Every 2 December, the whole country turns red, green, white and black. National Day, or Eid Al Etihad if you want the proper name, is when the UAE celebrates coming together as one nation. It’s also, let’s be honest, one of the few days when everyone in the family is actually free at the same time.

So why spend it stuck in mall traffic? A desert safari in Abu Dhabi gets you out of the city and into the dunes for a few hours. Some people go for the thrill of dune bashing. Some just want the sunset. And plenty go mainly for the BBQ dinner, which is fair enough.

Below are the packages people tend to book for National Day, plus what we’d keep in mind with each one.

Why Choose a Desert Safari for UAE National Day?

Abu Dhabi isn’t just malls and big city sights, even if that’s what most visitors see. Drive out past the city and the desert is right there, huge and quiet. It’s where you get nature, a bit of adrenaline and a proper taste of Emirati hospitality, all in one trip.

What you do depends on what you book. Camel rides, sandboarding, dune bashing, sunset photos, an evening at camp. Some packages have all of it, some just a couple.

Still comparing options? Our guide to the best desert safari in Abu Dhabi might save you a lot of tab-switching.

1. Evening Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner

This is the one most people pick, and it’s easy to see why. You get your adventure in the afternoon, then you get to sit back and relax for the evening.

A typical evening trip might include dune bashing, sunset photos, a short camel ride and time at a traditional desert camp. Some packages throw in a BBQ dinner and live entertainment too, which is usually when everyone finally puts their phones away.

Couples like it. Families like it. Groups of friends celebrating the holiday together really like it.

One thing before you book: check what’s on the dinner menu, what’s included, how pickup works and the total price. The final number isn’t always the one in the advert.

2. Morning Desert Safari for Adventure Lovers

Want your evening free for the fireworks or a family dinner? Go in the morning.

Morning trips are usually more about getting active, so think dune bashing and sandboarding. The light’s great for photos too, especially early on when the sand still has those sharp little ripples.

If you’d rather have an active few hours than spend the night at a camp, this is your trip.

Wondering how early you’d have to get up? Our guide to Abu Dhabi desert safari timings breaks down start and finish times, so you can fit it around the rest of your National Day plans.

3. Family-Friendly Desert Safari Packages

Kids and the desert are a pretty good combination. There’s sand to run around in, camels to stare at, and you’ll come home with a camera roll full of photos. Adults usually end up enjoying it just as much.

The trick is picking a package that works for everyone, from the youngest to the oldest. Ask the operator about their child policy, vehicle safety, what facilities the camp has, and which activities are fine for kids.

Not everything is meant for little ones. Dune bashing, for example, usually has age limits. So check the details before you book, not when you get there.

We’ve written a whole guide on family-friendly desert safari in Abu Dhabi, including what kids tend to love most.

4. Private Desert Safari for Couples and Groups

Not keen on sharing a car with strangers? Fair. A private safari gives you more space and a more personal feel, which is nice over a busy holiday.

Depending on the package, you’ll usually get your own vehicle and a little more say in how the tour goes. Couples, families and groups of friends all book these.

For couples, it’s mostly about the quiet and the sunset. For groups, it’s a good excuse to hang out together somewhere that isn’t the city.

Planning something romantic? Have a read of our guide to Abu Dhabi desert safari for couples for a few ideas worth stealing.

5. Liwa Desert Safari for Beautiful Desert Views

If you’ve done the usual desert tour already, or you just want something bigger, look at Liwa.

Liwa sits on the edge of the Empty Quarter, and the dunes out there are on another level. Tal Moreeb, one of the tallest dunes in the world, is in this area. It’s a dream for photographers and anyone who likes their landscapes big and empty.

The catch? It’s a long drive, around three hours from Abu Dhabi city, and tours work a bit differently from the regular packages. If you’ve got other National Day plans, sort out the timings well in advance.

How to Choose the Right National Day Package

Before you pay for anything, put two or three packages side by side and see what each one actually includes. You’d be surprised how different they can be.

A few things worth checking:

●     Compare prices: Look at the total, not just the headline price. Ask if anything costs extra.

●     Check activities: Is dune bashing included? Camel rides? Dinner? The show? Don’t assume.

●     Choose suitable timings: Morning or evening? Pick whichever fits around the rest of your day.

●     Consider safety: Ask about seat belts, age limits and anything you need to be physically able to do.

●     Confirm availability: Get in touch early. Holiday dates fill up quickly.

●     Review booking terms: Read the pickup details, cancellation policy and payment terms. Boring, but worth it.

Book Your Desert Safari for UAE National Day

Honestly, we can’t think of many better ways to spend the National Day holiday than out in the dunes. Adventure in the morning, a BBQ under the stars, a private trip with just your people. There’s something for pretty much everyone.

Just do yourself a favour: compare packages, check what’s included and book early. And if you’re bringing kids or a big group, make sure the plan works for all of them. Happy Eid Al Etihad!