Dubai Red Dunes: Quad Biking, Sandboarding & Camel Ride

Summary

Quad bikes, camels and soft sand thrills in Dubai’s red dunes

You’ll race across Dubai’s red dunes by quad bike, try balancing on a camel, laugh (or maybe fall) while sandboarding, and catch those wide-open desert views—all with pickup included and local guides who keep things real. It’s one of those mornings that leaves you sandy, smiling, and maybe thinking about coming back.

What’s the experience like?

Our 4x4 was already rumbling off the main road when I realized how far Dubai can feel from itself—one minute you’re passing glass towers, then suddenly it’s all open sky and these wild, deep-red dunes. There were five of us in the car, plus our guide Ahmed (he kept joking about “desert rollercoasters” before we even got to Lahbab). The air smelled a little like hot stone and engine oil when we stopped for the quad bikes. I’ll admit my hands shook a bit grabbing those handlebars—nobody tells you how soft that sand actually feels under your wheels.

The quad biking part was over too fast for me—I got dust in my teeth from grinning so much. Then Ahmed waved us over to meet his friend Hassan with the camels. I’d never been on one before; they move slow but somehow it still feels like you might tip right off. Hassan taught me “yalla” to get her going (I probably butchered it), and we all laughed when she made this deep snorting sound. The quiet out there is strange—just wind and a few voices drifting across the dunes.

Dune bashing came next. Forty minutes of sliding sideways down slopes that looked impossible from below. Ahmed played some old Arabic pop on the radio while we bounced around; my stomach dropped at least three times but nobody complained. We stopped at the top of a high dune for photos—honestly, I still think about that view sometimes: just endless sand and sharp blue sky, nothing else moving except our shadows. Sandboarding was last; I wiped out twice but didn’t care because by then my shoes were full of warm sand anyway.

I didn’t expect to feel so tired but happy on the drive back to Dubai—everyone was quiet except for someone softly humming along with Ahmed’s playlist. Not sure if it was the early morning or just all that space out there, but something about Lahbab sticks with you after you leave.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert adventure with multiple activities

• Pick up from Dubai hotel
• 15-minute camel ride in Lahbab
• 25-minute quad biking on red dunes
• 40-minute dune bashing in 4x4 vehicle
• Sandboarding on desert slopes
• Scenic photo stop on high dune
• Return to original pick-up point

Top questions

How long does the morning red dunes safari last?

The tour includes several activities over a morning session before returning to Dubai by shared 4x4 vehicle.

Is hotel pickup included for this Dubai desert tour?

Yes, shared 4x4 hotel pickup and drop-off in Dubai are included.

What activities are part of this red dunes safari?

You’ll do quad biking (25 minutes), camel riding (15 minutes), dune bashing (40 minutes), sandboarding, and have photo stops.

Where does the tour take place?

The tour is set in Lahbab desert outside Dubai, known for its high red sand dunes.

Are there guides during each activity?

Yes, experienced local guides lead each part of the tour for safety and support.

Is lunch or food included in this safari?

No meals are mentioned as included; focus is on adventure activities.

Can infants join this desert safari?

Specialized infant seats are available for an extra charge; check suitability based on health recommendations.

Is this tour suitable for people with health issues?

This safari isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues.

What’s included

Your day covers hotel pickup from anywhere in Dubai by shared 4x4 vehicle, a 15-minute camel ride through Lahbab’s red dunes, 25 minutes of quad biking in a safe area, forty minutes dune bashing with an expert driver at the wheel, time for sandboarding down soft slopes (and probably some laughter), plus photo stops at scenic high points before being dropped back at your original location after all that adventure.