Abu Dhabi: 2-Day City Tour and Desert Dune Bashing Safari

Exploring Abu Dhabi: A Perfect Balance of Culture and Adventure

This 2-day tour of Abu Dhabi offers a fantastic way to see the city’s most famous sights while adding a touch of desert excitement. From the majestic Sheikh Zayed Mosque to the adrenaline rush of dune bashing, it’s a well-rounded experience that appeals to many travelers.

What we really love about this tour are three key aspects: the chance to visit stunning landmarks like the Sheikh Zayed Mosque and Qasr Al Watan, the panoramic views from the Etihad Towers, and the thrill of the desert adventure, including camel rides and sandboarding. Plus, the BBQ dinner amid Bedouin-style surroundings makes for a memorable meal.

A potential consideration is that the tour spans two days, which might require some planning to fit into a tight schedule. Also, women are advised to wear full cover at the mosque, including the borrowed abaya, so packing modest clothing is essential.

If you’re someone who loves a mix of cultural sights and outdoor thrills, this tour offers a rich taste of Abu Dhabi that feels authentic and well-organized. It’s especially suited for first-time visitors wanting a rundown without the hassle of planning multiple excursions.

Key Points

• Comprehensive Experience: Combines iconic city sights with desert adventures, perfect for a well-rounded visit.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides like Kevin, Ibrahim, and Azeez enhance each stop with interesting insights.
• Authentic Cultural Encounters: Visits to Sheikh Zayed Mosque and Qasr Al Watan showcase the UAE’s heritage and architecture.
• Adrenaline and Relaxation: Dune bashing, sandboarding, camel rides, and Bedouin entertainment balance excitement with relaxation.
• Value for Money: At $172, the tour bundles multiple experiences, making it a cost-effective way to see a lot.
• Flexible Booking: Options to reserve now and pay later allow for planning flexibility.

A Deep Dive into the Abu Dhabi Experience

Planning a trip to Abu Dhabi can be overwhelming given the many attractions and experiences on offer. This 2-day combination tour simplifies things by curating a balanced itinerary that hits the highlights and adds a dash of adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Day 1: Iconic Landmarks and Architectural Marvels

The journey begins with a pickup from your hotel or preferred location, making the start smooth and hassle-free. The first stop is the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, a true masterpiece of modern Islamic architecture. Its vast scale and intricate design are breathtaking—you’ll marvel at the largest hand-woven carpet, Swarovski crystal chandeliers, and stunning glass panels. Keep in mind that women are required to wear full coverage, including a borrowed black abaya, ensuring respect for local customs.

Many reviewers, like Riccardo, mention the grandeur of the mosque, describing it as an “amazing day” with an encounter with camels and a local dinner in the desert. The mosque’s peaceful atmosphere and detailed architectural features make it a must-see. It’s a place to take your time, soak in the beauty, and snap plenty of photos.

Next, the tour heads to Qasr Al Watan, the Presidential Palace. This site is a visual feast—beautiful gardens, impressive architecture, and a sense of Arab splendor. Though guided inside the mosque is not included, the palace itself offers ample photo opportunities and a glimpse into the UAE’s regal side. Reviewers like Giuseppe highlight how this palace left them in awe and appreciated the opportunity to see such a grand structure.

The tour then moves to Etihad Towers, where the view from the observation deck is often described as spellbinding. You’ll get a panoramic look at Abu Dhabi’s skyline, a view that’s especially striking at sunset or during the day. Many visitors feel this perspective helps them understand the city’s rapid development and architectural ambitions.

The day wraps up with a drop-off at your hotel, giving you time to relax and prepare for the next day’s desert adventure.

Day 2: Desert Safari and Bedouin Hospitality

The second day is all about experiencing Abu Dhabi’s natural side—its expansive deserts. The safari begins with a pickup and a scenic drive into the desert, where the highlight is dune bashing in a 4WD vehicle. Reviewers like Andrea and Nithun mention the thrill of descending steep sand dunes, which offers a sense of adventure and fun. Some describe it as “truly exciting” and note that it’s suitable for anyone looking for a little adrenaline.

Sandboarding and a short camel ride provide additional ways to connect with the desert landscape. One reviewer, Giuseppe, shared that the dune bashing and camel ride made the day unforgettable, emphasizing the excitement of sand sliding down the dunes and the peacefulness of the camel trek.

A stop at a Bedouin camp offers a taste of traditional desert life. Watching a desert sunset is often described as “beautiful” and a highlight for many. As the sun dips behind the dunes, the tour includes a BBQ buffet dinner accompanied by Bedouin entertainment, which might involve traditional music or dance. Many reviews praise the “excellent buffet dinner” and the opportunity to enjoy local flavors in an authentic setting.

The evening concludes with a relaxed drive back to your hotel. Reviewers, like Riccardo, mention how guides like Kevin made the experience even more enjoyable with their friendly attitude and local insights.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Expert Guides and Seamless Service

One of the recurring praises in reviews is the professionalism and friendliness of the guides. Kevin, Ibrahim, and Azeez receive glowing remarks for their knowledge, attentiveness, and humor, making each part of the experience engaging and informative. Their insights elevate the tour, turning sightseeing into stories and giving travelers a deeper appreciation.

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Authentic Cultural Encounters

Visiting the Sheikh Zayed Mosque and Qasr Al Watan provides a real sense of the UAE’s identity. The mosque’s extraordinary architecture and the palace’s regal ambiance showcase the country’s blend of tradition and modernity. Reviewers like Giuseppe appreciate how these visits are “created to amaze,” and highlight the importance of respecting modest dress codes.

Adventure and Relaxation in Balance

The desert safari combines adrenaline-pumping dune bashing with calming moments like camel rides and sunset views. Sandboarding adds a playful element, and the Bedouin camp dinner feels like a genuine cultural experience. This mix appeals to those seeking both thrills and a quiet connection with nature.

Value for Cost

At $172 per person, this tour bundles a significant number of highlights—city sights, cultural landmarks, and desert adventures. The inclusion of entry tickets, meals, and entertainment makes it a comprehensive package, especially considering the high quality of guides and services. Many reviews note that the experience “feels very well-organized,” and the value is clear.

Practical Details and Tips

Transportation: The tour includes pickup and drop-off from your hotel or chosen location, which is convenient and saves time. The group size appears manageable, enhancing personalized attention from guides.

Duration: The city tour lasts about 4-5 hours, while the desert safari is around 6 hours, making for a full but comfortable experience across two days. It’s important to allocate these days accordingly in your travel schedule.

Clothing: Women should plan to wear modest clothing covering arms, legs, and heads, with abayas provided by the activity provider. Men should also dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, and avoid revealing clothing.

Weather: Expect a desert climate, especially on Day 2, so light, breathable clothing, sun protection, and water are essential.

Language Options: The city tour is offered in multiple languages including Spanish, Italian, German, French, and English. The desert safari is led in English, so language compatibility is good for most travelers.

Cancellation & Flexibility: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, useful if your plans change.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for first-timers wanting a rundown of Abu Dhabi without the stress of individual bookings. It’s perfect if you’re eager to see both the city’s highlights and enjoy a taste of the desert in one seamless package.

Travelers interested in architecture, culture, and adventure will find it particularly rewarding. However, those with limited mobility or pregnant women should note the physical activities involved—dune bashing and sandboarding may be too strenuous or unsuitable.

If you’re after a well-organized, authentic experience that balances sightseeing with fun, this tour offers excellent value and memorable moments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes pickup and drop-off, city sightseeing with visits to Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Qasr Al Watan, and Etihad Towers, as well as a desert safari with dune bashing, sandboarding, camel rides, a BBQ buffet dinner, Bedouin entertainment, and water.

How long does each part last?
The city tour lasts about 4-5 hours, while the desert safari is roughly 6 hours, making it a full two-day experience.

Are meals provided?
Yes, the desert safari concludes with a BBQ buffet dinner in a Bedouin-style camp, offering a taste of local flavors and entertainment.

Do I need to prepare for dress codes at the mosque?
Women are required to cover arms, legs, and heads; abayas are provided. Men should wear clothing that covers shoulders and knees. No special clothing is provided for men.

Can I book the tour in my language?
Yes, the city tour is offered in multiple languages including Spanish, Italian, German, French, and English. The desert safari is led in English.

Is the tour suitable for children or pregnant women?
Pregnant women are advised not to participate due to the physical activities involved. Children can join, but it’s best to check if they’re comfortable with the activities and dress modestly.

What is the cost of the tour?
It costs $172 per person, which covers most major activities, tickets, and meals—making it a good value for a two-day comprehensive experience.

What should I bring?
Bring modest clothing, sun protection, water, and comfortable shoes suitable for walking and dune bashing.

What happens if Qasr Al Watan is closed?
In case of closure for presidential events, the group will visit Qasr Al Hosn or Heritage Village instead, so there’s a good chance you’ll still see a remarkable site.

This Abu Dhabi 2-day tour from OceanAir Travels delivers a balanced combination of cultural discovery and exhilarating desert fun. With knowledgeable guides, stunning sights, and a well-organized schedule, it’s an excellent choice for travelers wanting a memorable and authentic experience in the UAE.

You can check availability for your dates here: