Dubai Desert: Quad Bike, Dune Drive & Camel Ride Tour

Summary

Dubai desert quad biking with dune bashing sandboarding and camels

You’ll kick off your morning with a wild 4x4 dune drive from Dubai before taking control of your own quad bike in the open desert. Try your luck at sandboarding (expect some falls) and meet camels for a short ride—all with a local guide who keeps things relaxed and real. It’s messy, loud, and oddly peaceful by turns.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, I almost bailed when I saw the size of those dunes. Our guide, Sami, just grinned and said, “Don’t worry, this is the fun part.” He wasn’t kidding. The Land Cruiser felt like it was surfing on caramel waves—my stomach did weird things but I couldn’t stop laughing. You hear the wind whip over the sand out here, but inside the car it was mostly shouts and someone’s phone playing Arabic pop. It’s louder than you’d expect in the middle of nowhere.

We stopped in what looked like the middle of Mars. The quad bikes were lined up waiting for us—red dust already clinging to everything. The engine rumbled under me as I tried not to look too nervous (failed). Sami gave us quick instructions, then just let us go. There’s something about tearing across open desert that makes you feel both tiny and huge at once. My hands smelled faintly of fuel mixed with sunblock. At one point I skidded sideways and shouted something unrepeatable—Sami just waved from his bike like it was totally normal.

Afterwards we tried sandboarding, which is harder than it looks (I wiped out twice), and then climbed onto camels who seemed unimpressed by our attempts at grace. The air tasted dry and warm; my shoes filled with sand but I didn’t care. One of the handlers showed me how to say thank you in Arabic—I think I butchered it but he laughed anyway. On the way back to Dubai my hair was full of grit and my cheeks hurt from smiling. I still think about that emptiness out there sometimes—you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert adventure with quad biking

• Hotel pickup by 4-wheel-drive
• Dune bashing off-road adventure
• Self-drive quad bike in desert
• Camel ride experience
• Sandboarding session
• Photo stops in desert scenery

Top questions

How long is the Dubai desert quad bike tour?

The quad bike session lasts 45 minutes as part of a half-day adventure including other activities.

Is hotel pickup included for this Dubai desert tour?

Yes, pickup from your hotel in Dubai is included in an air-conditioned vehicle.

What should I wear for quad biking in Dubai?

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

Are camel rides included in this tour?

Yes, a short camel ride is part of the experience after quad biking and sandboarding.

Can kids join this Dubai ATV tour?

The tour offers specialized infant seats but isn’t recommended for travelers with certain health conditions; check details before booking.

Is sandboarding difficult for beginners?

It can be tricky at first but most people get the hang of it quickly—even if you fall a couple times.

Are safety instructions provided before quad biking?

Yes, all gear is provided along with clear instructions from your guide before you start riding.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in an air-conditioned 4x4 Land Cruiser, a 45-minute quad bike ride through open desert near Dubai, dune bashing with your licensed safari guide, time to try sandboarding down steep dunes, plus a camel ride—all equipment provided so you can just show up ready for adventure.