About this activity
Editor's Note
Look, I've seen the "occupancy" stats for these desert excursions hit the roof every single winter season, and frankly, I used to be a bit of a skeptic. The industry loves to package the "authentic Bedouin experience" as a high-margin product, but if we’re being honest, most of it is just clever marketing to fill seats in 4x4s. However, after years of reviewing these leads, I have to admit there is something undeniably visceral about leaving the Burj Khalifa's shadow to actually kick up some dust. It’s the one part of a Dubai itinerary where the RevPAR doesn't matter and the adrenaline actually feels real. Is it a bit of a tourist trap? Maybe. But riding a quad bike at full tilt through the dunes is the kind of fun that makes you forget you're part of a curated sales funnel. Sometimes, the most popular choice is popular for a reason, even if the "authentic" part is debatable.
About the Tour
Escape the polished marble of the city and dive into the raw, golden landscape that defined this region long before the skyscrapers arrived. This day trip takes you southeast of Dubai’s center, traded the city sounds for the vast silence of the dunes. On a clear day, you’ll even catch a glimpse of the jagged Hajjar Mountains shimmering on the horizon.
The Adrenaline Hit: Quad Biking & Sandboarding
After a scenic one-hour trek into the desert, the pace changes quickly. Your experience kicks off with a 30-minute self-drive quad bike session. Don’t worry if you’ve never handled one; your guide provides a full safety briefing before you start tearing across the high dunes.
Once you've conquered the sands on four wheels, it’s time to try it on a board. Sandboarding is Dubai's answer to the slopes of the Alps. Whether you’re a pro at snowboarding or a total beginner, sliding down a massive dune tests your balance and—more often than not—results in some pretty hilarious tumbles into the soft sand.
The Traditional Touch: Camel Trekking
It wouldn't be a desert safari without meeting the "ships of the desert." You will have the chance to get up close with these incredible animals and enjoy a short camel ride. It's a much slower pace than the quad bikes, giving you a moment to actually soak in the scale of the landscape.
What’s Included:
- Door-to-Door Service: Convenient pickup and drop-off from your hotel in a rugged 4x4 vehicle.
- Expert Guidance: Professional instructors to ensure you don't end up lost in the dunes.
- The Full Kit: All safety gear for the quad biking and sandboarding is provided.
This is the perfect way to spend a few hours if you want to see what lies beyond the city limits. Just remember to bring your camera—the desert light is a dream for your feed, even if you’re covered in a bit of dust by the end of it.
Highlights
- Enjoy a breathtaking session of dune bashing at the Red Dunes
- Ride a camel through the desert and feel as if you've traveled back in time
- Drive across the Dubai desert in a 4x4 Land Cruiser
- Upgrade with the option that includes a 30-minute quad bike drive over dunes
- Experience the thrill of sandboarding
Know before you go
- Quad biking is a self-driving activity taken at your own risk and the activity provider’s insurance does not cover it. Any accidents or damages from the activity will be the sole responsibility of the rider and passenger. International travel insurance is recommended as self-driving activities are prone to risk, possibly leading to serious injury.
- All participants must sign an indemnity form before the tour.
- Children ages 11 and under will be passenger with their parents on the quad bike, children 0-5 not allowed.
- Not for those with serious health issues or pregnant women.
- Participants should be in good mental and physical health.
- In the open desert, a minimum of 5 groups is required for safety, as per Dubai Tourism Authority.
- Wear enclosed shoes.
- Program may change due to religious seasons or other circumstances
- Contact the local supplier 24 hours before the tour for exact pickup time.
- Tour duration is 4 hours, including hotel pick-up and drop-off.
What to bring
Not allowed
Includes / Excluded
Itinerary
3 pickup location options:
Sharjah, Dubai, Ajman
Transfer
(45 minutes)
Red Dunes Desert Safari, Dubai
Break time, Dune bashing (45 minutes)
Red Dunes Desert Safari, Dubai
Sandboarding (15 minutes)
Red Dunes Desert Safari, Dubai
Camel ride, Safety briefing (5 minutes)
Transfer
(45 minutes)
3 drop-off locations:
Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman