Dubai Desert: 4x4 Buggy Ride, Sandboarding & Camel with Pickup

Summary

Rugged 4x4 rides, sandboarding thrills and camel steps in Dubai’s wild dunes

You’ll kick off in Dubai with hotel pickup before heading out for a double-seated buggy ride across wild dunes. Try your luck at sandboarding (don’t worry if you fall—it’s half the fun) and slow down for a camel ride with sweet tea under open sky. It all wraps up with that soft desert silence still ringing in your ears.

What’s the experience like?

Li was already grinning when we climbed into the Land Cruiser outside our hotel in Dubai—he’d been talking about this buggy ride for days. The AC hit us first (bliss), then that faint, dry scent of sand as we left the city behind. Our guide, Ahmed, kept pointing out odd bits along the road—like a tiny roadside mosque with faded blue tiles. I tried to snap a photo but mostly got my own reflection in the window. Anyway, it’s not far; maybe 45 minutes? Felt quicker with Ahmed’s stories about growing up near these dunes.

The desert’s quieter than I thought. You hear wind, sometimes a distant bird, nothing else. The main event is this double-seated thrill buggy—honestly, I was nervous at first (and Li teased me about gripping the seat). Once we started bouncing over those golden slopes though… it’s hard to explain. You feel every grain under the tires and there’s this weird mix of adrenaline and calm. We stopped so Li could try sandboarding—he fell twice and laughed so loud even the camels turned their heads. Sand gets everywhere, by the way. Still picking grains out of my shoes.

Camel riding came after—a slower pace, swaying side to side while Ahmed poured us tiny cups of sweet tea from a battered thermos. The sun was lower by then and everything looked softer somehow. There were other travelers too but it didn’t feel crowded; just enough people for someone to offer to take our photo (which came out blurry but I kind of love it). On the drive back into Dubai I kept replaying that moment on top of the dune—quiet except for wind and Li humming some song I didn’t recognize.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert adventure with buggy and camel ride

• Ride in 4x4 Land Cruiser
• Drive through desert sand dunes
• Enjoy high-performance Thrill Buggy ride
• Sandboard down desert slopes
• Take a leisurely camel ride
• Capture photos of Arabian desert

Top questions

How long is the buggy ride in Dubai?

The buggy ride lasts approximately 30 minutes as part of this desert activity.

Is hotel pickup included for the Dubai desert tour?

Yes, pickup is included from any location in Dubai for this experience.

Can two people ride together on the buggy?

Yes, this is a double-seated buggy experience for two persons per vehicle.

Are sandboarding and camel riding included?

Yes, both sandboarding and camel riding are complimentary for all bookings.

What should I wear for a desert buggy ride?

Wear comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting sandy and closed shoes are best.

Is this tour suitable for pregnant travelers?

No, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers due to bumpy terrain.

How much time does it take to reach the desert from Dubai?

The drive usually takes around 45 minutes depending on traffic and pickup location.

Is coffee or tea provided during the tour?

Yes, coffee or tea is included as part of your experience in the desert.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from any location in Dubai by air-conditioned vehicle, a 30-minute double-seated buggy ride across the dunes, complimentary sandboarding and camel riding sessions, plus fresh coffee or tea served right out in the open sands before heading back into town together.