Abu Dhabi city tour & desert safari from Dubai
Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Abu Dhabi city tour & desert safari from Dubai

Outty Ranking 82 4.9 · 100 traveler reviews12 hoursFrom $115
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Outty Ranking

82/100

Exceptional. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.9/5

Based on 100 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Abu Dhabi city tour & desert safari from Dubai worth booking?

Abu Dhabi city tour & desert safari from Dubai is a 12-hour experience in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from $115 per person. It scores 82 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 100 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
82 / 100
Rating
4.9/5 (100)
Duration
12 hours
From
$115 per person

Abu Dhabi has a deep treasure trove of culture and the richest heritage. Explore the history of Abu Dhabi with Desert Safari, on a 12 - 13 hour full day Tour. Explore the largest city in the United Arab Emirates. Visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to see a masterpiece of Islamic architecture, marvel at the opulent Emirates Palace, admire the Etihad Towers. Afterward, Ride a camel, Go for a dune drive through the peculiarly shaped red dunes, keep your thrills up with sand-surfing along the dunes (sandboarding). Relax at a desert campsite as the sunsets. Get a henna tattoo. Enjoy a delicious barbecue dinner and exotic Belly dancing show, ‘Tanoura’ folk dance and fire show under the stars as you sit around the campfire.

What you get

    About this experience

    Abu Dhabi has a deep treasure trove of culture and the richest heritage. Explore the history of Abu Dhabi with Desert Safari, on a 12 - 13 hour full day Tour. Explore the largest city in the United Arab Emirates. Visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to see a masterpiece of Islamic architecture, marvel at the opulent Emirates Palace, admire the Etihad Towers. Afterward, Ride a camel, Go for a dune drive through the peculiarly shaped red dunes, keep your thrills up with sand-surfing along the dunes (sandboarding). Relax at a desert campsite as the sunsets. Get a henna tattoo. Enjoy a delicious barbecue dinner and exotic Belly dancing show, ‘Tanoura’ folk dance and fire show under the stars as you sit around the campfire.

    What's included

    Included

    • Belly dance performance (except during Ramadan)
    • Visit to the Etihad Towers
    • Dune bashing (30 minutes)
    • Bottled water
    • Tanoura Dance
    • Visit to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
    • Entry to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center
    • Beverages (soft drinks and water)
    • BBQ dinner
    • Tea and Coffee
    • Visit to Louvre Abu Dhabi
    • Visit to the Abu Dhabi Corniche
    • Visit to Emirates Palace
    • Henna Tattoo (Small)
    • (Short) Camel ride
    • Pickup and drop-off
    • Standard seating inside the camp
    • Sandboarding
    • Driver/guide
    • Transportation by clean, air-conditioned vehicle
    • Fire Show

    Not included

    • Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase at the desert camp)
    • Quad bikes (On request)

    What you'll see and do

    1. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center

      Explore one of the world’s largest mosques on a half-day tour, the only mosque that captures unique interactions between Islam and world cultures. Sheikh Zayed's vision for the Grand Mosque was to incorporate architectural styles from different Muslim civilizations and celebrate cultural diversity by creating a haven that is truly diverse and inspirational in its foundation. (NOTE: Fridays only photo points are available because of Islamic Friday Prayer)

      90 minutes here

    2. Etihad Towers

      (Photo Stop) - The towers are located opposite the Emirates Palace hotel and feature offices, apartments and a hotel. The towers were used as a filming location for the 2015 film Furious 7. In the film, Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) and Brian O'Conner (Paul Walker) steal a Lykan HyperSport and drive it through three of the towers.

      15 minutes here · Admission not included

    3. Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental

      (Photo Stop) - The design of the building is a playful mix of cherished Islamic architectural elements such as balance, geometry, proportions, rhythm and hierarchical emphasis to create a unified whole. The inspired grand dome with elaborate geometrical patterns dominates over 114 smaller domes spread over the building. The color of the building aims to reflect different shades of sands found in the Arabian Desert.

      15 minutes here · Admission not included

    4. The Corniche

      (Photo Stop) - The Corniche (or Corniche Road) is located in the city of Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. The Corniche Road spreads across an 8km long stretch. It forms a sweeping curve on the western side of the main Abu Dhabi island and is replete with cycle paths, fountains and park areas.

      15 minutes here · Admission not included

    5. Louvre Abu Dhabi

      (Photo Stop) - The Louvre Abu Dhabi is an art and civilization museum, located in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The museum was inaugurated on 8 November 2017 by French President Emmanuel Macron and United Arab Emirates Vice President Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The museum is part of a thirty-year agreement between the city of Abu Dhabi and the French government. The museum is located on the Saadiyat Island Cultural District. It is approximately 24,000 square metres (260,000 sq ft) in size, with 8,000 square metres (86,000 sq ft) of galleries, making it the largest art museum in the Arabian peninsula.

      15 minutes here · Admission not included

    6. Ferrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

      (Photo Stop) - Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is a mostly indoors amusement park on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. It is the first Ferrari-branded theme park and has the record for the largest space frame structure ever built. Formula Rossa, the world's fastest roller coaster, is also located here.

      15 minutes here · Admission not included

    7. Emirates Heritage Village

      (Photo Stop) Heritage Village in Abu Dhabi is a model of an Emirati village which exhibits the Bedouin lifestyle and heritage. This venue is an interesting cultural attraction and a place that can be one of the most family-friendly destinations. There are no entry fees and is open to all guests. The place has innumerable attractions like the Bedouin tents set up with campfires and piping hot Arabic tea. The camels, Arabian horses, and goats are put on a display, this can be a pleasing sight to the kids in the family! The heritage village also hosts several artisan exhibits of the local arts like weaving or glass blowing.

      20 minutes here · Admission not included

    8. Qasr Al Watan

      (Photo Stop) Qasr Al Watan is more than a palace, it is a unique testament to the spirit of the United Arab Emirate's people and its leaders. The Palace invites the world to share our culture, knowledge and inspiring journey. Qasr Al Watan is more than just a palace, it is an enriching interactive journey in a contemporary setting that reveals and reflects on governance, knowledge and craftsmanship.

      20 minutes here · Admission not included

    9. Enjoy an exciting mix of traditional and modern desert adventures. Begin your desert adventure with convenient pickup from Dubai in an airconditioned 4x4 with a guide. Ride a camel, Go for a dune drive through the peculiarly shaped red dunes, keep your thrills up with sand-surfing along the dunes (sandboarding). Relax at a desert campsite as the sunsets. Get a henna tattoo. Enjoy a delicious barbecue dinner and exotic Belly dancing show, ‘Tanoura’ folk dance and fire show under the stars as you sit around the campfire. Finally, you will be dropped off to your location

      360 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.

    Options you can book

    • Exclusive Vehicle

      Private Vehicle : Can hold up to 6 people per car. Pickup included

    • Abu Dhabi Tour with Desert Safari, BBQ, Camel Ride and Sandboarding

      Pickup included

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    pa, hi, en, ur
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 14 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Desert Thrill

    Know before you go

    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Specialized infant seats are available
    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • The duration of the tour includes the time required for hotel pick-up and drop off
    • The pick-up time will be within 45 minutes of your booked tour time. If there are any changes, you will be notified by email
    • Mosques have very strict dress codes: women must wear long loose clothing, and ensure their arms and legs are fully covered. Women are also required to cover their heads at all times. A long Abaya with scarf (long black dress attire), Men must not show above their knees and must cover their shoulders. Failure to do so will be a refused entry. The tour operator cannot provide any clothing for men
    • It is not possible to visit the Sheikh Zayed Mosque during any Islamic festival
    • Tattoos must be covered
    • It is not recommended to book this tour on Friday if you have a return flight on the same day, as the drop-off time is dependent on traffic and can not be guaranteed.
    • Dry days: entertainment activities (Tanoura dance and Belly dance) will not be available during the mentioned dates 3 & 20th April 2019 / 6, 22 & 25 May 2019 / 1, 3 & 5 June 2019 / 10,11 & 31 August 2019 / 9 September 2019 / 3, 9 & 30 November 2019 / 2 December 2019 or any special Islamic days as per UAE law (Date may vary as per the UAE law and Season time).
    • Casual, loose fitting clothing is recommended in the summer, along with a jacket in the winter.
    • Desert Thrill Tourism shall not be responsible for any kind of loss, accident, sickness or injury. It is advisable that the traveler should avail a travel health insurance as there can be chances of potential risks and hazards. Also, make sure they are mentally and physically able to participate.
    • All desert safari drivers are well trained and licensed for safari drives. The land cruiser vehicles are fully insured and well equipped with all necessary safety features, such as roll bars, seat belts.
    • Most travelers can participate
    • Infants (below 3 years old) are not allowed in the car during the shared dune bashing.
    • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund

    Photos

    Abu Dhabi city tour & desert safari from Dubai, photo 2Abu Dhabi city tour & desert safari from Dubai, photo 3Abu Dhabi city tour & desert safari from Dubai, photo 4Abu Dhabi city tour & desert safari from Dubai, photo 5Abu Dhabi city tour & desert safari from Dubai, photo 6Abu Dhabi city tour & desert safari from Dubai, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 100 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    8 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Good for families

    3 mentions

    Reviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.

    Traveler reviews

    100 verified traveler reviews for Abu Dhabi city tour & desert safari from Dubai. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    91
    4 star
    9
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    Roywhotravels · March 2026

    Amazing Holidays

    We had a wonderful experience with the team of Desert Thrills, starting from their customer care executives who briefed in the various tours available, costs, options and tailor made itineary based on our requirements. We had Mr Munawar from Pakistan as our driver cum guide for the desert safari and Mr Jaiswal as Guide cum driver for the Abu Dhabi Trip. Mr Jaiswal was immensely knowledgeable and conducted our trip very nicely.

    via Tripadvisor

    Jeroenv1395 · February 2026

    Perfect Dubai to Abu Dhabi tour

    Thanks Sohaib Hafeez, for the 6 hour tour. The pickup was perfect on time. The drive from Dubai to Abu Dhabi was very nice. The places you showed us and your help at the Sheik Zayed mosk was mutch appreciated. We recommend you to everyone who comes to Dubai

    via Tripadvisor

    Tarin_T · February 2026

    Kudos to Jabed

    Can't say enough good things about this tour and our driver/tour guide, Jabed. He is a great steward of the UAE. This was truly an immersive cultural experience. Jabed took us to all the sites on the itinerary and gave in depth commentary about the sites as well as other sites we passed along the way. He was by far our favorite guide on our vacation. Even my kids said he was the best. Tour wise, the sites were perfect stops. We especially enjoyed the mosque. Wish we had more time there. The desert experience was nice, starting with the SUV drive through the desert to get to "camp." At camp there was no sand boarding so to speak - there were some boards at the top of a sand dune, but no instructions on how to use them and no one there seemed to know how. Also the steepest hill faced a wall, didn't seem safe trying to learn how to sand board there. Show at camp was nice. Food was okay too and varied enough for all the various dietary requirements of my family to be met. (Bring a jacket/shawl for the desert. It gets chilly at night) There was an upsell for a bunch of things, ATV ride in the desert, VIP seating at camp, ice cream at camp etc. etc. - I'm not sure if any of the upsells were worth the additional price, especially since the dinner upsell promised additional food that never came. But overall, 10/10. Thank you, Jabed.

    via Viator

    aleksg954 · December 2025

    Abu Dhabi

    Jaiswal was awesome, he was super friendly and a great driver, he was very attentive and helpful, I would highly recommend him. We really enjoyed the trip, Abu Dhabi

    via Tripadvisor

    elnart2025 · December 2025

    Perfect

    Jabed Monju nice driver and very nice man, safari very nice and we have a very adrenalin, hello desert in abu dhabi is ver beatiful palace thank you evrything and thanks for Jabed is cool man

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    12 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $115 to $582
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    35
    Verdict
    Exceptional

    Why this scores 82

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)91
    Review evidence (18% weight)67
    Booking momentum (14% weight)61
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)66
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Abu Dhabi city tour & desert safari from Dubai: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Dubai.

    How much does Abu Dhabi city tour & desert safari from Dubai cost?

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    Prices start at $115 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Dubai usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Abu Dhabi city tour & desert safari from Dubai take?

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    Plan for about 12 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Dubai is not rushed.

    Is Abu Dhabi city tour & desert safari from Dubai worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 82 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 100 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Dubai, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Abu Dhabi city tour & desert safari from Dubai?

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    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Abu Dhabi city tour & desert safari from Dubai suitable for kids and families?

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    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 12-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Abu Dhabi city tour & desert safari from Dubai?

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    Around 35 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Dubai can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

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    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Dubai and add a light layer if any part of the 12-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Abu Dhabi city tour & desert safari from Dubai start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Dubai within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Dubai?

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    On Outty we rank every Dubai experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Dubai Premium Red Dunes Safari, Camels & 5* BBQ at Al Khayma Camp, Dubai: Red Dunes Safari, Quad, Camel, Dune Bash, BBQ & Shows, Dubai Evening Desert Safari Dune Bashing, BBQ Dinner & Live Shows. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Dubai?

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    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Dubai?

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    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

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    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Abu Dhabi city tour & desert safari from Dubai?

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    Included: Belly dance performance (except during Ramadan); Visit to the Etihad Towers; Dune bashing (30 minutes); Bottled water; and Tanoura Dance. Not included: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase at the desert camp); and Quad bikes (On request). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Abu Dhabi city tour & desert safari from Dubai include hotel pickup?

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    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 1434 listed pickup locations in and around Dubai. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Abu Dhabi city tour & desert safari from Dubai offered in?

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    It is offered in Punjabi, Hindi, English and Urdu. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Abu Dhabi city tour & desert safari from Dubai?

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    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Abu Dhabi city tour & desert safari from Dubai wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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    The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Specialized infant seats are available; Not recommended for pregnant travelers; and Infants (below 3 years old) are not allowed in the car during the shared dune bashing. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Abu Dhabi city tour & desert safari from Dubai if the weather is bad?

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    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about Abu Dhabi city tour & desert safari from Dubai?

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    Across 100 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, good for families. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    What booking options are available for Abu Dhabi city tour & desert safari from Dubai?

    +

    There are 2 options to choose from, including Exclusive Vehicle, Abu Dhabi Tour with Desert Safari, BBQ, Camel Ride and Sandboarding. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Abu Dhabi city tour & desert safari from Dubai.

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