Sandboarding Dubai
The complete, honest guide to sandboarding Dubai: whether it is free or paid, how to actually ride a board as a total beginner, which dunes suit your skill level, and how it differs from snowboarding. With Royal Arabian Safari, sandboarding is included free in every desert safari from AED 35, on beginner-friendly golden dunes and steeper red dunes, with boards and a briefing provided. No advance payment, instant booking on WhatsApp.
Sandboarding Dubai: The Short Answer
The complete, honest guide to sandboarding Dubai: whether it is free or paid, how to actually ride a board as a total beginner, which dunes suit your skill level, and how it differs from snowboarding.
- How much does it cost to sandboard in Dubai?: With us, sandboarding is included free in every safari, so the cost is just the safari from AED 35 for self-drive, AED 50 by shared bus, AED 100 for a shared 4×4 with hotel pickup, or AED 799 for a private 4×4 for up to seven guests.
- How long do you get to sandboard?: On our safari, sandboarding sits inside the camp activity window, so you can take several runs rather than a single short slot.
- What time does the desert safari start and finish?: Pickup is usually 3:00 to 3:30 PM and you are back in the city around 10:00 to 10:30 PM. Timings follow sunset, so in December pickup moves earlier and in June it moves later.
- Where does the desert safari take place?: At our own DCT-licensed camp in the Al Khatim desert, roughly 80 km east of Abu Dhabi city along the E22 Abu Dhabi to Al Ain highway, about a 50 to 60 minute drive.
- What is included in the Abu Dhabi desert safari?: Every evening package includes 4×4 dune bashing, a short camel ride, sandboarding, a sunset photo stop, Arabic costume for photos, henna for ladies, a full BBQ buffet dinner with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, unlimited soft drinks, water, Arabic coffee and tea, a shisha corner, separate washrooms and around eight live shows including tanoura, belly dance and a fire show.
- How do I book sandboarding in Dubai?: Message us on WhatsApp at +971 58 228 2683 with your date, number of guests and pickup area, and tell us if anyone is a complete beginner or a child so we set the right dune and board.
Everything we run in Dubai, with the price on the card
All prices are per car, not per person, unless the card says otherwise. You are booking the operator directly.
4 hoursHalf-Day Dubai City Tour
Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Frame, Old Dubai, the Creek abra and the Gold Souk in a private 4×4.
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Private vehicle, no other guests
- Morning or evening, same price
- Photo stops, not a drive-past
8 hoursFull-Day Dubai City Tour
New Dubai in the morning, Old Dubai in the afternoon — Palm Jumeirah, Marina, the souks and the Creek.
- The only route reaching both Dubais
- Up to 6 people in one car
- Lunch stop where you choose
- Ends at the Fountain show
4 hoursOld Dubai and the Souks
Al Fahidi wind-tower district, the AED 1 abra across Dubai Creek, the Gold Souk and the Spice Souk.
- Abra crossing costs AED 1 each
- Short, flat walking
- Best in the morning
- Car waits, you walk
4 hoursDubai by Night
The Fountain show, Downtown at full light, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai Marina, JBR and Bluewaters.
- Starts around 5:30 PM
- Fountain show every 30 minutes
- Most of the stops are free
- Good after a day out
6 hoursDesert Safari From Dubai
Dune bashing, camel ride, sandboarding, a Bedouin camp with BBQ dinner and live shows.
- Private 4×4, up to 7 guests
- Hotel pickup and drop included
- Camp is DTCM licensed
- Shared seats from AED 35 per person
Full dayDubai to Hatta Tour
Hatta Dam, kayaking, the heritage village and the Hajar Mountains. No passport, no border crossing.
- 90 minutes each way
- Kayak hire paid on site
- Best October to April
- You set the timings
One wayDXB Airport Transfer
Meet and greet with a name board at arrivals, flight tracking, luggage handled, one fixed price at any hour.
- Name board at arrivals
- Flight tracked, delays covered
- No surge at 3 AM
- Fixed price, per car
By the hourCar with Driver, As Directed
No fixed route. Your own car and driver by the hour — shopping, meetings, whatever the day needs.
