Explore our Abu Dhabi Desert Safari FAQs. Get answers to all your questions about the Desert Safari experiences, safety tips, timings, and more.
A shared desert safari places you in a group vehicle (typically 6 to 8 passengers) alongside other guests from different bookings. Shared transfer packages are the most economical option, starting from AED 250 per person, and follow a fixed group route and schedule. A private desert safari gives your group an exclusive Land Cruiser with your own dedicated driver — no other guests. Private packages offer flexible timing, a more personalised dune bashing experience tailored to your preferences, and the option to extend certain activities. Private packages start from AED 800 for 1 person or AED 1,500 for a group of up to 6.
The Al Khatim desert safari site, where Xtreme Sightseeing Tourism operates, is approximately 45 to 55 kilometres from Abu Dhabi city centre — a 40 to 55 minute drive via the E22 (Abu Dhabi–Al Ain) highway. From Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH), the drive is approximately 50 kilometres. From Yas Island or Saadiyat Island, the drive is approximately 60 to 65 kilometres. Hotel pickups begin 45 to 60 minutes before the desert arrival time.
Yes. Xtreme Sightseeing Tourism LLC is headquartered at Khalidiya Tower, Mezzanine Floor, Room 32, Abu Dhabi, UAE. Our physical office provides in-person booking support and allows guests to meet the team before their safari. We offer 24/7 WhatsApp coordination on +971 547404001 and can arrange pickups from all Abu Dhabi hotels, residences, and Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH).
Dune bashing is safe for children above 5 years of age and families when conducted by a licensed operator with properly equipped vehicles. At Xtreme Sightseeing Tourism LLC, all Toyota Land Cruisers are fitted with internal roll-cages, all passengers wear seatbelts throughout the dune driving session, and our drivers hold UAE desert driving certification and first-aid qualifications. Children under 5, pregnant women, and individuals with neck, back, or heart conditions are advised not to participate in dune bashing but can fully enjoy all camp activities including camel rides, sandboarding, henna art, dinner, and cultural shows. The speed and intensity of the dune drive is adjusted for families with young children upon request.
Yes. Xtreme Sightseeing Tourism LLC is fully licensed by the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) as an authorised tour operator. We launched the first dedicated online desert safari portal in Abu Dhabi in 2010 and have maintained a 100% safety record across 15 years of continuous operation. Our DCT licence covers all desert safari activities including dune bashing, camel riding, overnight camping, and off-road excursions.
It’s not safe to take a child under 1 year old on a desert safari in Abu Dhabi, especially for dune bashing.
That booking with unregistered desert safari operators or freelancers can result in a disappointing experience. Many of these providers offer low-quality services, including substandard food, inadequate safety measures, and hidden charges for basic amenities .The Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism has already started taking action against these unauthorized operators to protect visitors and maintain high service standards.
Yes. Xtreme Sightseeing Tourism LLC offers dedicated desert safari packages for cruise passengers arriving at Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal (Zayed Port, Mina Zayed) or the Musaffah Cruise Terminal. The drive from Zayed Port to the Al Khatim desert is approximately 50 to 55 minutes by private Land Cruiser. Packages are timed to fit port dwell times of 8 to 12 hours. We collect passengers dockside and return them to the terminal with a minimum 45-minute buffer before ship departure. Advanced booking is essential — contact us on WhatsApp at +971 547404001 with your ship name, arrival time, and departure time.
Yes, it is possible to experience a Desert Safari in Abu Dhabi without dune bashing. we offer alternative packages that focus on other aspects of the desert experience, such as sand boarding, sunset viewing, camel riding, henna painting bellydance, or simply enjoying the tranquility of the desert landscape.
Sorry, we cannot pick up from MLC. Usually we advise guests from there to other near landmarks such as Mafraq Hotel or Marina Mall.
Shower / Toilet facilities will be available in the camp. A/c or hot water facilities will not be there.
We will provide tents and pillows for the people for overnight safari. Kindly note, during night there is no other programs. Breakfast will be provided for the following day.
Sorry. Alcohol from outside not allowed in the camp. We have bar for serving alcohol in the camp. You can buy it for extra charges mentioned there.
Sorry, Dune buggy is not available in the camp. Only small quad bikes will be there, which are not included in the package. Guests can hire them for extra charge of AED 50 / 10 minutes.
Camel Ride and Sand Boarding tour will be provided as per the availability for a short period at the desert camp
Desert safari is an adventure which can be enjoyed on all days including weekends and public holidays. But, it is advisable to make bookings in advance as it is a most to tour when visiting Dubai!
Yes. All Xtreme Sightseeing Tourism desert safari BBQ buffet dinners include a fully separate vegetarian food counter alongside the main grill. Vegetarian options include hummus, baba ghanoush, fattoush salad, mixed green salad, Zeera rice, Dal (lentil curry), mixed vegetable salona, sautéed vegetables, pasta, and freshly baked khubz flatbread. Soft drinks, water, Arabic coffee, and tea are unlimited for all guests. Please inform our team at the time of booking if you have any dietary allergies or specific requirements.
Date of the tour, No. of people, Contact OFF’s full name with nationality pick up locations such as Hotel name (Room Number) if available and your local contact number in Abu Dhabi. You could provide us if you are carrying any international Number or any other local number to contact you. If you are staying in any hotel and yet do not know your number we can pick you up from Lobby.
