Dubai Red Desert Dune Buggy & Camel Ride Adventure Tour

Summary

Self-Drive Dune Buggy and Camel Trekking in Lahbab Desert

Get behind the wheel of a dune buggy and ride camels across Dubai’s red desert. With expert guides and all gear included, it’s an adventure that’s both safe and unforgettable.

What’s the experience like?

Sand got everywhere—between my fingers, in my shoes, even in my hair. That’s how I knew I was really out in the Lahbab desert, not just watching from a window. Our driver picked us up right on time, and the city faded fast behind us. The air changed—drier, with that warm, dusty scent you only get in the desert. When we pulled up, the buggies were already lined up, red sand swirling around their tires. Our guide, Khalid, handed out helmets and goggles, cracking a joke about how the sand “likes to get personal.”

The safety briefing was quick but clear—no nonsense, but not rushed either. I was a little nervous at first, but once I hit the gas, the buggy roared to life. The dunes looked soft from afar, but up close they’re steep and unpredictable. Khalid led the way, weaving through the best paths. Sometimes the sand would shift and you’d feel the wheels slip just a bit—enough to keep you alert. There was a rescue car trailing us, just in case. At one point, a spare buggy was brought out when someone’s engine sputtered—no drama, just a quick swap and off we went again.

After an hour of bouncing over dunes and laughing at how we all looked with sand-streaked faces, we slowed down for the camel ride. The camels were calm—one of them kept chewing and ignoring us completely. The ride was surprisingly peaceful, with only the sound of hooves and a breeze that felt cooler than I expected. I caught a glimpse of a falconer in the distance, which our guide said is pretty common out here. Sipping cold water back at base felt like a reward. We swapped stories with the guides before heading back to the city—tired, dusty, and grinning.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert Buggy and Camel Ride Adventure

• Hotel pickup and transfer to Lahbab
• Safety briefing for dune buggy driving
• Dune buggy drive through red desert dunes
• Camelback ride on scenic desert trails

Top questions

Is previous dune buggy experience required?

Nope! The guides give a full safety briefing and help you get comfortable before you drive.

What should I wear for this tour?

Light clothes you don’t mind getting sandy, closed shoes, and sunglasses work best. Helmets and goggles are provided.

Are drinks or snacks included?

Bottled water and soft drinks are included. You might want to bring a snack for after the ride.

How long is the camel ride?

The camel trek lasts about 20 minutes—just enough to get a real feel for it without getting sore.

What’s included

You’ll get hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle, all safety equipment (helmet and goggles), bottled water and soft drinks, a 1-hour self-drive dune buggy experience (for two people per buggy), and a 20-minute guided camel ride. Professional guides are with you every step of the way.