- AED 250 per hour sedan or SUV
- AED 350 per hour Land Cruiser
- Four-hour minimum
- Wait time included
Per attractionDubai Attraction Transfers
A private car to Burj Khalifa, the Mall, the Frame, the Palm or the seasonal parks, with the driver waiting outside.
- Waiting time included
- Salik, fuel and parking included
- Tickets bought direct, not by us
- Child seats on request
Per rideQuad Biking
An automatic quad on a marked desert track with a guide riding ahead. The cheapest way to add adrenaline.
- AED 200 single rider
- AED 300 double
- Guide rides with the group
- No licence needed
30 min blocksDune Buggy
A Can-Am buggy on the dunes, booked by ride time. Sold as an add-on to the safari, not instead of it.
- AED 800 per 30 minutes
- Two-hour minimum
- Helmet and briefing included
- Decide before you arrive
Dubai Desert Safari Packages & Prices
Every package below runs from our own camp in Dubai. Pick how you want to reach the camp — the safari and dinner are the same in all of them.
AED 35 per personSelf-Drive Desert Safari
Drive your own car to our Dubai camp, park free, and join the full safari and dinner. The cheapest way in.
- Free parking at the camp
- Full camp programme & dinner
- Dune bashing with our drivers
- No pickup — you arrive yourself
AED 50 per personShared Bus Transfer
A seat on our bus from a central Dubai pickup point and back. Cheapest seat that includes transport.
- Return transfer by bus
- Central Dubai pickup point
- Full camp programme & dinner
- Fixed departure time
AED 100 per personShared Hotel Pickup
A shared 4×4 collects you from your Dubai hotel and returns you after dinner. Door to door.
- Hotel door pickup & drop
- Shared 4×4 with other guests
- Dune bashing on the way in
- Full camp programme & dinner
AED 799 per carPrivate Car Desert Safari
A private 4×4 for your group only, up to 7 people, hotel pickup and drop. One price for the whole car.
- Private 4×4 — your group only
- Up to 7 people in one price
- Hotel pickup & drop
- Flexible departure time
+AED 50 per personVIP Sitting Area Upgrade
Premium private majlis seating at the Dubai camp. Add it to any option above.
- Private majlis seating
- Away from the main crowd
- Table service
- Adds to any package
Add-Ons & Extras
Customise your safari — add any of these to your chosen package.
Add-Ons You Can Book on the Day
These are optional extras at the Dubai camp. You can add any of them when you book, or decide once you are there — the price does not change either way.
AED 200 single / 300 doubleQuad Biking
Ride an automatic quad on the Dubai dunes. AED 200 for a single seater, AED 300 for a double seater.
- Automatic — no gear changing
- Single seater AED 200
- Double seater AED 300
- Helmet and briefing included
AED 800 / 30 min · 2h minCan-Am Dune Buggy
A two-seat Can-Am buggy on the open dunes for 30 minutes. The strongest ride we run.
- Two-seat Can-Am buggy
- 30 minutes on the dunes
- Helmet & goggles included
- Driver must be 18+
AED 30 per personFalcon Photo Experience
Hold a trained falcon on your glove and get the photo. Thirty seconds, and it is the picture people keep.
- Trained falcon & handler
- Glove provided
- Your own camera or phone
- Children can hold it too
AED 300 for twoLong Camel Ride
A proper long camel ride for two people across the dunes, not the short loop everyone gets.
- Two people on the ride
- Long route across the dunes
- Handler walks with you
- Photos taken for you
AED 150 per vehicleExtra Dune Bashing
An additional dune bashing run in the 4×4 after the standard one, priced per vehicle not per person.
- Extra run in the 4×4
- Priced per vehicle
- Share the cost with your group
- Ask the driver at the camp
AED 50–150Professional Photography
A photographer shoots you on the dunes at sunset and hands over edited images the same evening.
- Professional photographer
- Sunset dune shoot
- Edited images same evening
- Package depends on shot count
Add-Ons & Extras
Customise your safari — add any of these to your chosen package.
Can you sandboard in Dubai, and how much does it cost?
Yes, you can sandboard in Dubai, and with Royal Arabian Safari it is included free in every desert safari from AED 35. You are not charged a separate fee for the board, the wax or the runs down the dune. Sandboarding means sliding down a sand dune on a waxed board, either standing like a snowboarder or sitting like a sled, and it is one of the most beginner-friendly desert activities because sand creates far more drag than snow, so you never pick up dangerous speed.
Here is what the rest of the internet will not give you in one place: a clear answer on whether sandboarding is free or paid, and a real beginner technique you can actually follow. The pages that teach you how to ride never list a price, and the pages with prices never teach you how. Below you get both, plus which dune to choose for your level, an honest comparison with snowboarding, and answers to every common question.
Is sandboarding in Dubai free, paid, or included?
This is the question every other page dances around, so here is the straight answer. With us, sandboarding is included free in every desert safari, and the safari starts at AED 35. There is no separate sandboarding ticket to buy, no per-run charge, and no premium tier you must upgrade to. The board, the wax and as many runs as you have time for during the camp activities are all part of the package.
Why does this matter? Because elsewhere the picture is murky. Some operators sell a standalone sandboarding tour for AED 250 per adult and around AED 1,000 for a private group, others bundle it from AED 99 and leave you guessing whether it is actually included, and the most genuinely useful how-to guide online lists no price at all. We would rather just tell you: it is free with the safari.
What it costs, by safari package
| Package | Price | Sandboarding |
|---|---|---|
| Self-drive (you drive to the camp) | AED 35 / person | Included free |
| Shared bus (seat in a group transfer) | AED 50 / person | Included free |
| Shared 4×4 with hotel pickup | AED 100 / person | Included free |
| Private 4×4 (up to 7 guests) | AED 799 / vehicle | Included free |
Every one of these includes sandboarding, dune bashing, the camel ride, the BBQ dinner and the live shows. The private 4×4 works out to roughly AED 86 a head for up to seven people with everything in, which beats the typical Dubai standalone sandboarding rate outright. For the full breakdown see our Dubai desert safari price guide.
How much time do you get to sandboard?
On a standard safari, sandboarding sits inside the camp activity window, so you can take several runs rather than the single five-to-ten-minute slot some package tours allow. Each run down a dune is quick, the climb back up takes a few minutes, and you can keep going while the light is good. If you want a longer dedicated session on the bigger red dunes at Lahbab, that can be arranged on request.
How to sandboard: a real beginner technique guide
Most pages tell you a guide will give a quick briefing and leave it there. Here is the technique itself, so you step onto the dune already knowing what to do. None of this is hard, and our team walks first-timers through every step at the camp.
Standing or sitting: pick your style first
You have two ways to ride. Standing, like a snowboarder, with your feet on the board, is the classic and the most fun once you have the balance. Sitting, treating the board like a sled or toboggan, is the easiest of all and is what we put younger children and nervous first-timers on. There is no wrong choice; plenty of adults start sitting to feel the slope, then stand up for the next run.
Find your stance
If you are standing, work out which foot leads. Most people ride regular, with the left foot forward; some ride goofy, with the right foot forward. A simple test is to imagine sliding across a smooth floor in socks: whichever foot you naturally put first is your lead foot. Keep your knees soft and bent, your weight centred over the board, and your arms out a little for balance.
The ride down, step by step
Here is the whole run, top to bottom, the way we teach it at the camp.
| Step | What to do |
|---|---|
| 1. Wax the base | The guide waxes the bottom of the board so it glides; sand is sticky without it |
| 2. Point down the fall line | Aim the nose straight down the steepest natural line of the dune |
| 3. Knees bent, weight centred | Crouch slightly, weight over the middle of the board, eyes down the slope |
| 4. Push off and glide | A gentle push sets you moving; sand keeps the speed slow and manageable |
| 5. Brake with the heel edge | Press your heels down to dig the back edge in and slow or stop |
| 6. Embrace the fall | If you tip over, you land in soft sand; relax, roll, and get back up |
Turning and stopping
For your first runs you do not need to turn at all; just point straight down and ride it out. When you want to steer, shift your weight gently onto your heel edge or toe edge to curve, though sand resists carving far more than snow, so turns are slow and forgiving. To stop, you have three easy options: press the heel edge in, sit down, or simply step off into the sand. Falling is part of it and completely safe on soft dunes, which is exactly why sandboarding is such a good beginner sport.
