What is the cost of a desert safari in Abu Dhabi?

The cost of a desert safari varies according to the type of safari you choose. Morning, evening and desert safaris come at different prices.

How far is the desert from Abu Dhabi?

The desert is approximately 30 to 45 minutes from Abu Dhabi city. You don’t have to worry about the distance. The tour packages include pickup services to take you and drop you at the destination.

Is it okay to wear shorts on a desert safari in Abu Dhabi?

Even though you can wear shorts on a desert safari in Abu Dhabi, trousers are recommended for better comfort and to avoid sunburn. It also prevents sand from getting stuck to your skin.

What are the timings for desert safaris in Abu Dhabi?

The timings of each safari are different. Morning and desert safaris are around 6 hours but the overnight desert safari is longer as it includes a night camp in the desert.

Where are the pickup locations for Abu Dhabi desert safaris?

Hotels and malls are the preferred pickup locations for Abu Dhabi desert safaris. You can be picked up straight from Airports too.

How long do the camel ride and sandboarding experiences last?

Camel rides are short, often lasting up to 25-30 minutes. Sandboarding is a fun and exciting experience that you can enjoy for as long as you like.

What makes our desert safari experience unique?

Desert adventures, warm hospitality and VIP options make our desert safari experience unique. We provide personalized experiences, ensuring everyone leaves the tour satisfied.

Can I book a desert safari online?

You can book a desert safari online through our official website. We provide secure online payment options and instant confirmations to make the booking process easy.

Is a desert safari safe for kids?

Desert safaris are safe for kids but make sure you choose a reputed tour operator. With good care and proper attention, children can completely enjoy a desert safari.

Should we wear shoes during a desert safari?

It is recommended to wear shoes, especially closed-toe and comfortable ones like sneakers or hiking shoes. These protect your feet from hot sand during a desert safari.

Desert Safari Abu Dhabi

Sunrise vs Sunset Desert Safari Abu Dhabi: Which Is Better?

October 16, 2025

There’s something magical about the Abu Dhabi desert—the endless dunes, the shifting light, and the calm silence that wraps around you. But here’s the question most travelers ask: Should you book a sunrise or sunset desert safari in Abu Dhabi?

Both experiences are stunning, yet completely different. One gives you peace and soft light, the other offers color, culture, and energy. Let’s break down each to help you decide the best time for desert safari in Abu Dhabi based on what you want most out of your trip.

Understanding the Abu Dhabi Desert Experience

A desert safari in Abu Dhabi isn’t just about dune bashing. It’s a fully immersive sensory experience: sandboarding, camel rides, Bedouin culture, and sometimes even a BBQ under the stars.

What makes each safari unique is the time of day. The desert transforms with the light. Early morning feels fresh and silent; evenings glow with warmth and laughter. Choosing between them changes everything—from your photos to how the desert feels beneath your feet.

Sunrise Desert Safari - Calm, Cool, and Magical

What to Expect in the Early Morning

If you love peace and open skies, the sunrise desert safari in Abu Dhabi is for you. The tour starts before dawn. You’ll drive through quiet roads as the sky begins to lighten, and then — the dunes glow gold.

This is the desert at its purest. The air is cool, the silence complete. You might spot desert foxes or birds waking with the sun. It’s a photographer’s dream and an unforgettable moment of calm.

Key Highlights

Witnessing the first rays over the dunes
Peaceful rides on camels across untouched sand
Light breakfast and tea in a desert camp
Ideal lighting for golden hour desert photography in Abu Dhabi

Pros

Cooler temperatures are perfect for comfort and photography
Less crowded, so you can truly enjoy the silence
Great option for short stays or connecting flights

Cons

Very early start (around 4:30–5:00 AM)
Fewer activities and no evening entertainment
Harder for families with small children

Sunset Desert Safari — Vibrant, Lively, and Dramatic

What Happens at Sunset

As the sun dips lower, the desert bursts to life. A sunset desert safari in Abu Dhabi usually starts in the late afternoon. You’ll hit the dunes for dune bashing, sandboarding, and camel rides before watching the sky explode into orange and pink.

Then comes the heart of the experience - the Bedouin-style evening camp with BBQ dinner, live performances, and a sense of shared joy that feels timeless.

Highlights of the Evening Safari

Dune bashing on glowing red sand
Golden hour desert photography at its best
Traditional entertainment: Tanoura dance, henna art, and shisha
BBQ dinner with Arabic music under the stars

Pros of a Sunset Safari

More activities and entertainment options
Perfect for couples, groups, and families
Breathtaking evening light for photos and video

Cons of a Sunset Safari

Hotter afternoon temperatures, especially from May to September
Busier during weekends and tourist season

(Explore our Evening Desert Safari Abu Dhabi for details.)

Feature	Sunrise Safari	Sunset Safari
Temperature	Cool and refreshing	Warm but pleasant in winter
Crowds	Quiet and peaceful	Lively and social
Activities	Light breakfast, shorter trip	BBQ dinner, full entertainment
Photography	Soft morning light	Dramatic golden hour
Best For	Nature lovers, photographers	Families, first-timers, groups

When Is the Best Time?

The best months are November to March, when the weather stays pleasant and the skies are clear. Avoid the extreme summer heat from June to August if possible.

Before booking, check sunrise and sunset times on Visit Abu Dhabi or the UAE Met Office to plan your experience around perfect light and comfort.

(See our Morning Desert Safari Abu Dhabi if you prefer cooler conditions.)

Which One Should You Choose?

For Adventure Seekers

Go for the sunset safari. It’s energetic, full of activities, and ends with music, dinner, and entertainment.

For Peace and Photography Lovers

The sunrise safari wins. It’s serene, uncrowded, and ideal for photographers or anyone seeking quiet beauty.

For Families or First-Time Visitors

Choose sunset. It gives a fuller experience of Abu Dhabi’s desert traditions, food, and nightlife.

Whichever you choose, both safaris offer the same soul-stirring desert magic that defines Abu Dhabi.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to sunrise vs sunset desert safari Abu Dhabi, there’s no wrong choice — just different moods of the same breathtaking desert.

If you crave silence, soft light, and reflection, pick sunrise. If you prefer energy, food, and festivity, pick sunset. Either way, the desert will leave its mark on you — quiet, vast, and unforgettable.

Ready to experience it yourself?

Book your adventure with Desert Dreams Tourism and discover the desert at its most beautiful hour.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time does the sunrise desert safari in Abu Dhabi start?

Most tours start between 4:30 AM and 5:00 AM, depending on the season. Check with your operator for pickup times.

Is the sunset desert safari suitable for kids?

Yes. The evening safari is family-friendly and includes activities for all ages, from camel rides to cultural performances.

What should I wear for a desert safari?

Light, breathable clothes during the day, and bring a light jacket for early mornings or evenings. Closed shoes are best for sand.

Can I do both sunrise and sunset safaris in one day?

It’s possible, but tiring. A single safari is usually enough to capture the full desert experience.

What’s the best month for desert safaris in Abu Dhabi?

Between November and March, when the temperature ranges from 18°C to 28°C, perfect for outdoor adventures.