Celebrate Eid
in the Heart
of the Desert
Eid Desert Safari Abu Dhabi — The Family Tradition Worth Starting
A whole family under the desert stars. The feast. The entertainment. The children on camels, on sandboards, wide-eyed at the fire show. The desert is where Eid becomes a memory. And memories become traditions.
Celebrate Eidin the Heartof the Desert Eid Desert Safari Abu Dhabi — The Family Tradition Worth Starting: The Short Answer
A whole family under the desert stars. The feast. The entertainment. The children on camels, on sandboards, wide-eyed at the 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.
- 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 Desert Is Where
Eid Becomes Heritage
Eid is about family. It is about celebration, generosity and joy shared between people who love each other. And there is no setting in Abu Dhabi — no restaurant, no hotel, no theme park — that captures the spirit of that joy the way the desert does.
The dunes that generations of Emiratis crossed. The Bedouin hospitality that has defined Arabian culture for centuries. The feast under the open sky. The children on camels. The elders watching the fire show in the warm desert evening. The desert connects Eid to something older and deeper. It makes the celebration feel like it is rooted in something real.
Many UAE families have made the Eid desert safari their most important annual tradition — returning every Eid, growing in number year by year as children bring their own children. Royal Arabian Safari has been at the centre of those Eid traditions for years, and the whole team celebrates with every group that arrives.
Two Eids.
One Tradition.
Royal Arabian Safari is fully open for both Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, each year. Full programme both times. Book early — both Eids fill quickly.
End of Ramadan
The celebration after the holy month. Full entertainment returns — belly dance, Tanoura, fire show. The whole family together after Ramadan, celebrating in the desert.- Full entertainment programme returns
- Celebratory post-Ramadan feast
- Belly dance · Tanoura · Fire show
- All families and all backgrounds welcome
- Usually falls in spring — ideal weather
Festival of Sacrifice
The greater Eid — a 3-4 day holiday when the whole family is together. Perfect for multi-generational desert celebrations. One of the most family-focused Eids of the year.- Full 3-4 day Eid holiday
- Ideal for extended family groups
- Traditional Eid feast with lamb dishes
- Complete entertainment programme
- Book early — longest advance notice needed
How Many in
Your Eid Family Group?
All vehicles travel in convoy — the whole family experiences everything together. WhatsApp your group size and Eid date and we coordinate the rest.
Small Family
One private vehicle. The whole family together. Personal driver who knows the best Eid dune routes.
AED 599 totalExtended Family
Two vehicles in convoy. Everyone together for dune bashing. Reserved family section at camp.
AED 1,198 totalLarge Eid Group
Three to four vehicles. The whole family convoy. Long reserved tables for the Eid feast together.
AED 1,797–2,396Full Family Gathering
Multiple vehicles, dedicated camp section, fully coordinated. WhatsApp for a bespoke Eid group quote.
WhatsApp for quoteThe Full Eid
Desert Evening
Choose Your
Eid Desert Experience
All Eid packages include the complete celebration — full BBQ feast, belly dance, Tanoura, fire show, all camp activities. Eid pricing matches standard packages.
Self Drive Eid
- Drive own car to Al Khatim camp
- Full Eid entertainment programme
- BBQ feast · Belly dance · Fire show
- Camel ride · Sandboarding · Henna
- Falcon meet-and-greet
- Eid Mubarak — the whole family welcome
Private Eid Family Car
- Exclusive 7-seater — your family only
- Multiple vehicles in convoy for large groups
- Reserved family seating at camp
- Full Eid entertainment programme
- BBQ feast · Belly dance · Tanoura · Fire show
- All activities for children
Shared Eid Safari
- Hotel pickup included
- Shared 4×4 with other Eid guests
- Full Eid entertainment programme
- BBQ feast · Belly dance · Fire show
- Camel ride · Sandboarding · Henna
- Eid Mubarak — festive camp atmosphere
Eid dates book out 1–2 weeks in advance
Royal Arabian Safari is among the most sought-after Eid desert experiences in Abu Dhabi. Last-minute Eid bookings are often unavailable. WhatsApp as early as possible to confirm your vehicles and Eid date. Don’t miss it this year.
“Our family of 16 took three private cars for Eid al-Fitr. All in convoy across the dunes. The children on the camels. The whole family at one long table under the stars. The fire show. This is our Eid family tradition from now on.”Ahmed Al Mansoori · Family of 16 · Eid al-Fitr
Families Who
Made This Their Eid Tradition
“Eid with the extended family — 24 people across four vehicles. The whole family at one long table under the stars eating together. The belly dance and fire show had everyone on their feet. Eid Mubarak — best Eid we’ve had in years.”