Equipment, board types and how it compares to snowboarding
What is provided
You do not need to bring anything. The board and the wax are provided at the camp, and the guide preps the board for you before each run. All you supply is closed shoes and a willingness to get a little sandy. There is nothing to buy, rent or carry.
Stand-up boards versus sit-down boards
There are two kinds of board, and the right one depends on you rather than your experience:
- Stand-up boards look like a snowboard and let you ride standing, feet on the deck. This is the classic sandboarding feel and the most rewarding once you find your balance.
- Sit-down boards are ridden like a sled, sitting down with the board flat. They are the easiest possible introduction, very stable, and ideal for children, older guests and anyone who would rather not stand on a slope.
How difficult is sandboarding?
Not very, which is the honest answer. It is markedly easier than snowboarding for one simple reason: physics. Sand creates far more friction than snow, so you glide at a gentle, controllable pace instead of accelerating away from yourself. There are no bindings to clip into and panic about, the dune is soft if you fall, and a sit-down board removes the balance challenge entirely. Most first-timers are riding happily within a couple of runs.
Sandboarding versus snowboarding: the real differences
| Aspect | Sandboarding | Snowboarding |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Slow and gentle (sand drags) | Fast (snow is slick) |
| Bindings | Usually none, easy on and off | Locked-in bindings |
| Falling | Soft sand, low consequence | Hard-packed snow and ice |
| Turning | Harder to carve, mostly straight runs | Carves easily |
| Getting back up | You walk up the dune | Chairlift |
| Beginner friendly | Very | Steeper learning curve |
The one part nobody warns you about is the climb. After each run you walk back up the dune, which is a genuine calf workout in soft sand, so pace yourself and take water. That short climb is the only real effort in the whole activity.
Best dunes for sandboarding in Dubai, by skill level
Not all dunes are equal, and matching the dune to your confidence makes the difference between a great first run and a nervous one. We run sandboarding on two very different kinds of dune, so we can put you exactly where you should be.
| Dune | Best for | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Al Awir golden dunes | Beginners, children, families | Lower, smoother, gentle slopes; easy runs and an easy climb back |
| Lahbab red dunes | Intermediate, thrill-seekers | Taller, steeper iron-red faces for a faster, more dramatic ride |
Al Awir: where first-timers should start
The golden dunes near Al Awir are our beginner ground. The slopes are gentle, the sand is soft, and the dunes are low enough that the climb back up is quick rather than exhausting. This is where children on sit-down boards and adults taking their first runs feel comfortable straight away. It is also closer to the city, so more of your evening is spent riding rather than driving.
Lahbab red dunes: for a bigger thrill
When you are ready to step it up, the red dunes at Lahbab are taller and steeper, with longer, faster runs and the dramatic iron-red sand that photographs beautifully. They suit guests who have found their balance and want more speed and a longer descent. The trade-off is a tougher climb back up, so they reward a bit of fitness. You may also hear about Big Red at Al Badayer, the largest and steepest dune in the region; it is popular but crowded, and our Lahbab runs give a similar thrill with more room.
What your first run feels like
The first time you point the board down a dune, there is a half-second of hesitation and then a smooth, hushed glide as the sand hisses under the board. It is slower and calmer than people expect, more gentle slide than rush, which is exactly why nerves melt within the first run. By the second or third descent most guests are grinning, trying to go a little faster, and asking to move up to a steeper face. The soft landing if you tip over takes all the fear out of it, so you are free to simply enjoy the ride and the view back across the dunes.
Whichever dune you ride, sandboarding sits alongside the dune bashing drive in the same outing, so you get both the 4×4 thrill and the boarding in one trip.
When to go, what to wear, and who should take it easy
Morning or evening?
Both work, and they feel different. In the morning, roughly 8 to 11am, the sand is cooler and firmer, which makes for a slightly faster, cleaner ride and quieter dunes. In the evening, the golden hour before sunset gives warmer sand and the best light for photos, and it flows straight into the camp dinner and shows. Most guests pick the evening for the full experience; choose the morning if you want the dunes to yourselves.
