Dubai Red Dunes: Morning Dune Bashing, Camel Ride & Sandboarding

Summary

Morning desert adventure with sandboarding camel rides and falcon photos from Dubai

You’ll start your day leaving Dubai behind for red dunes adventure: dune bashing with a local guide, trying sandboarding (wipeouts included), meeting a falcon up close, and riding a camel across sunlit sands. Expect laughter, some adrenaline, and that strange desert calm that lingers even after you’re back in town.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it feels like to be the first ones out on the Dubai red dunes while everyone else is still waking up? We left the city behind just after sunrise — honestly, I was still half asleep until our driver, Imran, cracked a joke about “desert coffee” (turns out he meant adrenaline). The drive took maybe 50 minutes but felt quicker; sand started showing up along the highway edges, then suddenly we were surrounded by these rolling red waves of desert. It’s weird how quiet it gets out there — like someone turned down the volume on everything except the wind.

I didn’t expect dune bashing to feel so wild. Imran grinned in the rearview as we bounced and slid over those dunes — one second you’re weightless, next you’re laughing or grabbing for the seat. My friend shrieked when we hit this steep drop (I might’ve yelled too). After that rush, we tried sandboarding. I wiped out twice but honestly? The sand is soft and warm — not like snow at all. There was this moment where I just lay back and stared at the sky while everyone else took their turns. You could smell something sweet in the air — maybe wildflowers or just hot sand.

We met a guy named Khaled who let us hold his falcon for photos. He showed us how they train them; he had this gentle way of talking to both people and birds. Then came the camel ride — slower than I thought but kind of hypnotic as you sway along. The camels made these deep snuffling sounds, and one kept nudging my elbow for attention (or snacks?). By then the sun was getting higher and everything glowed orange-red. On the way back to Dubai, I realized my shoes were full of sand and I didn’t care at all. That quiet feeling from earlier stuck with me longer than I expected.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Morning desert safari and activities

• Pickup from hotel in Dubai
• Drive 50 minutes to desert
• Refresh in land cruiser with drinks
• Enjoy 30 minutes dune bashing
• Participate in sandboarding
• Photo session with falcons
• Camel ride in desert
• Drive back to hotel

Top questions

How long does the Dubai red dunes morning safari last?

The tour lasts about half a day including pickup and drop-off; actual time in the desert is around 3-4 hours.

Is hotel pickup included for this dune bashing tour?

Yes, hotel or private accommodation pickup and drop-off in Dubai are included.

What activities are part of this morning desert trip?

The tour includes dune bashing (30-40 minutes), sandboarding, camel ride, and photos with a falcon.

Are drinks provided during the Dubai red dunes safari?

Yes, mineral water and soft drinks are offered during the trip.

Is this tour suitable for pregnant travelers or people with back problems?

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

Do I need any special skills for sandboarding?

No experience needed—guides will help you try sandboarding safely on gentle slopes.

Who leads the tour in the desert?

A professional licensed English-speaking guide drives and leads all activities.

Are there photo opportunities with camels or falcons?

Yes—there’s time to take photos holding a falcon and during your camel ride.

What’s included

Your morning includes hotel pickup in an air-conditioned Land Cruiser, plenty of cold mineral water or soft drinks along the way, about 30–40 minutes of dune bashing led by a licensed English-speaking guide, time to try sandboarding on gentle slopes (with help if you want), photos holding a falcon handled by a local trainer, plus an easygoing camel ride before returning to your hotel in Dubai City.