Do you want to go dune bashing in Dubai, but don’t know where to start? You’ve come to the right place! In this guide I have outlined everything you need to know about dune bashing in Dubai.
Including what exactly is dune bashing, where to do it, how much it costs, the best Dubai dune bashing tours, what to wear when dune bashing and much more.
Whatever question you have about dune bashing, this article will answer it! While dune bashing might not be unique to Dubai, it’s without a doubt one of the most iconic things to do in the UAE.
Driving in a 4×4 at high speed on huge sand dunes, literally “bashing” them, is an experience that you won’t easily forget.
So without further ado, let’s dive in and discover the best Dubai dune bashing experiences!
Contents
Our 4×4 jeeps driving on the sand dunes in Dubai
What is dune bashing?
Dubai is famously situated in the desert, and when you have all those dunes on your doorstep it’s naturally going to attract some adrenaline junkies.
There’s quad biking you can do, as well as sandboarding, both of which you’ve probably heard of. But dune bashing?
Dune bashing, or sand bashing, is basically when you take to the sand in a 4×4 jeep and drive over the dunes at high speed; the air pressure in the tyres is reduced to get more traction on the sand.
In essence, this is off-roading but Dubai style. The driver is experienced, so there’s no need to worry about your own desert driving skills. It’s high octane, it’s super fun and very sandy.
Dune bashing in Dubai desert
Getting ready to go dune bashing in Dubai
Where to go dune bashing in Dubai
The desert, obviously! But specifically where to head out on this roller coaster ride in the sand dunes, there are a few choice spots that your driver will take you to – usually the Lahbab Desert.
The drive out here is usually around 45 minutes to an hour.
It’s not something you can do by yourself: it’s dangerous, you won’t know where you’re going, and the car could get stuck in sand, among other things.
You’ll be taken by a tour operator out into the red sands of the desert, and then you’ll be expertly driven around the wide expanse – after letting the tyres down, of course!
The iconic red dunes of Dubai desert
One of our cars got stuck in the Dubai desert while dune bashing
How much does dune bashing in Dubai cost?
The price of dune bashing in Dubai depends on which kind of tour you choose.
Just like any other tour, there are different combinations of activities that may be involved; for example, it could be a full day desert safari that includes a bit of dune bashing as one of its activities.
These kinds of tours, complete with camel safari and overnight camping, can cost in the region of €150. However, unlike sandboarding, which is almost always part of a tour, you can head out to do a bit of dune bashing by itself.
Pure and simple dune bashing, sometimes at evening-time, in Dubai will cost you around €50. However, the price can change drastically depending on whether it is a private or group tour that you’re part of.
The jeep for our dune bashing tour in Dubai
The best dune bashing tours in Dubai
There are a ton of different desert tours in Dubai that you can choose from. As I mentioned above, they come in all shapes and sizes, can last all day, or just be an evening thing.
Here’s a roundup of some of the best and most popular sand bashing tours.
From Dubai: Red Dunes and Camel Safari with Overnight Camp
This is a full-day (and night) fun experience in the Dubai desert.
The trip takes you out of the city, far from the Dubai skyline views and into the dunes around Lahbab, where you’ll be able to experience an exhilarating dune bashing extravaganza.
You’ll also get to ride a camel, try out some desert sandboarding, before staying the night in a Bedouin camp, with dinner and traditional dancing included.
Staying in the desert overnight can be pretty magical – the sunset alone is awesome!
Bedouin Oasis Camp, where we spent the night on our Dubai desert safari
The evening show at our overnight Dubai desert safari
Dubai: Premium Red Dunes, Camel Safari, & BBQ at Al Khayma
This may possibly be the best Dubai sand bashing tour going – it’s definitely one of the more popular and highly reviewed tours out there, that’s for sure. You’ll head out into the desert for a complete safari experience.
Strap in and sit back and let the adrenaline kick in as you tackle the dunes of the desert. Afterwards, the tour takes you to a traditional camp for a well-deserved BBQ and traditional snacks.
If you’re looking to snap some adrenaline-filled Dubai Instagram photos, this tour will also give you the opportunity to do just that!
Click here to book your full Dubai dune bashing & desert safari tour!
Or check out prices & availability below!
Enjoying a camel ride in Dubai desert
Dune bashing in Dubai
If dune bashing is all you want to do in Dubai, then this tour is for you. An expert driver will take you climbing up and down the dunes in a 4×4 as evening falls (that sunset is amazing), without the other filler activities.
Sounds pretty cool, right? It’s also a great option if you don’t have the time for other activities.
However since the price is similar to a full desert safari, if you do have the time for it, I would opt for a more complete experience.
Check out prices and availability for an evening Dubai dune bashing tour!
Beautiful sunset views in Dubai desert
Dune Bashing with Quad Bike and Sand Boarding from Dubai
If you really want to take control and drive yourself over the sand dunes, then this tour is for you. This isn’t dune bashing in a 4×4, but rather in a quad bike.
You’ll get to tackle the shifting dunes in a dune buggy or quad bike, which is super fun. Don’t worry though: there’s safety equipment and instructions so you know what you’re up to.
As well as quad biking, you can also try your hand at some sandboarding on this tour.
Click here to book your dune bashing with quad in Dubai!
Me trying my hand at sandboarding in Dubai
Going on a camel ride in the desert in Dubai
Is dune bashing in Dubai worth it?
Of course! No Dubai itinerary would be complete without a bit of fun dune bashing.
This is considered to be a very typical Dubai activity, so it would be a shame to miss out on what is almost a modern tradition for some Dubai dwellers.
It’s definitely not the sort of thing you can just do anywhere, so I would say make the most of being near the desert and give it a try.
Personally, I’d recommend a tour with a full desert safari and overnight camp to get the complete experience. While dune bashing is without a doubt very fun, spending the night in the desert is a simply magical experience.
Especially if you’re not spending long in the UAE (for example if you’re only in Dubai for a long layover between flights) it’s the sort of activity that makes for a unique layover!
Window view during our Dubai dune bashing tour
Beautiful desert views in Dubai
What to wear to dune bashing
When deciding what to pack for Dubai, make sure to take into account the desert adventure you’ll be going on!
You should wear loose and comfortable clothes – and ideally white or light colours, not dark colours or black (it absorbs the heat after all). It can get really, really hot in the desert!
Make sure to wear sunscreen, and bring along sunglasses. Comfortable, sturdy shoes that you don’t mind getting sandy are a must – don’t wear your best sneakers out here, that’s for sure.
Personally I opted for sandals, as I knew I would get my feet sandy anyway, I preferred not having sand stuck in my shoes for ages after the tour!
The crew ready to go sand boarding in Dubai desert
Where to stay to go dune bashing in Dubai
As already mentioned, all the Dubai dune bashing desert safaris include pick-up and drop-off, so it doesn’t really matter where you stay in Dubai. You can choose the area and hotel that best suits your travel style.
I have listed below some great accommodation options in Dubai for every budget.
Budget: Ramada Downtown Dubai – Overlooking the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain, this is a polished, modern property made up of studio rooms, suites and a penthouse.
Click here to book your stay at Ramada Downtown Dubai!
Mid-range: 25hours Hotel One Central – I spent one night here and loved it. This hotel has an epic rooftop pool with a view of the Museum of the Future, and the interior design is truly unique.
Click here to book your stay at 25hours Hotel One Central!
Luxury: Address Downtown Dubai – Among other things, this luxury hotel features an incredible infinity pool with an equally incredible view of Burj Khalifa: the world’s tallest building. The location in Downtown Dubai is prime for exploring top sights, and the spacious rooms offer a luxurious experience.
Click here to book your stay at Address Downtown Dubai!
Enjoying the pool with view over the Museum of the Future at 25hours Hotel One Central in Dubai
Final thoughts on the best Dubai dune bashing tours
There you have it, the ultimate Dubai dune bashing guide! Have you ever been dune bashing before? How did you find it? Let me know in the comments below!
I’ve been to Dubai multiple times, however I only did a desert safari and dune bashing experience on my last visit. Until then I had always discarded it as a touristy activity, without much foundation to it.
I couldn’t have been more wrong! While it’s undoubtedly a very touristy activity, at the end of the day, what isn’t in Dubai?
I thought the same about our dhow dinner cruise in Dubai Marina, and it actually turned out to be one of our best evenings in Dubai. What I’m trying to say, is that some activities are touristy for a reason.
Dune bashing in Dubai is a unique experience, which you can’t really repeat in many places around the world. Is it touristy? Yes. Is it loads of fun? Also yes.
However I highly recommend pairing it with a longer desert safari, maybe even an overnight desert stay, if you truly want to make the most of this unique experience.
After all, how many times are you likely to head back to the desert?
I hope you have found my Dubai dune bashing guide useful! If you have any questions about Dubai or Abu Dhabi, let me know in the comments below.
Enjoyed reading about dune bashing in Dubai? Pin it!
