All-Inclusive 4×4 Desert Safari, Dubai City Tour and Abu Dhabi City Tour

Planning a trip to the UAE often involves juggling multiple attractions—glittering skyscrapers, historic souks, and expansive deserts. This all-in-one tour offers a way to tick off Dubai and Abu Dhabi’s must-see sights in just two days, combining city explorations with a thrilling desert experience. While it sounds like a busy schedule, it’s designed to give you a taste of both modern luxury and traditional culture, all at a reasonable price.

What we really like about this package is how it simplifies logistics—everything from transportation to meals is arranged. The chance to see highlights like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Dubai Creek, and the desert dunes in one trip makes it a great value. The inclusion of dinner in the desert and a camel ride adds a memorable, authentic touch.

However, a potential consideration is the tight schedule—some travelers might find the quick stops limit the depth of experience at each site. If you prefer leisurely visits or detailed guided tours, this might feel rushed. Nonetheless, if you’re after a comprehensive snapshot of the UAE in a short time, this tour hits the mark.

This experience is ideal for first-time visitors wanting a cost-effective way to see Dubai and Abu Dhabi’s highlights without the hassle of organizing multiple tours. It also suits those craving a mix of city sights and adventure, all bundled together.

Key Points

• Convenience: All transportation and pickups included, making logistics hassle-free.
• Value for Money: Combines city tours, desert safari, and cultural experiences at an affordable price.
• Diverse Experiences: From skyscraper views and souks to dune bashing and camel rides.
• Time-Efficient: Packaged to cover a lot in just two days.
• Authentic Touches: Enjoy camel riding, Henna painting, and a desert dinner.
• Potential Rushed Feel: Limited time at each site, so be prepared for a busy schedule.

The Itinerary Breakdown: What You Can Expect

Day 1: Dubai City Tour & Desert Safari

The tour kicks off early, with a 9:00 am pickup from your accommodation—expect a reasonably comfortable ride with a small group size (maximum 15 travelers). The Dubai City Tour runs until about 2:00 pm, giving you a solid overview of Dubai’s most iconic sights.

You’ll stop at places like the Gold Souk, where the shimmering displays of jewelry can be mesmerizing, and Dubai Creek, which offers a glimpse into the city’s trading past. The Dubai Museum and Heritage Village provide cultural context, though some reviews suggest guides tend to point things out from the vehicle without entering sites with you. Still, the photo stops at Jumeirah Mosque, Burj Al Arab, Palm Jumeirah, and Atlantis The Palm are excellent for snapping those Instagram-worthy shots.

By around 3:00 pm, the adventure shifts gears. The desert safari begins with dune bashing—an adrenaline-pumping ride over towering sand dunes in a 4×4 vehicle. Reviewers note that the dune bashing is a highlight, offering an exhilarating experience that feels like a rollercoaster in the sand. Following this, there’s a camel ride and sandboarding for the more adventurous.

As evening approaches, you’ll enjoy a desert dinner with entertainment—think belly dance, Tanura dance, and a fire show—complemented by unlimited water and soft drinks. Reviewers praise the good value of the buffet, although some mention that the performance times are brief.

Day 2: Abu Dhabi Full-Day City Tour

The second day starts early again, with a 9:00 am pickup from Dubai, heading to Abu Dhabi (about 1 hour 45 minutes drive). This full-day trip focuses on the UAE’s capital, blending majestic architecture and cultural sites.

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a standout, with reviewers appreciating its stunning architecture and serene atmosphere. Others found it worthwhile to have a guide (though this tour is driver-led) to better understand its significance. The Abu Dhabi Corniche provides scenic views, while the Heritage Village and Abu Dhabi Museum offer insights into the emirate’s history.

The visit to Emirates Palace is a highlight—its luxurious exterior and elegant interiors make it a favorite photo spot. The Drive through the Presidential Palace and visits to Yas Mall and Ferrari World provide options for shopping and family fun.

