Dubai Red Dunes: Self-Drive Quad Bike, Sand Boarding & Camel Ride

Summary

Quad biking in Lehbab desert plus sand boarding and camel ride with local snacks

You’ll race across Dubai’s Lehbab red dunes on your own quad bike, try your luck at sand boarding (expect sand everywhere), sip Arabic coffee with fresh sweets at an Arabian camp, and ride camels under wide desert skies. With hotel pickup included and a local guide leading the way, it’s a day that sticks with you long after you’ve brushed off the last grains of sand.

What’s the experience like?

I almost missed the pickup because I couldn’t find my sneakers — turns out you really don’t want to wear sandals for a quad bike desert safari in Dubai. Our guide, Ahmed, just grinned when I finally made it down to the lobby, shoes mismatched but on my feet. The drive out of the city was quiet, the air changing from that city-dust smell to something drier and sharper as we reached Lehbab. There’s a weird kind of silence in the desert except for the wind and the low hum of engines starting up.

I’d never driven a quad before. Ahmed gave us a quick rundown — “just go slow at first, dunes are trickier than they look.” He wasn’t kidding. The sand felt soft but somehow gritty against my hands when I brushed it off after getting stuck (twice). The sun was already strong even though it was still morning, bouncing off those endless red dunes. Sometimes I’d stop just to watch how everyone else was doing — one guy nearly toppled over and we all laughed, including him.

After that came sand boarding. I thought it’d be like snowboarding (it’s not). You get this whoosh of warm air as you slide down and end up with sand everywhere — still finding some in my socks later. We headed over to a little camp where they handed out Arabic coffee and these sticky-sweet lukaymat. One of the women showed me how to say thank you in Arabic; Li laughed when I tried to say it — probably butchered it. Camels were waiting nearby, looking unimpressed by all our excitement.

The camel ride was slower than I expected but kind of calming — you can see so far out there, just sky and dunes and nothing else moving. There was this moment where everything went quiet except for the camels’ footsteps and someone pouring tea behind us. I still think about that view sometimes when things get noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert quad biking and activities

• Pick up from hotel
• Drive to Lehbab desert
• Enjoy quad biking on sand dunes
• Try sand boarding activity
• Visit Arabian camp for refreshments
• Drink Arabian coffee and eat sweets
• Dress like bedouin and take photos
• Go for camel ride
• Drive back to desert

Top questions

How long does the Dubai quad bike tour last?

The main quad biking session lasts about one hour, plus time for sand boarding, refreshments at camp, and camel riding.

Is hotel pickup included in this Dubai desert safari?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from your hotel is included with an AC vehicle.

What should I wear for quad biking in Dubai?

Closed-toe shoes (not sandals), comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting sandy.

Are refreshments provided during the tour?

Yes, water, soft drinks, Arabic coffee or tea, dates, and lukaymat (Arabic sweets) are served at camp.

Is this tour suitable for kids or seniors?

The minimum age is 15; not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or heart issues.

Do I need experience to drive a quad bike?

No prior experience needed; guides give instructions before starting.

Can I take photos with a falcon during this trip?

Photo with falcon is available only during winter season at camp.

Where does the tour take place?

The main activities happen in Dubai’s Lehbab desert region known for its red dunes.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off by AC vehicle, one hour of self-drive quad biking across Lehbab’s red dunes with guidance from experienced safari guides, time to try sand boarding down silky slopes, entry to an Arabian camp where you’ll be offered soft drinks, mineral water, Arabic coffee or tea along with dates and lukaymat sweets. You’ll also have a camel ride before heading back—and if it’s wintertime, there’s even a chance for a photo with a falcon.