Best things to do in Al Dhafra in Abu Dhabi
Most lists for the top places to visit in Abu Dhabi includes Al Dhafra – a historic oasis located at the emirate’s western region. There are a number of fun things to do in Al Dhafra such as fine dining under the stars, desert safari on a 4WD, overnight camping, dune bashing, falconry shows and much more. There are also several events and festivals in Al Dhafra Abu Dhabi, where you can meet new people and enjoy with friends and family.
Fun Things to do in Al Dhafra Oasis
Cruising through the sandy deserts of Abu Dhabi is one of the most exciting things to do in the capital city. No place is more ideal for a thrilling desert adventure than Al Dhafra. But coasting through the dunes is not the only thing on the agenda if you are planning a visit to Al Dhafra. Let’s take a look at some of the fun things to do in Al Dhafra. Desert Rose Tourism, Abu Dhabi Pearl and Emirates Tours and Safari LLC are some of the top tour operators in Al Dhafra.
Activities at Al Dhafra
From adventure buffs looking for a desert safari, sand boarding or sand skiing to stargazers who love overnight camping at Al Dhafra beach, the place has a slew of activities to keep everyone engaged. Several tour operators and hotels offer these Al Dhafra activity packages, so choose one that fits within your budget for an enjoyable experience.
Sand Boarding and Sledging at Tal Moreeb
Sledging and boarding take a new shape in Abu Dhabi – sand boarders can enjoy the smooth desert dunes which tower hundreds of metres above the plains in Al Dhafra. Rub al-Khali or the Empty Quarter is an ideal location to go sandboarding and sand skiing in Abu Dhabi. Novice sand boarders might find the massive Tal Moreeb dunes, challenging. If you are planning a visit to the sand dunes in Rub Al Khail or Tal Moreeb, you need to take the short drive to Liwa to reach the Liwa Dunes, from where you can begin your sandboarding adventure.
Dune Bashing
Al Dhafra is the perfect spot for some gravity-defying dune bashing. The massive desert expanse is ideal to tackle the dunes. An action-packed ride with trained guides to steer you across the desert is an unforgettable adventure. Riding in a 4×4 through the dunes of the Empty Quarter is the most sought-after adventure activity at Al Dhafra.
Desert Safari
If you want a slightly laid back alternative to dune bashing – try going on an exciting desert safari. The trip across the desert will give you a chance to learn about the beauty of shifting sands and indigenous animals and plants.
If you enjoy the thought of the overnight camping options at Al Dhafra, Dubai too has a wide range of overnight camping packages. So after your Al Dhara adventure, you can head over to Dubai and try overnight desert safaris there. Check out the best desert safari tour operators in Dubai to enjoy the ultimate desert safari with expert guides and top of the line vehicles.
Camel Trekking
One of the most popular Al Dhafra activities is to explore the Empty Quarter by hopping onto the “ship of the desert”. Camel trekking is one of the most popular things to do in Al Dhafra with plenty of tracks and courses to choose from. Camel trekking is available at sunrise and sunset. So pick a time of your choice for exploring the desert in a traditional Arab way.
Festivals and Events in Al Dhafra UAE
Along with the other cool things to do in Abu Dhabi, there are many festivals and social activities happening at Al Dhafra as well. Here is a roundup of all the festivities at Al Dhafra.
Al Dhafra Festival 2019
Organised by Cultural Programs and Heritage Festivals Committee Abu Dhabi, the upcoming Al Dhafra Festival 2019 is the ultimate way to take a closer look at the local culture and heritage. The festivities include:
- Camel Races
- Traditional Market
- Poetry
- Folk music
- Falcon shows
- Horseracing
- Saluki races
- The Dates competition and much more
When: The Al Dhafra Festival 2019 will take place from 16 December 2019, to 01 January 2020.
Where: Al Dhafra Madinat Zayed Park
Timing: Monday to Wednesday 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
Contact: +971-2-444-0444
Al Dhafra Water Festival 2019
One of the fun things to do in Al Dharfa is to visit the many festivals and events held in the area each year. The Al Dhafra Water Festival 2019 is the event of the year for water sports enthusiasts. With ten days of non-stop activities, the festival garners a massive crowd each year. Apart from camel races, some of the other events include beach football (arranged by the Al Dhafra football club), jet skiing, volleyball, kiteboarding, kayaking and a wealth of other water-sports.
When: The Al Dhafra Water Festival is held in April each year
Where: Al Dhafra
Contact: +971-2-444-0444
Where to Stay in Al Dharfa
Al Dharfa is a popular holiday destination in Abu Dhabi. Here’s a list of the top hotels in the region where you can spend a luxurious holiday.
Anantara Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort
Step into a fairy tale at Anantara, Qasr al Sarab, a luxurious oasis in the midst of the Liwa Desert. This isolated desert resort is approximately 200 kilometres from Abu Dhabi. The Liwa desert comes alive in this magnificent resort. Qasr Al Sarab offers numerous desert activities, which include camping, FatBoy bike rides, desert safaris, dune bashing and much more.
Location: Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
Contact: +971 2 886 2088
Tilal Liwa Hotel
The Tilal Liwa Hotel is popular among locals and tourists for its unbeatable services. A 4-star hotel in Al Dharfa, Tilal Liwa offers a wide range of facilities to make your stay pleasurable. Spa, sauna and Wi-Fi are a few of the many services offered at the hotel. It also offers adventure packages for guests, which include many fun things to do in Al Dharfa such as horse riding, camel rides, spas, overnight camping and fine dining options.
Location: Madinat Zayed, Al Gharbia
Contact: +971-2-894-6111
How to Find Al Dharfa Location?
Al Dharfa is located in Abu Dhabi, a small town in the Western region. It is a 90-minute drive from the main island. You will have to take E11 in direction of Mussafah/Tarif/Mirfa and follow the directions on the GPS. The small island oasis is a tourist attraction, the best place to get close to nature and to indulge in several fun things to do in Al Dharfa UAE.
With this, we wrap up our guide to the best fun things to do in Al Dhafra Abu Dhabi. This region has a rich history and a vibrant culture.
Camping is the best way to experience desert life in its true essence. Here is a list of the best places to camp across UAE with some amazing desert activities offered by the world-class hotels and tour guides. For a desert getaway in Dubai, try the breathtaking Al Qudra Lake for a camping trip, wildlife, cycling and much more! The adventure buffs will love this place especially the dune bashing and sandboarding on the massive dunes. For dizzying rides and more adventures in the capital city, head to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi a theme park like no other.
