Desert safaris in Abu Dhabi are the most popular recreation activity in the city and a major attraction for locals and tourists alike.

You can choose to traverse through the Gulf desert either on board a camel, while the more adventurous at heart can opt for dune driving or Wadi Bashing.

Visitors who meet specific requirements can also try their hand at a self-drive program, where they can drive a 4x4 sports utility vehicle through the desert under the supervision of an off-road tour leader or guide.

Abu Dhabi is steeped in vast terrain dominated by majestic sand dunes and mountainous rock formations, a perfect environment that has bred and attracted adventurous and highly skilled off-road drivers driven by passion about nature and the environment.

A number of communities comprising off-road enthusiasts have been formed in Abu Dhabi, such as the Abu Dhabi 4x4 Club.

These clubs, among other things, organize off-road trips suitable for their members, whether they are beginners or highly experienced.

These communities stress the need for appropriate safety measures in line with the difficulty of the terrain to be explored, as well as general basic safety precautions that all members adhere to when driving off-road.

They also provide orientation classes and training to new members.

It was against the background of Abu Dhabi’s growing status as a destination for desert safaris that a recent ride and drive program involving Ford’s latest flagship sedan, the all new 2010 Taurus with its user-friendly technology, took place.

Driving more than 240 km from Abu Dhabi airport to Qasr Al Sarab was packed with fun and adventure. The drive was a journey into the spirit of Arabia.

Located in Abu Dhabi’s legendary Liwa Desert in the Empty Quarter, which is billed as the largest uninterrupted sand desert in the world, Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara embraces the epic adventures of indigenous desert culture with renowned luxury.

It is accessible by both car and helicopter. From its palatial-style villas, one can traverse towering dunes and sandy desert trails with enthralling desert escapades. It

is a retreat that blends cultural passion with desert tranquility, an unforgettable experience.

There are several tour operator companies in the city that organize tailor made desert safaris in Abu Dhabi.

There is a choice of half-day desert safari, full day desert safari, desert overnight, sand ski and camel trek.

The tour package involves, besides a thrilling dune drive and camel ride, barbeque meals with flavorsome Arabian coffee and entertaining performances by Arab dancers. All this and much more makes for an unforgettable desert safari in Abu Dhabi.

A thrill-filled desert safari comprises a four-wheeled drive on the desert sand. It is an adventure that calls for a daring heart and the will to take huge risks as you cover undulated terrain.