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Located in the Arabian Gulf, the emirate of Abu Dhabi is home to vast deserts, filled with magnificent sand dunes that are best suited to indulge in a wide range of activities. The deserts, wildlife parks and zoos in Abu Dhabi are also home to a variety of wildlife, including gazelles, giraffes, lions, white rhinos and more all of which you can witness during amazing wildlife safaris.
The Abu Dhabi deserts are also known to offer some of the most amazing outdoor experiences in the region, whether it is heading to the dunes to indulge in a sandboarding or dune bashing experience in 4×4 vehicles, or spending the night in traditional Arabian camps and tented villages.
With the plethora of desert experiences in Abu Dhabi , head off into the unknown exploring the many deserts that call the city home. Guaranteed to offer you the experience of a lifetime, these deserts are perfect for an adventure unlike any other you have ever taken! With sands as far as you can see, explore the hidden secrets of the Abu Dhabi desert experiences which make this travel destination unique and mysterious
1. Camping in the Arabian Nights Village
One of the best desert experiences that you can have in Abu Dhabi is camping in the Arabian Nights Village. Tucked amidst the magnificent sand dunes, this village is the best place for getting the true taste of old Arabia. It is here where you can experience an authentic Emirati life, beautifully blended with modern-day comforts.
From sleeping in traditional Bedouin tents or palm houses in the village, to renting out luxurious desert houses, or soaking in views of the desert dunes at night from the fort towers here, you can have a variety of experiences in the Arabian Nights Village. And whilst you are camping, you can even enjoy unique and authentic Arabian interiors that reflect the culture of Abu Dhabi with all of the accommodations featuring state-of-the-art amenities and facilities.
You can also take your camping experience up by a notch by taking part in a plethora of activities, ranging from camel rides and sandboarding, to quad biking as well. Don’t forget to indulge in camel trekking and morning safaris here, for an even better experience of the deserts in the tranquil hours of the day.
Location: Arabian Nights Village Rd, Mshayrif, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Timings: 03:00 p.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Price: Starting from AED 300 per adult per night
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2. Al Ain Safari
Located against the backdrop of the tallest peak in Abu Dhabi, called Jebel Hafit, Al Ain is an inland oasis in the region where you can enjoy a one of a kind desert safari during your visit to Abu Dhabi. Al Ain is also home to the Al Ain Zoo, spread across 217 hectares of area, and home to one of the largest man-made African safaris in the whole world.
It is a zoo that is located within the desert, and is the abode of a wide array of native African animals as well as almost 2,500 species of plants. If you wish to catch up close and personal encounters with native african wild animals, you must head to the Al Ain Zoo for a safari. The safari will transport you all the way to African wildlife reserves, and offer you a chance to meet animals like African lions, white rhinos as well as ostriches.
You can even witness zebras, wildebeest, gazelles, kudus, the Dama gazelle as well as critically endangered animals like the scimitar oryx and addax during your safari here. For a desert experience in Abu Dhabi even more unique, you can enjoy a dinner in the wildlife, with the wild lions acting as your company.
Location: Al Ain Zoo, Nahyan The First St, Shiab Al Ashkhar, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Timings: 09:00 a.m. to 08:00 p.m. Price: Starting from AED 31.50 per adult, AED 10.50 per child
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3. Dune Bashing
Dune bashing is one of the best desert experiences in Abu Dhabi because it is an adrenaline-fuelled activity that is perfect for those who love adventure. Dune bashing is a type of off-road driving usually carried out on sand dunes. This recreational activity involves driving across sand dunes in an off-road vehicle, such as a four-wheel drive.
There is nothing quite like hurtling down a cascading sand dune at high speed, and it is an experience that you will never forget. Not only is dune bashing great fun, but it is also a great way to explore the vastness of the desert. You will get to experience the desert in a way that you never would have thought possible, and you will get to see some of the most beautiful scenery in Abu Dhabi.
When looking for places to enjoy dune bashing in Abu Dhabi, head over to the desert expanse outside the Liwa Oasis in Al Dhafra, or the dunes of the Al Khaznah region. You can also enjoy other adventure activities along with dune bashing in the deserts of Abu Dhabi, including camel rides, sandboarding, and falcon shows, all of which are sure to make you come back for more.
Timings: 03:00 p.m. onwards Price: AED 250 onwards per person
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4. Sandboarding
Sandboarding in Abu Dhabi is an experience like no other! The sand dunes of the United Arab Emirates are some of the tallest and most impressive in the world, and the desert climate means that they’re perfect for sandboarding all year round.
Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, there’s a sand boarding experience to suit everyone in Abu Dhabi. For those who want to take things at their own pace, there are plenty of gentle slopes to practice on. And for those who are looking for a thrill, there are also plenty of steep dunes to test your skills on.
One of the best things about sandboarding as a desert experience in Abu Dhabi is that people of all ages can do it. Whether you are a beginner and wish to slide along the dunes, or an expert professional willing to show off tricks, you are sure to have a lot of fun exploring the deserts in a rather unique way. For the best experience of sandboarding in Abu Dhabi, you can head over to the dunes of the Liwa Oasis, located on the edge of the Empty Quarter or Rub’ al Khali, which is also the largest uninterrupted sand mass on the planet.
Timings: 08:00 a.m. onwards
Prices: AED 150 onwards per person
5. Experience an exotic Falcon and Saluki Show
Ranked amongst the most popular desert experiences in Abu Dhabi is the exotic Falcon and Saluki show hosted by the Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, located amidst the sand dunes of the Liwa Desert.
An exciting way to explore the desert and witness the gorgeous falcons up close, get immersed in the Emirati culture and the symbol of falconry that played a major role in the Bedouin lifestyle. Through these shows held twice daily, experience the ancient sport practised for thousands of years where four falcons pace through to swoop in for their preys. Also witness the show of the desert hunting dogs, the perfect companions for hunting among nomadic tribes racing and defending for their prey.
Timings: 6.45 am- 7:45 am or 4.30 pm- 5:30 pm, October to April
Price: AED 235 to AED 310
