Dubai Desert Horseback Ride with Pickup & Local Guide

Summary

Horse riding in Dubai’s desert with transfers & local guide

You’ll ride horseback across Dubai’s golden desert dunes with a local guide, starting from your hotel with included pickup and drop-off. Expect quiet moments among shifting sands, glimpses of wildlife like gazelles or foxes, and light refreshments along the way. It’s not just about riding — it’s about feeling the desert’s calm settle in.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I was nervous when the driver pulled up outside my hotel in Dubai, because I hadn’t been on a horse since I was twelve. The city faded behind us pretty quickly, replaced by that pale gold sand stretching out forever. At the equestrian center, our guide (I think his name was Ahmed?) handed me a helmet and grinned like he’d seen every type of rider before. He asked if I’d ever ridden before and didn’t judge my “sort of?” answer. The horses looked calm, tails flicking at flies, and there was this faint smell of hay mixed with something sweet — dates maybe?

After a quick safety talk (which honestly helped), we mounted up and followed Ahmed straight into the dunes. The air felt cooler than I expected, but dry — you could hear nothing but hoofbeats and the wind brushing over sand. Sometimes Ahmed would point out tracks or pause so we could spot a gazelle darting off in the distance. There was this one moment where everything went quiet except for my horse’s breathing; I still think about that silence. Riding through the desert is nothing like those glossy travel photos — it’s slower, softer somehow.

We stopped halfway for water and some snacks (dates again, which I’m starting to crave now). Someone in our group tried to make their horse trot and ended up laughing so hard she almost slid off — even Ahmed laughed along. After about an hour or so, we looped back toward the center where our driver waited to take us back to Dubai. My legs were wobbly getting off, but honestly? That peaceful feeling stuck around way longer than any muscle ache.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert horse riding with transfers

• Pickup from Dubai hotel
• Drive to equestrian center
• Receive riding instructions and safety briefing
• Ride horse through desert dunes
• Enjoy desert wildlife sightings
• Return to hotel by driver

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for the Dubai desert horseback ride?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from centrally located Dubai hotels are included.

How long does the horseback riding tour last?

The horseback ride itself lasts about 60 minutes to 1.5 hours.

Do I need prior experience to join this horseback tour?

No prior experience is needed; guides provide instructions before riding.

What is the maximum weight allowed for riders?

The maximum weight allowed is 90 kg per rider.

Are children allowed on this Dubai desert horse ride?

Children above 8 years old can join if accompanied by an adult.

Are refreshments provided during the tour?

Yes, light refreshments such as water and dates are included.

Will I see wildlife during the ride?

You might spot animals like gazelles or desert foxes during your ride.

Is this a private or group activity?

This is a group sharing activity unless you arrange a private ride separately.

What’s included

Your day includes convenient hotel pickup and drop-off from anywhere in central Dubai, all necessary safety instructions from a professional local rider, an hour-long guided horseback ride through the Arabian desert dunes, plus light refreshments along the way before heading back to your hotel.