Dune Bashing in Dubai (2026)

Dune bashing in Dubai is exciting, we share everything you need to know before you go from the best desert tours, safety tips, what to wear, costs, and what to expect.

If you’re picturing a Toyota Land Cruiser carving up towering red sand dunes as the sun slides behind a perfect desert horizon — welcome.

Dune bashing in Dubai is one of the most iconic thrill experiences in the Emirate: loud, bouncy, a bit terrifying, and absolutely unforgettable. This guide walks you through everything you need to know before you go — where to go, what to expect, how to stay safe, what to pack, how to choose an operator, and how to turn the day into a full desert adventure.

Dune Bashing in Dubai

What is dune bashing?

Dune bashing is off-road driving across sand dunes in powerful 4×4 vehicles. Drivers accelerate up the steep faces of dunes, crest them, then plunge down the other side in a figure-eight or zigzag pattern; a thrilling way to get around Dubai.

The result is big, shifting g-forces, sliding sand, and a roller-coaster sensation that’s more about controlled skill than reckless speed. Most commercial dune-bashing rides in Dubai are performed by trained drivers in modified SUVs (not open jeeps or cheap rental cars).

Where to go for the best dune bashing

Two desert areas are most commonly used for commercial dune-bashing near Dubai:

• Lahbab / The Red Dunes (Big Red) — The most famous and most visited spot; about 45–60 minutes from central Dubai. The red sand here makes dramatic photos and the dunes are big and steep enough for intense runs. Most “sunset” or “evening” desert safaris use Lahbab.

• Liwa and the Empty Quarter (Rub’ al Khali) — Farther away (a multi-hour drive) and more remote, Liwa offers massive dunes and a more exploratory, extreme off-road experience — often for private or specialist expeditions rather than the standard evening safaris. If you want serious sand-sea landscapes, Liwa is it (and it’s a different trip altogether).

Short morning safaris sometimes use smaller dune fields closer to the city; if you want a long, dramatic session in huge dunes, ask your operator for Lahbab or Liwa.

Types of tours and what they include

Commercial dune-bashing is usually packaged as part of a “desert safari” with other activities. Typical options:

• Evening Desert Safari — Pickup from your hotel, 30–45 minutes’ drive to Lahbab, 20–40 minutes of dune bashing, then camel rides, sandboarding, sunset photos, and a desert camp with dinner, entertainment (belly dancing, tanoura), and return to Dubai late evening. This is the most common tourist format.
• Morning Safari — Earlier start, cooler temperatures, shorter sessions; often includes dune bashing and quad bike options but fewer evening entertainment elements.
• Morning/Full-Day Private Tours — You get a dedicated vehicle and driver, more flexibility (longer dune-bashing, sandboarding, Liwa trips), and can stop for photos and exploration. Cost is higher but it’s the route to take if you want a bespoke adventure. 
• Combo Adventures — Some operators add dunes + ATVs/buggies, hot air ballooning (in other desert areas), or overnight luxury camps for stargazing; perfect for those wanting to experience more extreme sports in Dubai.

Booking a Dune Bashing tour in Dubai

There are loads of options online that include evening dinners and falcon shows but this really wasn’t for us. We wanted a nice morning exploring so we could spend the afternoon taking full advantage of the pool and the afternoon tea at Shangri-La Hotel; our choice for our stay in Dubai. There are lots of different tours available from Dune Bashing tours to morning desert safaris.

In the end, we found Dubai Private Adventures; a company that offered a variety of private tours.

Choosing an operator — checklist & red flags

There are dozens of operators in Dubai offering desert safaris. To pick a good one:

Ask for:

• Clear pickup details and confirmation.
• The specific desert area (Lahbab / Liwa) the tour uses.
• What’s included (dune bashing time, sandboarding, camel ride, camp dinner).
• Vehicle type & driver experience.
• Insurance and emergency procedures.

Red flags:

• Vague pickup windows or “we’ll call you” logistics.
• Operators that allow too many passengers per vehicle or no seat belts.
• Extremely cheap prices that are far below market — could mean cut corners on safety/maintenance.
• Drivers who encourage hanging out of vehicles or unsafe stunts.
• Poor reviews describing injuries or mechanical breakdowns without proper support.

For up-to-date operator lists and ranked options, local travel sites and Dubai tourism pages publish recommended operators; look for recent reviews and official operator listings.

Cost & tipping — what to expect to pay

Prices vary widely by inclusions. Shared evening safaris with transfers, dune bashing, and dinner often start from modest prices (some promotions list ~AED 99–200 for the most basic packages), while mid-range evening safaris typically range AED 150–400. Private and luxury safaris or trips including Liwa and extended activities will be substantially more (several hundred to over a thousand dirhams). Always check what’s included (transfers, food, activities). 

Tipping: if you enjoyed the service, tipping drivers and camp staff is customary. Around AED 20–50 per staff member is common for shared tours; for private drivers, consider more based on service and length.

What to wear for dune bashing in Dubai

Desert conditions demand practical clothing:

• Lightweight, breathable layers — daytime is hot; evenings can be cooler.
• Long sleeves & long trousers — helps keep sand off skin and protects from sun.
• Sunglasses, wide-brim hat or cap, and sunscreen — the glare is strong.
• Closed-toe shoes (trainers or boots) — sand can be very hot and boots help for walking dunes.
• Bandana or scarf — useful for covering mouth/nose if a gust kicks up sand.
• Camera/phone in a secure case — don’t dangle devices outside the vehicle. Consider a chest harness or a wrist strap; sand is relentless in cameras.
• Water and motion-sickness tablets if you’re prone to car sickness. Many operators provide bottled water. 

Avoid loose jewelry and anything that could fly off during bumps. If you bring a DSLR, use protective covers and clean it carefully afterward.

Photography tips — getting dramatic desert shots

• Golden hour is magic. Book an evening safari so you get golden-hour light at the dunes and a spectacular sunset.
• Use a fast shutter for action shots when the vehicle is moving; stabilize by bracing your camera against the seat or vehicle interior.
• Sandboard or camel photos: get a friend to step out and take posed shots while the vehicle waits.
• Bring spare batteries & memory cards — cold/heat and sand can sap power and fill storage fast.
• Protect your kit: zip bags and silica gel packs help after the day. A thorough cleaning is necessary after your trip.

Our Experience Dubai Dune Bashing

We booked the tour 4 pm the day we landed and by 9 am the following day, we were in the private 4×4, ready for one of the most exciting things to do in Dubai.

Our driver Arum, who knew a lot about Dubai and the growing architecture of the area, drove us to the desert, asking us what type of activities we wanted to do that morning. We explained that we wanted to fly the drone and experience the desert and he offered lots of additional activities that we gave a miss. If you are the adventurous type, you may wish to try the sandboarding options.

En route to the desert, Arum stopped by a local camel race track, where we were able to go near the camels and watch the training. It was a very hot morning already and I genuinely wonder how on earth a camel races in that heat!

We also spotted the national animal; the Arabian oryx. Arum stopped near a fenced area so we could go and get some photographs. I learned very quickly that flip-flops were NOT the footwear of choice for desert walks!

Before entering the desert area, Arum stopped to get the 4×4’s wheels deflated. It is in this area you can use the bathroom, purchase any snacks or drinks you want, or pay for additional activities such as Quad Biking. As part of the tour, you can also choose a camel ride and pay for an extended ride if you wish.

After a quick stop, we headed into the desert and it was better than I imagined. Arum sped around the dunes, swirling and whirling left and right. It was better than any theme park ride we had been on.

He stopped frequently to allow us to get our photos and drone footage and was happy to take photographs of us, posing and jumping around.

After a few hours in the desert, we started heading back. 

On the way back to the hotel, Arum was fantastic. He provided cold water for us both and explained the different projects Dubai was undertaking along with random facts about some of the hotels and buildings.

He was a fantastic guide and I couldn’t recommend this company more. These morning tours cost $199 and bookings can be made on their website. The tours generally run from 7 am to 11 am but we asked for a later pick-up so we could have a bit more of a lay-in!

Typical Dune Bashing in Dubai Itinerary

Time (Approx.)	Activity	What to Expect
3:00–4:30 PM	Hotel pickup in Dubai	Air-conditioned 4×4 pickup from your hotel or meeting point
4:30–5:15 PM	Drive to the desert	Scenic drive towards the Lahbab (Red Dunes) desert area
5:15–5:30 PM	Rest stop & tyre deflation	Short break while vehicles prepare for dune bashing
5:30–6:00 PM	Dune bashing experience	Thrilling 20–30 minute ride across steep red sand dunes
6:00–6:30 PM	Sandboarding & photos	Try sandboarding and take sunset photos in the desert
6:30–6:45 PM	Camel ride	Short camel ride for photos and a taste of traditional desert travel
7:00–9:00 PM	Desert camp experience	BBQ dinner, soft drinks, tea & coffee, live entertainment
9:00–10:30 PM	Return to Dubai	Drop-off back at your hotel or original pickup location

Other desert activities to combine with dune bashing

Desert safaris often bundle multiple experiences:

• Sandboarding — similar to snowboarding but on sand; great for action photos.
• Camel rides & short treks — iconic and serene compared to the adrenaline of bashing.
• ATV/quad biking or dune buggy rides — require separate booking and safety briefings.
• Falconry demos, cultural experiences, and traditional camps with Arabic food and live entertainment.
• Overnight or luxury desert camps — stargazing, desert cuisine, and quiet dawn landscapes if you want a multi-day experience. 

Things to Know Before you got to Dubai

Dune Bashing in Dubai FAQ

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So that was our day dune bashing experience, just one of the fun activities in Dubai to try! Have you ever experienced dune bashing? Where should we try it next? Let us know in the comments below and as always, thanks for reading!

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