What to wear and bring
- Closed shoes or trainers, not sandals, so sand stays out and your feet are protected
- Light, comfortable clothing you do not mind getting sandy, with a layer for the cooler evening
- Sunglasses and sunscreen for the daytime sun and the glare off the sand
- A charged phone for photos; keep it in a pocket or pouch during runs to protect it from sand
For a full month-by-month breakdown, see our what to wear for a Dubai desert safari guide.
Is sandboarding good for kids?
Yes. On a sit-down board, sandboarding is one of the safest and most fun things children can do in the desert, with soft sand all around and gentle beginner dunes. There is no fixed age limit; very young children simply ride sitting down with a parent close by. Tell us their ages when you book so the guide picks the right dune and board from the start.
Who should take it easy or skip it
Sandboarding is gentle, but it is still a physical activity with a climb back up and the odd soft fall, so a little honesty helps. If you are pregnant, or have back, neck or knee problems, we suggest you either stick to a gentle sit-down run on the low Al Awir dunes or skip the boarding and enjoy the rest of the safari. In the hottest summer months the midday sand and heat can be intense, so the cooler morning or the evening is safer, and water is a must. None of this stops most guests; it just means choosing the right dune and the right time.
Sandboarding is one part of the full desert safari
Here is the best part about getting your sandboarding this way: it does not come alone. Because it is included in the safari, the same evening that gets you on a board also gives you the 4×4 dune drive, a camel ride, a full BBQ dinner and live shows, all for the same price from AED 35. You are not paying for a single activity; you are getting the whole desert experience with sandboarding built in.
What else is included with sandboarding
- 4×4 dune bashing across the dunes with a sunset photo stop
- A camel ride and Arabic-costume photos
- Henna, a designated shisha area and unlimited soft drinks, tea and coffee
- A full halal BBQ dinner buffet, vegetarian and non-vegetarian
- Around eight live shows: belly dance, LED Tanoura and a fire show
If the off-road drive is the part you are most excited about, read our dune bashing Dubai guide; for the motorised thrills, see quad biking and the dune buggy. For the complete evening, start with our evening desert safari Dubai page.
Why this is the best-value way to sandboard
Add it up and the maths is simple. A standalone sandboarding tour elsewhere can cost AED 250 per adult, and that is just the boarding. Here, the same AED 35 to AED 100 per person buys sandboarding plus the 4×4 dune drive, the camel ride, a full halal BBQ dinner and an evening of live shows, and a private 4×4 for a family of up to seven comes in around AED 86 a head with everything included. You would struggle to pay for sandboarding alone elsewhere for what the whole safari costs with us, which is why bundling it into the safari is the smart way to ride.
Where you will be sandboarding
Our camp and dunes sit near Al Awir, an easy drive from central Dubai, with the red dunes at Lahbab reached for the bigger runs. Hotel pickup is included on the shared 4×4 and private options, so most guests are collected and never need to find the dunes themselves.
Sandboarding Dubai: quick facts
What
Sliding down a sand dune on a waxed board, standing like a snowboarder or sitting like a sled.
Free?
Yes, included free in every desert safari from AED 35; no separate ticket or per-run charge.
Difficulty
Beginner-friendly; sand drag keeps speeds gentle. No experience needed.
Boards
Stand-up boards and easy sit-down boards provided, plus wax. Bring nothing but closed shoes.
Where
Gentle golden dunes at Al Awir for beginners; steeper red dunes at Lahbab for a thrill.
Best time
Morning for firm, cool sand; evening golden hour for the best light and the camp shows.
Sandboarding Dubai: key facts
Sandboarding in Dubai is a desert activity in which you slide down a sand dune on a waxed board, either standing like a snowboarder or sitting like a sled. With Royal Arabian Safari, a DTCM-licensed Dubai operator, sandboarding is included free in every desert safari from AED 35, with boards, wax and a briefing provided; there is no separate sandboarding ticket. It is beginner-friendly because sand creates far more friction than snow, so speeds stay gentle and falls land in soft sand. Stand-up boards suit those who want the snowboard feel, while sit-down boards are easy for children and first-timers. The gentle golden dunes near Al Awir are best for beginners and families, and the steeper red dunes at Lahbab give intermediate riders a faster, more dramatic run, though you walk back up the dune after each ride. Other operators charge around AED 250 per adult for a standalone sandboarding tour or bundle it from AED 99, while here it comes free with the safari alongside dune bashing, a camel ride, a halal BBQ dinner and live shows. Prices are self-drive AED 35, shared bus AED 50, shared 4×4 with hotel pickup AED 100 per person, and a private 4×4 for up to seven guests AED 799. Bookings are made on WhatsApp at +971 58 228 2683 with no advance payment.
Sandboarding Dubai: frequently asked questions
Can you sandboard in Dubai?
Yes. Sandboarding is one of the most popular desert activities in Dubai, run on the dunes outside the city. With us it is included free in every desert safari from AED 35, with boards and a briefing provided.
How much does it cost to sandboard in Dubai?
With us, sandboarding is included free in every safari, so the cost is just the safari from AED 35 for self-drive, AED 50 by shared bus, AED 100 for a shared 4×4 with hotel pickup, or AED 799 for a private 4×4 for up to seven guests. Some other operators sell a standalone sandboarding tour for around AED 250 per adult or bundle it from AED 99, so check whether boarding is actually included in any price you are quoted.
Is sandboarding free or included in the safari?
Yes, it is included free in every one of our desert safari packages. There is no separate sandboarding ticket, no per-run charge and no premium tier you must buy; the board, the wax and your runs down the dune all come with the safari from AED 35.
How difficult is sandboarding?
It is easy, and easier than snowboarding. Sand creates much more friction than snow, so you glide at a gentle, controllable pace rather than speeding up, there are no bindings to clip into, and the dune is soft if you fall. A sit-down board removes the balance challenge completely, and most first-timers are riding happily within a couple of runs.
Do I need experience to sandboard?
No experience at all. Our guide gives you a quick briefing, waxes the board and shows you how to balance, brake and stop. Beginners and children are welcome, and you can start on a sit-down board before trying to stand.
What should I wear sandboarding in Dubai?
Closed shoes or trainers rather than sandals, light comfortable clothing you do not mind getting sandy, and sunglasses and sunscreen for the daytime. Bring a layer for the cooler evening and keep your phone in a pocket during runs to protect it from sand.
Where can you go sandboarding in Dubai?
On our safari you sandboard on the gentle golden dunes near Al Awir, which are ideal for beginners and families, and on the steeper red dunes at Lahbab for a bigger thrill. Both are an easy drive from central Dubai and hotel pickup is included on the 4×4 options.
Is sandboarding safe?
Yes. Speeds are gentle because of the sand drag, you ride on soft dunes that cushion any fall, and a guide is with you throughout. The main things to manage are the heat in summer, staying hydrated and pacing the climb back up the dune.
Is sandboarding good for kids?
Very much so. On a sit-down board, children can slide down the gentle Al Awir dunes safely with a parent close by, and the soft sand makes falls harmless. There is no fixed age limit; just tell us the children’s ages when booking so the guide picks the right dune and board.
What is the difference between sandboarding and snowboarding?
The biggest difference is speed. Sand creates far more friction than snow, so sandboarding is slower and more controllable, which makes it more beginner-friendly. There are usually no bindings, falls land in soft sand rather than hard snow, turning is harder because sand resists carving, and instead of a chairlift you walk back up the dune.
Standing or sitting: which board should I choose?
Either, and you can switch between runs. Standing on a stand-up board gives the classic snowboard feel and is the most fun once you have the balance. Sitting on a sit-down board is the easiest and most stable option and is what we recommend for children, older guests and nervous first-timers.
How long do you get to sandboard?
On our safari, sandboarding sits inside the camp activity window, so you can take several runs rather than a single short slot. Each run is quick and the climb back up takes a few minutes; you can keep going while the light is good, and longer dedicated sessions on the red dunes can be arranged on request.
Is equipment provided or do I bring my own?
Everything is provided. The board and the wax are at the camp and the guide preps the board before each run. You only need to bring closed shoes; there is nothing to buy, rent or carry.
What is the best time of day for sandboarding?
The morning, roughly 8 to 11am, has cooler, firmer sand and quieter dunes for a cleaner ride. The evening golden hour gives warmer sand, the best light for photos and flows straight into the camp dinner and shows. Most guests choose the evening for the full experience.
Can you sandboard on the red dunes?
Yes. The red dunes at Lahbab are taller and steeper, with longer, faster runs and dramatic iron-red sand that photographs beautifully. They suit intermediate riders who have found their balance and want more speed, with a tougher climb back up as the trade-off.
Is there an age limit for sandboarding?
There is no rigid age limit. Younger children ride sitting down on a sled-style board with a parent nearby, while older children and adults can stand. Tell us the ages of your group when booking so the guide sets everyone up safely.
Does sandboarding hurt if you fall?
Not usually. You land in soft sand, which cushions the fall, and because speeds are gentle the consequences are low. The guide teaches you to relax, roll and get back up, and falling is treated as part of the fun rather than something to fear.
Can I sandboard without doing the whole safari?
Sandboarding is part of the desert safari rather than a separate ticket, so the simplest way to do it is to join a safari, which already includes it from AED 35 along with dune bashing, the dinner and the shows. A dedicated longer session can be arranged on request via WhatsApp.
Can I take photos or video while sandboarding?
Yes, and the dunes at golden hour are very photogenic. Hand your phone or camera to someone at the top, or use a strap, and keep it protected from sand during your own runs. The guide can often grab a shot of you mid-ride.
How do I book sandboarding in Dubai?
Message us on WhatsApp at +971 58 228 2683 with your date, number of guests and pickup area, and tell us if anyone is a complete beginner or a child so we set the right dune and board. There is no advance payment and you pay on the day.
Ready to ride the dunes?
Message us your date, guests and pickup area and we will set up your sandboarding, gentle beginner dunes or steeper red runs, included free with your safari from AED 35. DTCM-licensed, boards provided, no advance payment, instant answers on WhatsApp.
Book on WhatsAppPhotos From Our Dubai Desert Camp
These are our own guests and our own camp, not stock photography. If you want more, ask on WhatsApp and we will send the latest batch from this week.
Book Your Dubai Desert Safari
Send the form and we reply on WhatsApp with the exact pickup time for your area. Nothing is charged online — you pay the driver or at the camp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you run desert safaris and tours in Dubai as well as Abu Dhabi?
Yes. We are an Abu Dhabi based DCT-licensed operator running our own camp in the Al Khatim desert, and we also arrange Dubai desert safaris and Dubai city tours. If you are staying in Dubai but want the taller, quieter Abu Dhabi dunes and the lower price from AED 35, we run transfers from Dubai.
What is included in the Abu Dhabi desert safari?
Every evening package includes 4×4 dune bashing, a short camel ride, sandboarding, a sunset photo stop, Arabic costume for photos, henna for ladies, a full BBQ buffet dinner with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, unlimited soft drinks, water, Arabic coffee and tea, a shisha corner, separate washrooms and around eight live shows including tanoura, belly dance and a fire show.
How much does a desert safari in Abu Dhabi cost?
Booking direct with us: AED 35 self-drive, AED 50 shared bus from Al Wahda or Mazyad Mall, AED 100 shared hotel pickup, AED 799 for a private 7-seater car and AED 999 for a private Land Cruiser. Agencies and hotel desks typically charge AED 180 to 250 per person for the same evening because they add commission on top of an operator price.
What time does the desert safari start and finish?
Pickup is usually 3:00 to 3:30 PM and you are back in the city around 10:00 to 10:30 PM. Timings follow sunset, so in December pickup moves earlier and in June it moves later.
Where does the desert safari take place?
At our own DCT-licensed camp in the Al Khatim desert, roughly 80 km east of Abu Dhabi city along the E22 Abu Dhabi to Al Ain highway, about a 50 to 60 minute drive. The Al Khatim ridges rise over 100 metres, which is considerably taller than the roadside dunes some operators use, and there is far less traffic on the sand.
How do I book?
