Dubai Desert: Private Morning Safari, Dune Bashing & Sandboard

Summary

Private morning in Dubai’s red dunes with sandboard and camel ride

You’ll start your day early with hotel pickup in Dubai before heading out to the red dunes for private dune bashing, sandboarding from high slopes, and a short camel ride with a local guide. There’s time for photos as the sun rises over the desert and cold drinks to cool off after all the action. Expect laughter, some adrenaline, and maybe a little sand stuck everywhere — but you’ll remember those quiet moments on the dunes long after you’re back.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I didn’t expect to be wide awake before sunrise on my Dubai trip — but there I was, shoes full of sand and eyes still half-closed, climbing into a white Land Cruiser. Our driver, Imran, greeted us with a grin and an old Bollywood song playing softly. The city faded behind us so quickly it felt like we’d driven into another world. The air out in Lahbab Desert was cool and dry, almost sharp on my skin. It smelled faintly like dust and something sweet I couldn’t place.

Dune bashing is way more intense than it sounds — the car slides sideways down these huge red dunes (Imran called them “the big ones”), and sometimes my stomach dropped faster than the wheels did. My friend shrieked at one point; Imran just laughed and said “hold tight!” We stopped at the top for photos, which honestly…doesn’t do it justice. The light was gold but kind of pale, not hot yet. I tried sandboarding after that — let’s just say balance is not my thing, but falling in soft sand isn’t so bad.

The camel ride was quieter than I expected. Camels are taller than they look from far away (and wobblier). The handler showed me how to say thank you in Arabic — “shukran” — though I probably butchered it. There were a couple other groups around but mostly it felt empty in the best way. Cold juice tasted weirdly good after all that bouncing around. On the drive back to Dubai, I kept finding bits of sand in my pockets — little reminders that feel kind of funny now.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Morning desert safari with activities

• Pick up from accommodation
• Drive to high dune for photo stop
• Watch and capture sunrise
• Sandboarding on high dunes
• Dune bashing in red dunes
• Camel ride in desert
• Enjoy cold drinks and refreshments
• Drive back to Dubai
• Drop off at accommodation

Top questions

How long does the private morning desert safari last?

The tour lasts about 4 hours including pickup and drop-off from your location in Dubai or Sharjah.

Is hotel pickup included for this Dubai desert safari?

Yes, pickup is included from any hotel, apartment, residence or villa in Dubai or Sharjah by 4x4 SUV.

What activities are included during the morning desert safari?

The tour includes dune bashing at Red Dunes (Lahbab Desert), sandboarding from high dunes, a 10-15 minute camel ride, photo stops, and refreshments.

Are refreshments provided during the tour?

Yes, cold drinks, water bottles and soft juices are provided during your desert experience.

Can I try quad biking on this safari?

Quad biking is available if chosen as an option when booking; otherwise it's not included by default.

Is this tour suitable for young children or pregnant travelers?

The tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers; specialized infant seats are available upon request.

Where does dune bashing take place during this safari?

Dune bashing happens at Lahbab Desert’s Red Dunes area outside Dubai.

Do I need any special fitness level for this tour?

You should have at least moderate physical fitness due to bouncing during dune bashing and climbing dunes.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from anywhere in Dubai or Sharjah by licensed 4x4 SUV driver, a thrilling drive out to Lahbab Desert’s Red Dunes for about 30–35 minutes of dune bashing plus time for photos as the sun rises over the sands. You’ll get to try sandboarding down high slopes for about 20 minutes and enjoy a short camel ride (10–15 minutes) with help from local handlers. Cold drinks—water bottles or juice—are provided along the way before you’re dropped back at your location afterwards.