Desert Safari: Dubai vs Abu Dhabi
If you're staying in Dubai, book in Dubai. The Lahbab red dunes are 45 minutes away and have the most camp choice. Abu Dhabi's deserts (like Liwa) are vast and spectacular but 2.5-3 hours from Dubai, so they suit an overnight trip.
Showing 5 reviews selected by Google as most relevant.
Emdad was our guide for the dessert safari experience and he was amazing from the get go till the very end. He picked us up on time, drove smoothly to the dessert camp and took us on a fun ride for dune bashing followed by Sandboarding. We had a 1.5 year old baby with us and he helped make sure she was enjoying as well in her car seat in the back. He then also recommended to upgrade us to VIP plan because the food would be served first there and be better and we were so glad we did that because we got amazing food before others. And then all the shows including belly dance and fire show were amazing too. Highly recommend booking a private car tour!
Desert safari experience with them was amazing. It was totally worth it. Family including our little kid enjoyed. Had booked private tour with them. Dune buggy ride was the best part. Dune car bashing was also fun. Buffet dinner had wide variety. Took photographs in desert. Camel ride was short. Everything went as per package plan. We went to Arabian heritage camp. Live shows kept us entertained throughout. Loved the fire show in the end. Desert safari experience is a must while in Dubai. Thanks to our tour operator for memorable day.
Really amazing day, i really enjoyed lot Dune bashing and camp also very very recommended.guide and driver EMDAD is very kind and very helpful. Thankyou somuch team Desert safari travels
We had an amazing experience. The guider Mr Rufi Choudhry of Adventure Safari Tour was very friendly, funny and cheerful. If I plan to Visit the UAE I will definitely use his services and recommend to anyone interested as well.
Ali is truly the best guide. Thanks to him, we were able to end our Dubai trip on a beautiful note. He genuinely loves his job, sincerely cares for his guests, and was highly professional from the beginning to the very end of the tour. In particular, yesterday my husband had an emergency situation on the way to the desert tour after eating something wrong at a restaurant. Ali remained calm, immediately called an ambulance, and continued to check on the situation while staying in constant communication with us. Even after my husband was discharged from the hospital, Ali came a long distance to pick us up and personally took us back to our hotel. He also rearranged and carried out the desert tour today, which we were unable to do yesterday, and everything was absolutely perfect Once again, we sincerely thank Ali for his dedication, kindness, and outstanding care. I have traveled to many countries and had many great experiences, but without a doubt, Ali is the best! (I truly believe your company is extremely fortunate to have an employee like All.) Thank you so much Ali, God bless you and your family, Inshallah! See you again :)
If you're staying in Dubai, book in Dubai. The Lahbab red dunes are 45 minutes away and have the most camp choice. Abu Dhabi's deserts (like Liwa) are vast and spectacular but 2.5-3 hours from Dubai, so they suit an overnight trip.
- From Dubai: Dubai (Lahbab): ~45 min · Abu Dhabi (Al Khatim / Liwa): 1.5-3 hrs
- Dunes: Dubai (Lahbab): Famous red sand · Abu Dhabi (Al Khatim / Liwa): Golden, taller in Liwa
- Price: Dubai (Lahbab): From AED 99 · Abu Dhabi (Al Khatim / Liwa): Higher, with a long transfer
When Abu Dhabi makes sense
If you're staying in Abu Dhabi, book locally. If you want the huge dunes of Liwa (Moreeb Dune is among the tallest in the region), plan an overnight trip, because it's too far for an evening from Dubai.
When Dubai wins
For visitors in Dubai, the Lahbab red dunes offer the famous red-orange sand, the most camps to choose from and the shortest transfer. That leaves more time on the sand and less in the car.
Is Dubai or Abu Dhabi desert safari better?
For Dubai visitors, Dubai is closer and better value. Liwa is worth it for an overnight adventure.
Can I do an Abu Dhabi city tour and a Dubai safari?
Yes. Many guests book the Abu Dhabi city tour one day and the Dubai evening safari another.