Transport & Group Size

Transport is via air-conditioned vehicle, with hotel pickups and drop-offs included—ideal for those staying in Dubai. The small group size (up to 15 people) helps maintain a more personalized experience, although some reviews mention that the vehicles can be small SUVs accommodating 7 adults, which might feel a bit cramped.

What the Tour Gets Right

Reviewers consistently praise the ease of booking and the helpfulness of drivers, describing them as punctual and friendly. The value for money is often highlighted, especially considering the inclusion of multiple tours, meals, and snacks.

What Could Be Better

Some travelers found the guidance limited—the drivers mainly pointed out sites from the vehicle rather than offering in-depth commentary or accompanying visitors into sites. Others noted that certain vehicles had issues, which could impact comfort. The tight schedule might also leave some wishing for more time at each location.

The Experience from the Reviewers’ Perspective

One reviewer called the Dubai city tour “very well,” appreciating the short stops that let visitors decide where to spend more time later. The desert safari got a glowing endorsement—”incredible,” according to one, with plenty of opportunities for quad and kart rentals in the desert area, which are available for an extra fee.

Conversely, a reviewer mentioned that the cars had problems and that guides didn’t share much information, which might be a downside if you crave detailed commentary. However, many found the drivers helpful and punctual, making the busy schedule manageable.

Analyzing the Price and Overall Value

At around $83.74 per person, this tour offers a significant amount of activity packed into two days. When you consider the hotel pickups, entry to major sights, meals, and transportation, it provides excellent value—especially for first-timers or travelers with limited time.

That said, the short durations at each site mean you won’t get an in-depth experience but rather a well-rounded overview. For the budget-conscious, it’s a compelling way to cover a lot of ground without multiple bookings or extra planning.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for first-time visitors wanting a comprehensive introduction to Dubai and Abu Dhabi. It’s ideal for those who prefer organized, all-in-one packages over planning every detail independently. Families, first-timers, or travelers on a tight schedule will appreciate the convenience and variety.

However, if you’re someone who values deep cultural insights or leisurely site visits, this tour might feel rushed. It’s also suitable for adventure lovers eager to combine city sights with desert thrills.

Final Thoughts

This tour packs a lot of diverse experiences into just two days, offering great value for the price. It balances cultural sights, modern architecture, and desert adventure, making it a practical choice for those new to the UAE or travelers wanting a quick, all-inclusive overview.

While the schedule is packed and the guidance somewhat limited, the memorable moments—dune bashing, camel rides, and stunning mosque views—are worth it. It’s particularly suited for travelers seeking convenience, affordability, and a taste of everything Dubai and Abu Dhabi have to offer.

If you’re okay with a fast-paced itinerary and want to maximize your time without the hassle of organizing multiple tours, this package could be a real winner.

FAQ

Is pickup included in this tour? Yes, pickup and drop-off from your location are included for all parts of the tour, making it very convenient.

How long is the drive from Dubai to Abu Dhabi? The trip takes approximately 1 hour 45 minutes, depending on traffic.

Are meals provided? Yes, the tour includes dinner in the desert, along with snacks and unlimited soft drinks and water.

What can I expect at the desert dinner? You’ll enjoy a buffet with live entertainment, including belly dancing, Tanura dance, and fire shows, all while dining in the desert setting.

Is this tour suitable for families? Yes, the tour is described as good for all age groups, especially those interested in a mix of sightseeing and desert adventure.

How many people typically participate? The tour caps at 15 travelers, which helps keep a friendly, intimate atmosphere.

Can I cancel this tour if my plans change? Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this tour a guided experience? The tour is driver-led, with drivers pointing out sights from the vehicle, but it does not include a dedicated guide for in-depth explanations.

In summary, this tour offers an affordable, well-organized way to see Dubai and Abu Dhabi’s highlights, with the added thrill of a desert safari. It’s perfect for those looking to cover a lot of ground quickly and enjoy a mix of cultural, modern, and adventurous experiences without the stress of planning every detail themselves.