Dubai Desert Safari: Red Dunes, Camel Ride & Sandboarding

Summary

Red Dunes adventure with sandboarding camel ride and hotel pickup

You’ll feel your heart race on wild dune bashing across Dubai’s Red Dunes before catching your breath on a gentle camel ride and trying sandboarding (don’t worry if you fall). With hotel pickup included and a local guide leading every step, it’s four hours of laughter, desert air, and those little moments that stick with you long after you’re back in the city.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I didn’t expect to laugh so much while holding on for dear life in a 4x4. The moment we hit the Red Dunes outside Dubai, our guide Khalid grinned in the rearview mirror and said, “Ready?” I wasn’t. The city faded behind us—just glass towers shrinking—and suddenly it was all endless orange sand and that weird dry silence you only get in deserts. Even the air tasted different, like sun-baked earth and something faintly metallic. We stopped at Lehbab Desert for a quick break; some kids tried sandboarding right away, but I just watched at first, shoes filling with warm grit.

The dune bashing part? Honestly wild. Forty-five minutes of sliding sideways up and down these huge red slopes—I kept thinking we’d tip over (we didn’t). Khalid had this way of narrating little things about the desert between bumps: how the light changes by the hour, why camels always look slightly annoyed. At one point he stopped at what he called “the tallest dune,” handed me his phone for photos, and pointed out some tiny tracks in the sand—fox maybe? Or just someone’s sandal. My legs were jelly when we got out but I still tried sandboarding. Fell twice, laughed harder the second time. It’s easier than snow, somehow.

There was this short camel ride too—maybe two minutes tops—but it felt longer because of how slow and swaying it is up there. The handler said something in Arabic I couldn’t catch; Khalid translated with a smile: “He says you sit well!” Not sure if that was true or just politeness but either way, it made me grin like an idiot under my scarf. On the afternoon tour you get this unreal sunset—the kind that makes everything look gold and soft-edged. We drove back as dusk settled in, everyone quiet for once except for someone humming softly in the back seat.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Dubai Desert Safari with dune activities

• Hotel pickup by safari guide
• Drive 50 minutes to desert meeting point
• Take 30-minute break and camel ride
• Prepare 4x4 for dune bashing
• Enjoy 45 minutes dune bashing
• Stop for panoramic views and sandboarding
• Return to hotel after desert adventure

Top questions

How long does the Dubai Desert Safari last?

The tour lasts about 4 hours from pickup to drop-off, including drive time from Dubai to Lehbab Desert.

Is hotel pickup included in the desert safari?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in a 4x4 vehicle.

What activities are included on this Dubai desert safari?

You get 45 minutes of dune bashing in Red Dunes, a short camel ride (about 2 minutes), sandboarding on dunes, plus photo stops.

Can children join the Dubai Desert Safari?

Children under 3 years old are not permitted on this tour due to safety regulations.

Are there private tours available?

Yes, you can choose between shared tours (up to six guests) or upgrade to a private tour with flexible timing.

Is quad biking included?

No, quad bikes are available onsite for an additional charge but not included by default.

What should I wear for the desert safari?

Wear comfortable clothing, closed shoes, and sunglasses to protect against sun and sand.

Is lunch or food provided during the tour?

No meals are included; bottled drinking water is provided during the trip.

Are there any health restrictions?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off by 4x4 vehicle with an experienced licensed safari guide at the wheel; bottled drinking water throughout; a short camel ride (about two minutes) that can be repeated if time allows; plenty of chances for photos at the highest dune; forty-five minutes of guided dune bashing through Dubai’s Red Dunes; all necessary equipment for sandboarding; plus sunset views if you choose an afternoon safari slot before heading back into town together.