Abu Dhabi Desert Safari: Al Khatim, Liwa & the Empty Quarter

Most visitors think "Dubai" when they picture a desert safari, but Abu Dhabi has more desert than any other emirate. It stretches from the dunes an hour outside the capital all the way to Liwa and the edge of the Rub' al Khali, the Empty Quarter. An Abu Dhabi desert safari can be a classic evening of dune bashing and a barbecue camp, or a full trip to some of the tallest dunes in Arabia. This guide explains where safaris actually go, how the options compare and how to choose one that fits your trip.

Where does an Abu Dhabi desert safari go?

The emirate of Abu Dhabi covers most of the UAE's land area, and much of that land is sand. For visitors, though, safaris tend to happen in two very different places.

Al Khatim: the everyday safari desert

If you book a standard morning or evening safari with hotel pick-up in Abu Dhabi city, you'll almost certainly end up in the dunes around Al Khatim. The area sits east of the city along the E22 highway towards Al Ain. Operators often call it Al Khatim or Al Khaznah, and many camps are set up in this dune belt.

The drive takes roughly 45 to 60 minutes from central Abu Dhabi, depending on where you're staying. Yas and Saadiyat Islands add a little extra time. Al Khatim is where you'll find the full classic programme: dune bashing in a 4x4, sandboarding, short camel rides, quad bike add-ons, a sunset stop and a camp with dinner and entertainment.

Liwa and the Empty Quarter: the big dunes

Liwa is a crescent of oasis villages and date farms in the Al Dhafra region, far to the south-west, at the northern edge of the Rub' al Khali. Visit Abu Dhabi describes the Empty Quarter as the world's largest uninterrupted sand mass. The scale is the point here: rolling orange dunes in every direction, very little light pollution and a real sense of remoteness.

Liwa's headline sight is Tel Moreeb (also written Moreeb Dune), which Visit Abu Dhabi describes as rising more than 300 metres with a slope of around 50 degrees. A paved road runs to its base, so you can see it without a 4x4. Climbing it on foot is possible but tough, and many people stop partway.

Liwa is roughly 2.5 to 3 hours from Abu Dhabi city, so it isn't an add-on to an evening safari. Treat it as a full-day trip, or better, stay a night. Luxury desert resorts such as Qasr Al Sarab by Anantara and Tilal Liwa run their own desert activities, from camel treks and dune drives to dawn walks.

Types of Abu Dhabi desert safari

The formats mirror what you'll find in Dubai. If you want a deeper comparison, see our guide to desert safari types compared.

Evening desert safari

The most popular choice. Pick-up is usually in the afternoon, followed by dune bashing, a sunset photo stop and an evening at a camp with a barbecue dinner and shows. Many listings include sandboarding and a short camel ride; quad bikes are often an optional extra. An Abu Dhabi evening desert safari with sandboarding, BBQ dinner and live shows is a typical example of this format.

Morning desert safari

Shorter and cooler, morning trips focus on the activities: dune bashing, sandboarding, camels and sometimes quad biking, without the dinner and shows. They're a good fit if you have evening plans in the city, or if you're travelling with young children who won't last until a late dinner.

Overnight desert safari

An overnight trip adds a night at a desert camp, with dinner, stargazing and breakfast the next morning. It's the best way to experience the quiet of the desert after the day-trippers leave. Our overnight desert safari guide explains what to pack and what to expect from camp facilities.

Private and Liwa trips

Private 4x4 tours let you set the pace, choose the start time and ask for gentler driving. They're also the most realistic way to reach Liwa if you don't want to drive yourself. Check whether the price is per vehicle or per person, and how long you actually get in the dunes.

Abu Dhabi vs Dubai desert safari

Both emirates offer excellent safaris. The right choice depends mostly on where you're staying and what kind of evening you want.

Note that some budget "Dubai" safaris drive guests a long way out of the city, so always check the real camp location and transfer time in the listing. If Dubai is your base, our Big Red and Al Qudra guide covers the best desert areas closer to the city.

When to go

The desert is at its best from November to March, with warm, sunny days and cool evenings. October and April are still pleasant, though afternoons can be hot. From June to September temperatures are extreme; tours still run, but stick to evening or early-morning trips and drink plenty of water.

Abu Dhabi's desert also has a festival calendar worth knowing:

• Liwa International Festival is held at Tel Moreeb each winter, with the Moreeb Hill Climb motorsport event and Liwa Village family activities. Visit Abu Dhabi lists it for December and January; check the official festival site for current dates.
• Al Dhafra Festival camel beauty contests (mazayna) run in stages from late October, starting at Sweihan and moving to Madinat Zayed, with the finale usually held in December.
• Liwa Dates Festival celebrates the summer harvest of rutab (semi-ripe dates). The 2026 edition ran from 14 to 23 July in Liwa City.

During Ramadan, safari programmes and evening entertainment may change, so check the listing if your trip falls in the holy month. Our best time to visit guide goes through the seasons in more detail.

How to choose a good Abu Dhabi safari

A few checks make a big difference:

1. Confirm the camp location. Al Khatim, Liwa or somewhere else? It changes your travel time completely.
2. Read the inclusions carefully. Is the quad bike included or extra? Is dinner a buffet or barbecue? Are soft drinks included?
3. Check the pick-up area. Some listings include pick-up only from central Abu Dhabi, with a surcharge for Yas, Saadiyat or Dubai.
4. Look at group size and vehicle sharing. Private vehicles cost more but give you more control.
5. Check cancellation terms. Plans change, especially if the weather turns windy.
6. Choose a licensed operator. Tourism activities in the emirate are regulated by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi. Reputable companies will happily confirm their licensing.

What to wear and bring

Desert days are hot and sunny, but winter evenings can feel surprisingly cool, especially in Liwa. Pack:

• Light, loose, breathable clothing that covers your shoulders; it keeps the sun off and is respectful at camps.
• A warm layer such as a fleece or light jacket for winter evenings and overnight stays.
• Closed shoes or sandals with straps for walking on soft sand. Barefoot is lovely in the evening, but the sand can be very hot by day.
• Sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat or scarf to protect against sun and blowing sand.
• A small bag or phone pouch to keep sand out of your electronics.
• Motion sickness tablets if you're prone to it; dune bashing is bumpy.

Our full what to wear on a desert safari guide has more detail.

Safety tips

• Tell your driver if anyone is pregnant, has back or heart problems, or is prone to motion sickness. You can usually ask for gentler driving or skip the dune bashing.
• Always wear a seatbelt in the 4x4 and a helmet on a quad bike.
• Don't attempt dune driving yourself without a capable 4x4, recovery gear, experience and at least one other vehicle. This applies especially in Liwa, where distances are long and the dunes are steep.
• Carry more water than you think you'll need.

Book your Abu Dhabi desert safari

If you're staying in Abu Dhabi, an Al Khatim evening or morning safari is the easiest way to see the desert. For the full experience, an Abu Dhabi overnight desert safari adds a night under the stars. Compare current options, reviews and cancellation policies in the GetYourGuide section below, or browse more styles on our tours page.

Final thoughts

Abu Dhabi's desert is the UAE's sand sea at its biggest and quietest. For most visitors, an evening in the Al Khatim dunes is the perfect introduction. If you have more time, head south to Liwa, watch the light change on Tel Moreeb and spend a night far from the city lights. Whichever you choose, go in the cooler months, check what's included and leave room in your plans to simply sit on a dune and take in the view.