Ultimate Desert Safari Adventure in Abu Dhabi!

Add a desert safari to your bucket list of things to do in Abu Dhabi! Experience heart-pounding off-road drives, get up close with majestic falcons, sandboard down golden dunes and create unforgettable memories under the desert stars.

When you visit the UAE, a desert safari in Abu Dhabi is a must-do. For an authentic and immersive desert safari in Abu Dhabi, head to Al Dhafra – the emirate’s western region – where you’ll get a taste of the UAE’s most adventurous off-road driving experiences, see some of the country’s most dramatic scenery (including the biggest dunes this side of the Sahara), and enjoy a unique 4x4 desert safari in Abu Dhabi on Sir Bani Yas Island.

Al Dhafra makes up over two-thirds of Abu Dhabi. Along its hundreds of kilometres of coastline, you’ll find stunning beaches and islands, with the area’s rich and fascinating history brought to life through myriad ancient forts set against dramatic landscapes.

Sir Bani Yas Island is one of eight islands making up the desert islands of Al Dhafra. More than half of this nature-based destination is made up of the Arabian Wildlife Park – one of the region’s largest wildlife reserves and home to 17,000 free-roaming animals, including Arabian oryx, gazelles, giraffes, hyenas and cheetahs. You will love a desert safari in Abu Dhabi on this special island, and you can choose from three luxury hotel resorts by Anantara on the island.

Continuing your desert safari in Abu Dhabi, visit Liwa, a historic oasis town at the entrance to the Rub’ al Khali (Empty Quarter) desert. The magical Empty Quarter will blow you away with its serene silence and massive gold and flame-hued dunes, hundreds of feet high and visible as far as the eye can see. Try to get up close and personal with the world’s tallest sand dune, Tel Moreeb, which means Terrifying Mountain. Over 300 metres high and boasting a 50° incline, this photogenic dune is a dream for 4x4 enthusiasts, with experienced bikers and drivers competing to climb to the top during the Moreeb Hill Climb event, part of the Liwa International Festival that takes place in the winter. Beautiful by day or starry night, this ever-changing expanse of desert boasts one of the world’s most luxurious hotels: the magnificent Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara. Aside from warm Arabian hospitality, exquisite interiors and sumptuous dining, the hotel also offers solo travellers, couples or families a dose of adventure, from dawn desert walks to camel trekking, dune bashing to falconry and Saluki (desert hunting dog) shows, camp-fire barbecues to fat-tyre biking, and much more.

The UAE is the perfect destination for a desert safari adventure. If you’re visiting Dubai, explore the Dubai tourist attractions, then visit our tour operators for the ultimate desert safari in Abu Dhabi. It’s only an hour away from Dubai by car.

RELATED VIDEOS
Get up close and personal with a cheetah!

Your desert safari Abu Dhabi dreams will come true on Sir Bani Yas Island

Check into a luxury 5 star hotel in the middle of the desert - Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara.

CONNECT WITH US
Plan the holiday of a lifetime with Visit Abu Dhabi

Connect with Visit Abu Dhabi on