design (AED 30-50 extra), on-table sheesha (AED 50/sheesha). Pre-booking upgrades with your safari saves up to 50% on some activities.
Is it cheaper to pre-book quad bikes at the Abu Dhabi desert safari?
Yes — significantly cheaper. Quad bike pre-booked with your safari booking: single seater AED 100, double seater AED 150. Booked at the camp on the day: single seater AED 100, double seater AED 150. Pre-booking saves AED 100 per ride. WhatsApp +971582282683 with your preferred quad bike when making your safari booking.
Is henna included in the Abu Dhabi desert safari?
Yes — basic henna tattoo is included in all packages at no extra charge. For full henna hand or arm designs (elaborate patterns), an additional charge of AED 30 to AED 50 applies depending on the design size and complexity.
Is sheesha included in the Abu Dhabi desert safari?
Yes — sheesha is included at the camp sheesha corner at no additional charge. If you prefer sheesha served at your table rather than at the sheesha corner, an additional charge of AED 50 per sheesha applies.
What is the VIP area at the Abu Dhabi desert safari?
The VIP area at the Bedouin camp offers premium seating with exclusive cushioned seating sections, better positioning for the entertainment, and a more intimate setting away from the main camp. VIP area upgrade is AED 50 per person — add it to any package when booking on WhatsApp +971582282683.
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.