Dubai Red Dunes: 4x4 Dune Bashing, Camel Ride & Sandboarding

Summary

Dubai desert adventure with dune bashing, camel ride and sandboarding

You’ll feel your heart race as you bounce across Dubai’s red dunes in a 4x4, try sandboarding (falling is half the fun), and see the desert from a camel’s back. With hotel pickup included and water always nearby, you can just let go and enjoy those wild colors and unexpected laughs along the way.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I signed up for this red dunes safari in Dubai mostly because I’d never been in a 4x4 on sand before. The idea of bouncing over those wild orange-red hills sounded fun but also… kind of intimidating? But our driver, Hassan, grinned when he picked us up (right on time) and said, “Don’t worry, you’ll scream once and then you’ll laugh.” He was right. The first drop made my stomach jump into my throat — after that it was just pure ridiculous joy. Sand everywhere. My friend still has some in her shoes.

The Lahbab Desert is quieter than I expected — just the wind in your ears and the crunch of tires or boards sliding down. We tried sandboarding next; I fell immediately (twice), but honestly it was worth it for the feeling of cool sand on my hands and that weird silence when you pause at the top before pushing off. There’s this moment when you look out — endless ripples of red dunes under a pale sky — and it almost feels like another planet. Our guide took photos for us at one stop, which was nice since my hands were shaking a bit from all the adrenaline.

Afterwards came the camel ride, which felt surprisingly gentle after all that chaos. The camels looked slightly unimpressed by us city people clambering aboard. I tried to say thank you in Arabic (shukran?) — our guide just laughed and offered me water instead. It’s funny how quiet everything gets out there except for little bursts of laughter or someone shouting as they slide down a dune too fast. The drive back felt sleepy; sun on my face, sand in my socks, brain still buzzing from the morning.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Morning Red Dunes Desert Safari

• Hotel pick-up in 4x4 SUV
• 40-minute dune bashing ride
• Sandboarding on red dunes
• Scenic desert photo stop
• Camel ride experience
• Return to hotel with water

Top questions

How long does the morning red dunes safari last?

The tour includes about 40 minutes of dune bashing plus time for sandboarding, camel riding, photo stops, and transfers to and from Dubai.

Is hotel pickup included in this Dubai desert safari?

Yes, hotel or residence pickup and drop-off in Dubai are included with your booking.

Where does the dune bashing take place?

The dune bashing happens at Lahbab Desert outside Dubai.

What activities are included besides dune bashing?

You’ll also try sandboarding down the dunes, enjoy a camel ride, have scenic photo stops, and get complimentary water throughout.

Are refreshments provided during the tour?

Yes, complimentary bottled water is available during your desert adventure.

Is this tour suitable for young children or pregnant travelers?

No, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries or certain health conditions.

What’s included

Your morning includes pickup from your hotel in Dubai by 4x4 SUV, an expert driver for 40 minutes of dune bashing at Lahbab Desert, all equipment for sandboarding down the red dunes, a traditional camel ride to see more of the landscape, plenty of bottled water to keep you refreshed throughout—and finally drop-off back at your hotel or residence after all that sandy fun.