Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the best when it comes to offering top tourist spots in the UAE. They both provide a mixture of both traditional and modern culture, tradition, and lifestyle. When it comes to desert safaris, both have a lot to offer to tourists through their respective tour companies that promise unforgettable memories. But what sets these two destinations apart? Let us look at some of the differences between a Dubai desert safari and an Abu Dhabi desert safari.
Evening Desert Dubai
4x4 Dune Bashing, Camel Ride, BBQ Dinner and Belly Dance
Differences Between a Dubai Desert Safari and an Abu Dhabi Desert Safari
Dubai Desert Safari: The Thrill-Seeker’s Dream
Dubai, a city renowned for its luxury and global appeal, provides a desert experience reflecting its glamorous reputation. Towering dunes that reach as far as the eye can see are a famous feature of Dubai’s deserts. These dramatic landscapes are the backdrop for a thrilling array of activities.
Dune Bashing
The vastness and majesty of the dunes make for an exhilarating off-roading experience. Tourists can engage in heart-pounding dune bashing sessions led by experienced drivers who expertly navigate the undulating terrain. The sensation of sliding and gliding down steep dunes is an experience like no other.
Sand Boarding and Quad Biking
For the adventurous souls, Dubai desert safaris offer opportunities for sandboarding, a desert sport similar to snowboarding, and quad biking, an exhilarating ride across the dunes on a four-wheeler. These activities add a dose of excitement to your desert adventure.
Witnessing the Enchanting Sunset
As the sun begins its descent, the dunes transform, and Dubai’s desert safari-goers have the privilege of witnessing a magical sunset over the desert. The colours of the sand shift from golden to fiery reds and soft purples, creating a breathtaking vista. Photographers and nature enthusiasts will find this an excellent opportunity to capture the splendour of the desert.
Camel Riding
For those seeking a more tranquil adventure, Dubai desert safaris offer camel rides. This camel safari in Dubai on gentle giants called the ‘ship of the desert’ take you deeper into the dunes, allowing you to soak in the serene beauty of the desert.
Desert Campsite
After your adventures, most desert safaris head to the desert camping spot in Dubai. Here, you can experience authentic Emirati culture through activities like henna painting, falconry demonstrations, and enjoying sumptuous Arabian cuisine. Visitors can enjoy traditional music and dance performances like belly dancing and tanoura dance by artists, adding a cultural dimension to your desert experience.
Abu Dhabi Desert Safari: Nature Lover’s Paradise
While Dubai’s desert safaris are known for their towering dunes and heart-pounding activities, Abu Dhabi offers an entirely different experience. Abu Dhabi’s deserts are known for their pristine, untouched beauty and commitment to preserving the natural environment.
Eco-Friendly Adventures
The focus of Abu Dhabi desert safaris is on eco-friendly and sustainable tourism. These safaris emphasize minimal impact on the environment, ensuring the beauty of the desert remains unspoiled. Activities in Abu Dhabi’s deserts focus towards nature enthusiasts and those who appreciate solitude.
Wildlife Spotting
One of the highlights of Abu Dhabi desert safaris is wildlife spotting. The deserts of Abu Dhabi are home to various species, including Arabian gazelles and the rare Arabian oryx. You can observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
Peaceful Desert Exploration
Unlike Dubai, where dune bashing is a central activity, Abu Dhabi encourages a more leisurely exploration of the desert. You can explore the expansive dunes at a relaxed pace, appreciating the tranquil and isolated beauty of the desert.
Stargazing
Stargazing is another remarkable experience in Abu Dhabi’s deserts. With minimal light pollution, the night skies in the Abu Dhabi desert are ideal for gazing at the stars. This peaceful and contemplative activity offers a unique connection to the desert’s vastness.
While Abu Dhabi desert safaris do offer cultural experiences and the chance to sample Emirati cuisine, the focus here is more on the serenity of the desert.
Choosing Your Adventure
Both Dubai and Abu Dhabi offer desert safaris options such as, morning desert safaris, overnight desert safaris, and evening desert safaris to create lasting memories. To decide between the two, consider your preferences and the type of experience you seek.
Dubai’s Desert Safari
Dubai is the go-to destination if you are a thrill-seeker, an adventure enthusiast, or love to conquer the towering dunes. Dune bashing, sandboarding, quad biking, and lively desert camps make for an action-packed adventure.
Abu Dhabi’s Desert Safari
On the other hand, if you desire a tranquil and untouched desert experience with a focus on nature and wildlife encounters, Abu Dhabi’s desert safari will fulfil your wishes.
Dubai Desert Safari Pros:
1. Accessibility and Convenience: Dubai is well-known for its access and first-rate infrastructure. Dubai desert safari is easily accessible from the city, making it an ideal choice for people with limited time.
2. Diverse Activities: The Dubai desert safari tour offers a variety of activities, including dune bashing, camel riding, sandboarding, and even quad biking. You can choose the level of adventure that suits your preferences.
3. Evening Entertainment: Many Dubai desert safari packages include entertainment options such as belly dancing, henna painting, and traditional Arabic meals. This makes for an enjoyable evening out in the desert.
Desert Safari Dubai cons:
1. Crowded: Due to the popularity of the Dubai desert safari, it gets crowded. During peak tourist seasons, the desert can get congested, which might detract from the peacefulness of the experience.
2. Tourist Prices: Dubai is famed for its grandeur, and the expense of desert safaris reflects this. When compared to alternative solutions, it may be more expensive.
Desert Safari Dubai Cost :
A Dubai desert safari costs approximately AED 99 per person for adults and 90 AED for children (3 to 10 years).
Abu Dhabi Desert Safari Pros:
- Authentic Experience: The Abu Dhabi desert safari is often considered a more authentic experience due to its relative distance from the city and fewer tourists. You can get a sense of the untouched beauty of the desert.
- More Serene: Abu Dhabi’s desert ensures a more serene experience. It is ideal for those seeking a peaceful retreat in the desert.
- Unique Activities:While dune bashing and camel riding are popular desert activities in Abu Dhabi, there are other unique activities, such as falconry performances, a visit to a camel farm, and a look into authentic Bedouin life.
Abu Dhabi Desert Safari Cons :
- Distance: One disadvantage of picking Abu Dhabi for your desert safari is the longer distance to the desert, which makes it less convenient if you live in Dubai.
- Limited Evening Entertainment: Abu Dhabi Desert Safari may not offer as extensive evening entertainment options as Dubai. This might be a disadvantage if you want to experience a more bustling nightlife in the desert.
Abu Dhabi Desert Safari Cost :
Abu Dhabi Desert Safari is often less expensive than Dubai, with basic packages ranging from 60 AED for adults and 55 AED for children (3 to 10 years).
Conclusion
The desert safari experiences offered in Dubai and Abu Dhabi are very unique. There is always a debate about which desert safari is better; Dubai or Abu Dhabi? The desert safari in Dubai is more popular among tourists, and it offers a wide variety of activities. On the other hand, the desert safari in Abu Dhabi provides a more traditional Bedouin experience. So, choose a desert safari based on your interests and embark on your fun-filled Arabian adventure.