Baby seats will not be provided. If the guests have their own baby seats, they can bring. But additional one child charge will be applicable.
Wear comfortable, breathable clothing — loose cotton trousers and a t-shirt or light long-sleeve shirt are ideal. Avoid tight jeans or formal clothing as you will be sitting, standing, and moving in sand. Closed-toe shoes or trainers are recommended for dune bashing and sandboarding. Sandals or open shoes are fine for camp activities. In the evening (October to April), bring a light jacket or layer as desert temperatures drop to 12°C to 18°C after sunset. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a small hat or headscarf are recommended for afternoon pickup time. Arabic thobe and abaya are available for photos at the desert camp — included in the package.
Dune bashing is not recommended for small kids and pregnant ladies. Usually children above 3 yrs can bring for the safari. At any case, guests can bring the child at their own risks only.
Yes. Seats belts will be provided to all the 6 passengers. In some cars, 7 passengers can sit. In such cases, 7 seat belts will be there.
Sharing basis car cannot go without dune bashing unless all passengers agreed the same.
Else the guests have to hire private car to go directly to the camp without dune bashing.
Dune bashing will be approx. between 30 – 45 minutes.
6 passengers (excluding driver).
Luggage is not possible in this sharing basis car. If customer wants to take luggage, then they have to hire private car.
4X4 WD’s - Toyota Land cruiser, Lexus or similar.
The Morning safari is between 9:00Am to 1:00Pm
Evening safari is between 3:30Pm-10:00Pm
Over Night safari is between 3:30Pm - 9:00 Am following next Day.
Morning Desert Safari: Pickup at 8:00 AM, return by 12:00 PM (4 hours).
Evening Desert Safari: Pickup at 2:30 PM–3:30 PM (seasonal), return by 10:00 PM–10:30 PM (8 hours).
Overnight Desert Safari: Pickup at 2:30 PM, return the following morning at 9:00 AM (17 hours).
Sunrise Desert Safari: Pickup at 5:00 AM, return by 9:00 AM (4 hours).
Timings vary by ±30 minutes based on traffic conditions and hotel location. We collect guests from all Abu Dhabi hotels, residences, and Abu Dhabi International Airport. Exact pickup time is confirmed via WhatsApp on the day of the safari.
Note: Timings will vary depends on the climate changes.
We can pick up from any famous landmarks such as shopping malls or hotels in the city limits.
Al Khatem (Abu Dhabi - Al Ain Road), 40 - 45 minutes drive from the Abu Dhabi city.
Al Khaznah (Abu Dhabi - Al Ain Road), 50 - 60 minutes drive from the Abu Dhabi city.
Liwa Desert Safari includes the towering Moreeb Dune, Liwa Oasis, traditional Bedouin hospitality at Qasr Al Sarab, and the vastness of the Rub' al Khali and many more
There are many Evening Tour packages in Abu Dhabi available on the basis of location and mode, they are:
Booking the top-rated Abu Dhabi Desert Safari is quick and convenient, with 24-hour online booking available. You can explore the full details, including photos, reviews, ticket prices, and timings, on the provider's website. Most operators are open now and offer multiple package options to suit your preferences.
Tickets and Price: Check for special deals or discounts during booking.
Photos and Reviews: Browse real customer reviews and high-quality Safari photos to get a better idea of the experience.
Location and Timings: Ensure you check the exact location and pick-up details, as well as the available timings for the safari.
| Package | Timings |
|---|---|
| Sunrise Desert Safari in Abu Dhabi | 05:00 AM - 09:00 AM (4 Hours) |
| Morning Desert Safari in Abu Dhabi | 08:00 AM - 12:00 PM (4 Hours) |
| Evening Desert Safari in Abu Dhabi | 02:30 PM - 10:30 PM (8 Hours) |
| Sundowner Dune Safari in Abu Dhabi | 03:00 PM - 08:00 PM (5 Hours) |
| Overnight Desert Safari in Abu Dhabi | 02:30 PM - 09:00 AM (17 Hours) |
The Evening Desert Safari Abu Dhabi includes: hotel or residence pickup in a 4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser; 45-minute dune bashing session in the Al Khatim desert; complimentary camel ride at the desert camp; sandboarding; henna art; Tanoura spinning dance show; fire dance; belly dance performance; shisha smoking area; Arabic welcome with qahwa coffee and Medjool dates; open BBQ buffet dinner featuring grilled chicken tikka, lamb kofta, hummus, fattoush salad, Zeera rice, and freshly baked khubz — with a fully separate vegetarian counter; unlimited soft drinks, water, tea, and Arabic coffee throughout the evening; and hotel drop-off between 10:00 PM and 10:30 PM.
The best time for a desert safari in Abu Dhabi is between October and April. During these months, daytime desert temperatures range from 22°C to 30°C and evening temperatures drop to a comfortable 15°C to 22°C. Humidity is low, visibility is excellent, and the risk of sandstorms is minimal. December and January offer the coolest conditions — ideal for the overnight desert safari and stargazing. The summer months of June to August are operational but temperatures in the Al Khatim desert regularly exceed 45°C during the day. Evening safaris in summer depart later (around 6:00 PM) to avoid peak heat.