“Something extraordinarily Emirati about celebrating Eid in the desert. The dunes our ancestors crossed, the Bedouin tradition, the falconry. During Eid it carries extra meaning. Royal Arabian Safari make it feel genuine — rooted in what the desert means to us.”
“Four generations from great-grandparents to toddlers. The older generation watched the younger ones sandboard. The children rode camels for the first time. At the fire show everyone was together. Royal Arabian Safari made an Eid every member of our family will remember.”
“Three vehicles, reserved group seating, a spectacular Eid feast with traditional Ouzi lamb under the desert stars. The dune bashing in convoy with everyone watching from the ridge. Royal Arabian Safari — we will be back for Eid every year.”
“Eid with our Emirati colleagues for the first time. Being welcomed into the desert to experience Eid was one of the most meaningful cross-cultural experiences of our lives in Abu Dhabi. The feast, the entertainment, the shared joy. Eid Mubarak.”
“31 people for Eid al-Fitr. Five vehicles, a feast that matched any Eid dinner table. The children sandboarding until they could barely stand. The grandparents watching the fire show saying they’d never seen anything so beautiful. This is what Eid should feel like.”
Everything About
Eid in the Desert
Yes — consistently rated one of the best Eid activities in Abu Dhabi for families and groups. The desert connects Eid celebrations to Emirati heritage and culture, activities are suitable for all ages from children to grandparents, and the festive feast and live entertainment create exactly the celebratory atmosphere that Eid deserves. Many UAE families have made the Eid desert safari an annual tradition.
Yes — fully open for both Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. Both are the busiest booking periods of the year. The full entertainment programme runs during Eid including belly dance, Tanoura and fire show. Book 1 to 2 weeks before the Eid holiday — Eid dates fill quickly.
Eid pricing matches standard packages. Self-drive: AED 35 per person. Shared safari with pickup: AED 100 per person. Private family car: AED 599 per vehicle (up to 7 guests). For large Eid family groups of 14, 21, 28 — AED 599 per vehicle × number of vehicles. WhatsApp +971582282683 with your Eid date and group size.
Yes — Royal Arabian Safari regularly handles large Eid family groups of 15 to 60 or more people across multiple private vehicles. All vehicles travel in convoy so the whole family experiences everything together. Reserved group camp seating ensures the family eats and watches entertainment together. WhatsApp at least 1 to 2 weeks before Eid to coordinate.
The full Eid entertainment programme runs: belly dance, Tanoura (traditional spinning dance) and fire show. All three perform as normal during both Eid holidays. Eid camp atmosphere is festive and celebratory — the most energetic nights of the year.
At least 1 to 2 weeks before the Eid holiday. Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are the busiest booking periods of the year. Same-day or last-minute Eid bookings are often unavailable. WhatsApp +971582282683 as early as possible to secure your preferred Eid date and group vehicles.
Yes — with appropriate planning. With the private car, dune bashing can be entirely skipped or done very gently for elderly guests. All camp activities — the feast, entertainment, camel rides, henna, fire show — are fully accessible for elderly guests. Many multi-generational UAE families bring grandparents every Eid.
Yes — non-Muslim expat families and international visitors are warmly welcomed. Many expat families choose the Eid holiday for a desert safari. Emirati families often invite international colleagues and friends to share the celebration. Royal Arabian Safari extends Eid hospitality to all guests.
This Eid.
The Whole Family.
The Desert.
From AED 35 per person. Multiple private vehicles for large family groups. Full entertainment, feast under the stars and the Eid memories that become next year’s tradition. Book early — Eid dates fill fast.
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.
Is a desert safari a good Eid activity in Abu Dhabi?
Yes — a desert safari is consistently rated one of the best Eid activities in Abu Dhabi for families and groups. The desert connects Eid celebrations to Emirati heritage and culture, the activities are suitable for all ages from children to grandparents, and the festive BBQ feast and live entertainment create exactly the celebratory atmosphere that Eid deserves. Many UAE families and expat groups have made the Eid desert safari an annual tradition. Book early — Eid dates fill quickly.
Is Royal Arabian Safari open during Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha?
Yes — Royal Arabian Safari operates throughout both Eid holidays, Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. Both are among the busiest booking periods of the year. The full safari experience runs during Eid with all entertainment including belly dance, Tanoura dance and fire show. Eid dates book out quickly — WhatsApp +971582282683 at least 1 to 2 weeks before the Eid holiday to confirm your preferred date and group size.
How much does an Eid desert safari in Abu Dhabi cost?
Eid pricing matches standard safari packages. Self-drive (drive your own car to the camp) is AED 35 per person. Shared safari with hotel or home pickup is AED 100 per person. Private family or group car (exclusive 7-seater for up to 7 guests) is AED 599 per vehicle. For large Eid family groups using multiple vehicles, each vehicle is AED 599. WhatsApp +971582282683 with your Eid date and group size for a confirmed group quote.
Can I book multiple private cars for a large Eid family group?
Yes — Royal Arabian Safari regularly handles large Eid family groups of 15 to 60 or more people across multiple private vehicles. All vehicles travel in convoy to the desert together so the whole family experiences the dune bashing and sunset simultaneously. Reserved group seating is arranged at the Bedouin camp so the family eats together. WhatsApp +971582282683 at least 1 to 2 weeks before Eid to coordinate the vehicles and camp reservation for your group.
What is the best Eid desert safari experience for families?
For Eid family celebrations, the private car option (AED 599 per vehicle) is strongly recommended — it keeps family members together in dedicated 4x4s rather than mixing with other guests, and multiple vehicles travel in convoy for the whole family to experience everything together. The reserved group camp seating ensures the family has their own space for the Eid feast. For families with elderly guests or very young children, the private car also allows the dune bashing pace to be adjusted.
What food is served at the Eid desert safari?
The Eid desert safari BBQ feast includes a generous spread of grilled meats, lamb dishes, rice, salads, hummus, Arabic bread, fresh juices and traditional Arabic coffee. The full BBQ feast is included in all packages. For the Eid celebrations the spread is typically more generous and festive than a standard evening. Dietary requirements can be discussed when booking on WhatsApp.
What entertainment is available at the Eid desert safari?
The full entertainment programme runs during Eid: belly dance, Tanoura (traditional spinning dance), and the fire show. All three run as normal during Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. Live music and the complete festive programme create exactly the celebratory Eid atmosphere the whole family wants. The Bedouin camp also offers henna painting, Arabic costume photography and a falcon meet-and-greet.
How far in advance should I book the Eid desert safari?
At least 1 to 2 weeks before the Eid holiday. Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are among the busiest booking periods of the year — vehicles and camp reservations fill quickly as families plan their Eid activities. WhatsApp +971582282683 as early as possible to secure your preferred date and confirm the group vehicles. Same-day or last-minute Eid bookings are often not available.
Is the Eid desert safari suitable for elderly family members?
Yes — with appropriate planning. For elderly family members who prefer not to participate in dune bashing, the private car option allows the dune driving to be entirely skipped or done at a very gentle pace while the rest of the family enjoys the activity. All camp activities — the feast, the entertainment, the camel rides, the henna, the fire show — are completely accessible for elderly guests. Many multi-generational UAE families bring grandparents every Eid.
Which Eid is better for the desert safari — Eid al-Fitr or Eid al-Adha?
Both Eid holidays are excellent for the desert safari. Eid al-Fitr (end of Ramadan) often has cooler weather if it falls in the winter or spring months, and the celebratory energy after a month of fasting makes the feast and entertainment particularly joyful. Eid al-Adha falls in summer in some years — in this case the evening safari (cooler after sunset) is ideal. Both Eids bring the same full festive programme. Check the dates and book early regardless of which Eid.
Can non-Muslim expat families join the Eid desert safari?
Yes — non-Muslim expat families and international visitors are warmly welcomed at the Eid desert safari. Many expat families choose the Eid holiday for a desert safari outing, and Emirati families often invite international colleagues and friends to share the Eid celebration. Royal Arabian Safari extends the same warm Eid hospitality to all guests regardless of background. The Eid desert safari is an extraordinary cultural experience for visitors experiencing Gulf Eid celebrations for the first time.
What activities do children enjoy most at the Eid desert safari?
Children at the Eid desert safari consistently enjoy the dune bashing most — especially with cousins and siblings in the same vehicle. The camel ride is usually the activity children are most reluctant to finish. Sandboarding, the falcon encounter, henna painting and the fire show round out the evening. Eid Eidiyah (the traditional gift of money children receive during Eid) is often spent on quad bike rides, which are available as an add-on for children 16 and over.
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.