Tour operator
Big Bus Tours Abu Dhabi
Open-top hop-on hop-off sightseeing buses linking 14 stops from Abu Dhabi Mall to Qasr Al Hosn, with a separate shuttle to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
Desert Rose Tourism
A desert safari company with a permanent Bedouin-style camp at Al Khaznah, offering morning and evening safaris and overnight stays in tents with beds and bathrooms.
At a glance
- Type
- Desert safaris and overnight camping
- Area
- Al Khaznah, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Official site
- desertrosetourism.com
Good to know
- Permanent tents with beds and bathrooms
- Dune bashing
- Camel rides
- Quad biking
- Sandboarding
- Evening buffet
Why we recommend it
Desert Rose Tourism runs desert safaris from its own Bedouin-style camp among the dunes at Al Khaznah, an agricultural oasis town on the E22 highway between Abu Dhabi city and Al Ain. The camp is about 100 kilometres, or roughly an hour's drive, from the city and around 40 minutes from Al Ain, and it is designed to give visitors a comfortable taste of desert life and Emirati heritage.
The company offers day visits and overnight stays. Morning and evening safaris cover the classic desert programme, while overnight packages include a night in a majlis-style tent. The tents are permanent structures with proper beds and bathrooms, which makes an overnight stay far more comfortable than traditional camping and appeals to families and travellers who have never slept in the desert before.
Typical packages include dune bashing in four-wheel-drive vehicles, camel rides, quad biking, sandboarding and desert walks, followed by an evening buffet and entertainment such as Tanoura and belly dance performances. There is also henna painting and the chance to take photos in traditional Emirati dress. Group and school programmes are available, and tours can be customised, so it is worth discussing your priorities, whether that is adventure, photography or simply a quiet night under the stars.
The experience suits families, groups of friends, couples and school groups, and the overnight option is especially good for anyone who wants to see the desert at sunrise. As with any desert safari, check what is included in your package, such as transfers from the city, and mention any health concerns before you book, as dune bashing is not suitable for everyone. Bring layers, as the desert can be cool at night in winter, as well as sunglasses, sunscreen and closed shoes for the sand.
The cooler months from late October to April are the best time to go. Bookings can be made through the company's website or by phone. Because the camp is between Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, it can also be combined with a day exploring the Al Ain oasis and its heritage sites, turning a desert night into a longer trip outside the capital.
Desert Rose Tourism FAQs
Where is the Desert Rose camp?
At Al Khaznah, on the E22 highway between Abu Dhabi city and Al Ain, about an hour's drive from the city.
What activities are included?
Typical packages include dune bashing, camel rides, quad biking, sandboarding, desert walks and an evening buffet with entertainment.
Can you stay overnight?
Yes. Overnight packages use permanent majlis-style tents with beds and bathrooms.
Are there morning safaris?
Yes. Both morning and evening safaris are offered.
Is it suitable for school groups?
Yes. The company runs group and school programmes.
When is the best time to go?
The cooler months from late October to April.
How far is it from Al Ain?
About 40 minutes.