About this activity
Editor's Note
Let’s be honest: the travel industry loves to sell "authentic" experiences that are actually just high-volume assembly lines. Most desert safaris in the UAE feel like a race for occupancy rather than a genuine connection with the landscape. However, the Al Khayma circuit is one of the few that actually delivers on its promises without making you feel like just another lead in a CRM system. While the rest of the market competes on price wars that drive down service quality, this tour maintains a solid balance between the adrenaline of dune bashing and the quiet dignity of Bedouin culture. It's a bit of a cliché, sure, but if you're going to do the "tourist thing," you might as well do it with a team that knows how to handle a 4x4 without spilling your Arabic coffee. Sometimes, the most popular choice is popular for a reason—it just works.
About the Tour
Experience the raw beauty of the Arabian Desert with a comprehensive guided tour designed to showcase the best of the red dunes. This adventure isn't just about the scenery; it’s a multi-sensory journey that starts the moment you are picked up in a climate-controlled 4x4 vehicle.
The Journey Begins
Your guide will collect you from your hotel or a preferred location in Dubai. The drive toward the desert includes a strategic stop to adjust tire pressure—a technical necessity for "dune bashing" that doubles as a great photo op. While the crew gets the vehicle ready, you can:
- Use the available restroom facilities.
- Interact with majestic falcons.
- Take an optional spin on a quad bike (if you're feeling particularly adventurous).
Adrenaline and Sandboarding
Once the tires are prepped, the real fun starts. You'll engage in a heart-pounding session of dune bashing, where trained drivers navigate the steep slopes of the red dunes. After the high-speed thrills, you can slow things down with a bit of sandboarding. Gliding down the sandy peaks provides a unique perspective of the landscape and, frankly, some of the best photos you’ll take all year.
Hospitality at Al Khayma
For those who want more than just a quick trip, the extended 7-hour tour takes you deep into the Al Khayma Camp. Here, the focus shifts to traditional Emirati hospitality. You'll be greeted with rose water and Arabic coffee, a welcome sight after the heat of the dunes.
The camp experience includes:
- Camel Rides & Feeding: Spend time with the "ships of the desert."
- Cultural Activities: Get a traditional henna tattoo or enjoy a shisha station.
- Cuisine: A full BBQ dinner featuring local flavors and sweets.
- Entertainment: Live shows that bring the desert night to life under the stars.
Whther you choose the brief adrenaline hit or the full evening immersion, you'll be dropped back at your hotel with a much better understanding of why the desert remains Dubai’s biggest draw.
Highlights
- Enjoy a breathtaking session of dune bashing at the Red Dunes
- Slide along the dunes by trying out the sport of sandboarding
- Get an amazing view of the desert on a camel caravan ride
- Conquer the dunes with an optional quad bike ride
- Witness the ever-ravishing desert sunset
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
- Camel Ride: Children below 12 years of age cannot ride alone and must be accompanied by an adult.
- Quad Bike: Children below 16 years cannot ride on their own and must be accompanied.
- Quad biking is optional and not automatically included in the program
- Avoid eating 2-3 hours before the trip to prevent sickness during dune bashing
- Guests from Sharjah are picked up first and dropped off last in shared transport
- Individuals with back problems, disabilities, or those aged 60 and above are advised against riding camels
- During the holy month of Ramadan you can watch only Fire shows in our desert camps
- The maximum weight limit for guests participating in the horse riding activity is 200 lbs (90 kg).
What to bring
Not allowed
Includes / Excluded
Itinerary
3 pickup location options:
Ajman, Sharjah, Dubai
Jeep / SUV
(45 minutes)
Red Dunes Desert Safari, Dubai
Photo stop, Sandboarding, Dune bashing, Welcome refreshments
Al Khayma Desert Camp
Photo stop, Coffee, Camel ride, Local snacks
Al Khayma Desert Camp
Camp activities, BBQ, Traditional dance show
Jeep / SUV
(45 minutes)
3 drop-off locations:
Sharjah, Dubai, Ajman