Planning a UAE trip? You are certainly going to visit Dubai and Abu Dhabi. But, the dilemma arises when choosing between Dubai and Abu Dhabi for similar attractions and experiences. For example, Desert safari is an experience people love to enjoy and explore during a UAE trip. It speaks tales of ancient Bedouin traditions, exudes old-world charm, paints picturesque landscapes of shimmering gold dunes, and unveils an inky sky bejewelled with stars. For travellers venturing to the UAE, a desert safari is an essential experience, a chance to step into a world vastly different from the gleaming cityscapes. But with both Dubai and Abu Dhabi offering these adventures, a crucial question arises: desert safari Dubai vs Abu Dhabi: which experience will truly capture your heart? Let’s list the pros and cons of desert safaris in each destination to help you decide.
Dubai Desert Safari
Dubai’s desert safari is a medley of exhilarating thrill and breathtaking experiences in utmost comfort. From the moment you’re whisked away in a powerful 4×4, the excitement begins to build, promising an unforgettable journey.
Activities to look forward to:
- Dune Bashing
- Camel rides
- Sand boarding
- Quadbiking
- Sunset photography
- Henna painting
- Shisha sessions
- Photo sessions in traditional Arabian attires
- BBQ dinner.
- Belly dancing, tanoura and fire shows
Estimated Costs:
Dubai desert safari costs start as low as 150 AED. Rayna Dubai Desert safari options range from the quintessential desert safari Dubai with dune bashing at AED 150 per person to exclusive private desert safaris at AED 1260 per person.
Pros
More Thrills
Dubai has always been extravagant and enthusiastic in all aspects of its essence. The same is evident in the thrill factor of Dubai desert safari as well. Dubai maximises in thrill factor compared to Abu Dhabi, be it in intense, high-speed dune bashing and quad-biking or high energy performances of belly dancing and tanoura shows. They add a bit of Dubai’s dazzle in the performance which flaunts the city’s love for extravagance. The atmosphere in Dubai desert safari is designed to be lively and festive, creating a sense of excitement and celebration.
Better Accessibility
The key differentiator between Dubai and Abu Dhabi desert safaris is the distance from the city centre to the desert. The desert areas near Dubai are closer to the city, which can mean shorter drives to the desert. The proximity of Dubai’s desert areas to the city makes the safaris easily accessible for tourists. This convenience allows more time to be dedicated to thrilling activities.
Higher Luxury Quotient
Dubai desert safari is tagged as highly commercialized in UAE. This has allowed the emirate to offer opulent desert experiences. In Dubai deserts, you have various options to make your time in the desert a chic experience, right from premium vehicles and private tours at your disposal to premium luxury camps with high-end furnishings and resorts with gourmet dining and every modern convenience.
Budget Friendly
Though it is debatable that pricing in Dubai may be higher than Abu Dhabi, it isn’t so in the case of desert safari. The price volatility is mainly due to intense competition among tour operators. The Dubai desert safari providers are also larger in numbers than in Abu Dhabi, and hence when it comes to a quintessential desert safari, the prices are far less compared to Abu Dhabi tours. However, prices increase for high-end luxury tours with premium tent stays or packages offered by luxury desert resorts. Check out how to choose the best Dubai desert safari to gain clarity about budget and activities if you feel Dubai is the perfect spot for you for a desert adventure.
Cons
Touristy and Commercialized
The moment someone mentions desert safari in the Middle East, Dubai often pops up in your mind. This happens because Dubai’s desert safari has been aggressively marketed and commercialized. Excessive commercialization has made it the first preference for tourists, resulting in overcrowding. Especially during peak tourist seasons, the desert camps and activities can become very crowded. This can reduce the sense of a peaceful desert experience. Due to overcrowding and time constraints, one might feel that activities are rushed, leading to dissatisfaction. For instance, when many vehicles are dune bashing at the same time, it can take away from the personal experience. This also affects the quality of the tour and providing a subpar experience than what was expected.
Less Authentic than Abu Dhabi
While the Bedouin-style camps offer a glimpse into traditional culture, the experience can feel somewhat staged and scripted. The entertainment, while enjoyable, focuses more towards dazzling spectacles and may not be a genuine representation of Bedouin life.
Less Variety in Landscapes
While the desert around Dubai is beautiful, it may not offer the variety of landscapes as Abu Dhabi, which features larger dunes and dramatic terrains. In Dubai, one might find just endless rolling dunes which seem monotonous and uniform. These dunes are made lively and exciting through the tour’s amenities and activities. The focus is on the experience within the dunes, rather than the broader desert environment.
Abu Dhabi Desert Safari
Activities to look forward to:
- Dune Bashing
- Camel rides
- Sand boarding
- Quadbiking
- Traditional welcome with Arabic Coffee and Dates
- Sunset photography
- Henna painting
- Photo sessions in traditional Arabian attires
- BBQ dinner.
- Stargazing experiences
- Falconry and wildlife spotting
Estimated Costs:
A desert experience with Rayna Abu Dhabi Desert safari tours can be done in approximately 150 AED, but these are simple tours primarily conducted in early mornings. Afternoon tours and desert safaris with activities and premium tours can cost from AED 200 to 800 depending upon the inclusions and duration.
Pros
Spacious, Diverse Experiences
Abu Dhabi’s safaris are often conducted at the dramatic Liwa Desert, which is part of the vast Rub’ al Khali (Empty Quarter). The Liwa Desert features towering dunes of varying sizes that let you encounter massive dunes with impressive heights stretching to the horizon. The scenery at Al Wathba peppered with rocky formations will amaze you. The sheer vastness of Abu Dhabi’s deserts creates a scene of solitude away from the modern life, which is less prevalent in Dubai deserts. Being set far away from city settings, the isolation lets you enjoy some memorable star gazing experiences here due to darker skies and less light pollution.
Cultural Immersion
Abu Dhabi desert safari emphasises cultural experiences, contrasting with Dubai’s entertainment-focused approach. You get to experience genuine interactions with Bedouin traditions and hospitality, such as the offering of traditional Arabic coffee (gahwa) and dates. Abu Dhabi safaris often feature a traditional Emirati culinary experience that goes beyond a simple BBQ buffet, offering a chance to savour the unique flavours of Arabia. Some Abu Dhabi safaris include visits to historical sites, such as desert forts or oases, providing a real connection to the region’s past. They value and showcase ancient art and heritage through performances like falconry and visits to camel conservatories.
Cons
Long Drive Hours
Abu Dhabi’s desert adventures take place in Liwa desert, which is located in the southern end of the emirate. From Abu Dhabi city, this desert is around 3 to 4 hours away compared to Dubai’s deserts, which take hardly an hour or so to reach. The long drive to the Liwa Desert significantly extends the overall duration of the Abu Dhabi desert safari. There are desert safari experiences conducted at Al Wathba and Al Khatim Desert, which are comparatively near to Abu Dhabi city, but then it lacks the solitude and mystical charm of the experience you witness in Liwa Desert.
Higher Costs
One might feel Dubai might have high-priced desert safari tours, but it isn’t so. Abu Dhabi tours happen to be more expensive due to the long travel to the Liwa Desert. The range of tour operators is also less compared to Dubai, hence there isn’t much competition to lower the price. The range of budget-friendly safari options is generally narrower in Abu Dhabi compared to Dubai, which has a very broad range of tour operators. The increased travel time, increased fuel consumption, and fewer tour operators contribute to the higher cost of the Abu Dhabi Desert Safari.
Ultimately, choosing your desert destination in the UAE is a personal decision. Ask yourself: Do you prefer tranquillity or high-energy experiences? You can relate to it when you think about deciding between Abu Dhabi or Dubai for better holiday. If you are seeking extravagance, flamboyance, luxury in a desert safari and do not mind the crowd, Dubai is your ideal choice. On the contrary, if you want more variation in dunes and a slow paced, cultural experience in the desert, head to Abu Dhabi’s vast deserts.
FAQs regarding desert safari tours in Dubai and Abu Dhabi
1. What is the best time of year to go on a desert safari in Dubai and Abu Dhabi?
The best time for desert safaris in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi is during the cooler months, October to April, when temperatures are comfortable for outdoor activities.
2. For those with time constraints, which desert safari should be chosen?
If the guest is short on time, a Dubai desert safari will be more convenient to experience.
3. Are private safari options available in both locations?
Yes, both Dubai and Abu Dhabi offer private safari options.
4. Which safari offers more wildlife spotting opportunities?
Abu Dhabi offers more opportunities to spot wildlife like Arabian gazelles and oryx. It also conducts the traditional art of falconry live shows.
5. How do I choose a reputable desert safari tour operator?
Consider doing your research as per your preference. Read online reviews and compare prices and packages. Always check for credibility and years of experience in the industry, and ensure they have a good customer service.
Conclusion
The allure of the desert is powerful and hard to resist for UAE visitors. While both Abu Dhabi and Dubai provide an escape to explore the enchanting Arabian deserts, their approaches to the safari experience differ significantly. It is quite similar to deciding between Dubai vs Abu Dhabi, which city is better for exploration. If you’re looking for a more authentic and less commercialized experience with stunning landscapes, Abu Dhabi is the way to go. However, if you prefer a variety of options, entertainment, and luxury, Dubai has a lot to offer.
So, which desert adventure are you leaning towards, or do you need more info to make your decision? Check out our blogs on desert safari tours or get in touch with us to make an informed decision. We are here to help!
