Dubai Desert: Quad Bike, Camel Ride & Sandboarding Tour

Summary

Morning quad bike safari in Dubai desert with camel ride and sand dunes

You’ll feel the shift from city buzz to desert calm as you ride quad bikes over golden dunes near Dubai, try sandboarding (and maybe tumble), then sway atop a camel before relaxing with tea in an air-conditioned tent. Pickup is easy from your hotel — just bring some curiosity and maybe a sense of humor for those first wobbly moments on the sand.

What’s the experience like?

I blinked awake to the quiet outside my hotel window — not city noise for once. Our driver, Ahmed, was already waiting downstairs (early, but I didn’t mind; less heat). The drive out of Dubai felt like slipping between worlds. Suddenly it’s all sand and sky, no buildings. There was this faint dusty smell through the AC vents — almost sweet? We pulled up at a spot where a few other folks were stretching their legs and laughing nervously about the quad bikes lined up. I’d never driven one before. The instructor handed me a helmet and grinned, “Just don’t go full throttle right away.” Fair enough.

So yeah, the quad bike part — it’s noisy and bumpy but weirdly freeing. You get these little moments where you’re alone on top of a dune for half a second, engine rumbling under you, wind hot on your cheeks. I caught myself grinning like an idiot more than once. Afterward we tried sandboarding (I fell immediately; someone cheered anyway). There’s something about sliding down that makes you feel like a kid again — sand everywhere, shoes full of it. Our guide Li showed us how to stand properly but honestly I just laughed at myself most of the time.

The camel ride was slower — swaying gently while the sun got higher. My camel was called Marwan and he kept turning his head to look at me as if checking if I was still there. It’s quieter from up there; you notice the tiny patterns in the sand and how far away Dubai suddenly feels. Back at camp we sat inside this cool tent (blessed air conditioning) with dates and tiny cups of Arabic coffee. Someone poured tea for me with this little flourish — I tried to say thank you in Arabic but probably butchered it because they smiled politely and nodded.

I still think about that silence out there — just wind and distant voices. If you want a morning that feels nothing like your regular life, this day trip from Dubai is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert adventure with quad biking

• Pick up from Dubai hotel
• Travel to desert in air-conditioned vehicle
• Receive quad bike safety briefing
• Ride quad bike on sand dunes for 60 minutes
• Try sandboarding on desert dunes
• Ride camel across desert sands
• Relax in air-conditioned tent with refreshments
• Return to Dubai hotel

Top questions

How long is the Dubai quad bike safari tour?

The main activities last around half a day including pickup and drop-off from your hotel.

Is hotel pickup included for this Dubai desert tour?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included from your selected hotel or location in Dubai.

Do I need prior experience to drive the quad bike?

No prior experience is needed but basic driving knowledge is required; instructors provide safety guidance before starting.

What age do you have to be for quad biking?

You must be over 14 years old to ride the quad bike; ages 13 and under are not permitted.

Are refreshments provided during the tour?

Yes, soft drinks, water, Arabic tea or coffee with dates are served in an air-conditioned tent after activities.

Is sandboarding included in this Dubai desert trip?

Yes, sandboarding equipment and instruction are included as part of the day trip activities.

Can pregnant women join this tour?

No, pregnant women or those with serious medical conditions cannot participate due to safety regulations.

What should I wear for the desert safari?

Wear comfortable clothes suitable for outdoor activity; closed shoes are recommended for sandboarding and quad biking.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off at your chosen hotel in Dubai, all transportation by air-conditioned vehicle with a licensed driver, safety briefing plus helmet for quad biking (with fuel covered), expert guidance for sandboarding on real dunes, a short camel ride that can be repeated if you want more time atop Marwan or his friends, then refreshments — Arabic tea or coffee with dates plus soft drinks — served inside an air-conditioned tent before heading back to town.