The Awafi dunes spread inland from the desert town of the same name and are the best easily-reached sand-dune landscape in the northern emirates. Iron-rich sand gives the dunes a deep rust-orange colour that is most intense in the first and last hours of daylight. They are popular with off-roaders, sandboarders, and campers from Dubai, who pitch tents along the firm gravel margins on weekends.
For a casual visit, an organised desert safari with one of the RAK operators is the easiest option: dune-bashing in a 4x4, a camel ride, sandboarding, and dinner at a Bedouin-style camp with shisha and live music. The UAE Awafi Festival, held here each January and February, adds camel races, falconry displays, and craft markets — worth timing a visit around if you are interested in traditional Emirati culture.