Message us on WhatsApp with your date and group size. We reply with the exact total, no deposit and no booking fee, and you pay at the camp on the day. Free cancellation applies up to 12 hours before.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes on the AED 100 shared pickup, the AED 799 private car and the AED 999 Land Cruiser, covering the whole city including the Corniche, Al Maryah, Al Reem, Downtown, Khalifa City, Mussafah, Yas Island, Saadiyat, Shabiya and the airport. The AED 50 package departs from Al Wahda Mall or Mazyad Mall, and AED 35 is self-drive using a GPS pin we send you.
Do I need a 4×4 for the self-drive option?
No. You drive on tarmac to a meeting point, so any standard car or rental reaches it comfortably. Our team takes over there in a proper 4×4 for the dune bashing.
How long is the dune bashing?
Around 40 to 45 minutes with short breaks. Tyres are deflated to roughly 15 psi first so they float on the sand. Intensity is adjustable at any point — tell your driver you want it gentle and it becomes a scenic drive.
Is dune bashing safe?
Yes with a licensed operator. Every passenger wears a seatbelt, vehicles are maintained and insured, drivers are trained specifically for dune driving, and vehicles travel in convoy so recovery is immediate. You can ask to stop at any time.
Can I do the safari without dune bashing?
Yes. Book the self-drive package and come straight to the camp, or ask for a direct transfer on a private car. You still get the sunset, camel ride, sandboarding, dinner and every show. This is the right choice for pregnant guests and anyone with back, neck or heart conditions.
What food is served at the camp?
A full BBQ buffet: salads and mezze including fattoush, hummus and Arabic bread; rice dishes, dal, pasta and mixed vegetable sabzi; chicken tikka, shish taouk, lamb seekh kebab and fish from the grill; Om Ali and fresh fruit for dessert. All 100% halal, with unlimited soft drinks, water, Arabic coffee and tea.
Are vegetarian and special diets catered for?
Vegetarian options are always available as standard, and the whole buffet is halal. Vegan, Jain, gluten-free and allergy requirements can be accommodated with advance notice — tell us when you book and we will confirm what will be on the table.
Is alcohol available?
No. Alcohol is not served or permitted at our camp and guests should not bring their own. Unlimited soft drinks, water, Arabic coffee and tea are included, and shisha is available at the camp.
What should I wear?
Loose, light-coloured clothing that covers shoulders and knees, and closed shoes such as trainers you do not mind filling with sand. From October to April bring a jacket — camp temperatures drop to 13 to 22 degrees after sunset. Avoid flip-flops, heels and skinny jeans.
Is the desert safari better in Abu Dhabi or Dubai?
For dunes, quiet and price, Abu Dhabi. The Al Khatim ridges rise over 100 metres against generally lower Dubai dunes, there are far fewer vehicles on the sand, the night sky is darker and entry starts at AED 35 against roughly AED 90 to 150 in Dubai. Dubai is more convenient only if you are already staying there.
Planning the Rest of Your Abu Dhabi Trip
Most guests who book the dunes with us also want a day in the capital. These guides cover the practical detail:
- Abu Dhabi city tour from Dubai — the full-day run down the E11 and back, with realistic timings
- Abu Dhabi to Dubai taxi fare — real fares for taxi, bus and Uber between the two emirates
Book this tour
No deposit and no card details. Message us and we confirm the plan and the exact price before you commit — answered at any hour.
- Send your date and guest countYour date, how many of you, and where we collect from. That is all we need.
- We send the plan and the pricePer car, not per person. You see the route, the timings and the exact figure first.
- Pay the driver on the dayCash or card, after the run. Free cancellation up to 12 hours before pickup.
Answered 24 hours · No deposit · No booking fee · Licensed operator
If we have to cancel, what happens?
A cancellation policy that covers your obligations but not ours is only half a document. Here is our side of it, in writing.
If we have to cancel your booking — for weather, a vehicle issue, or driver illness — we will contact you as soon as we know and rebook you at no charge on the next date that works for you. You pay nothing for the cancelled booking.
If we need to send a different vehicle than the one you booked, we will ask you first rather than turning up in something you did not book.
This is separate from your own cancellation rights, which are unchanged: you can cancel free up to 12 hours before pickup. Because we take no deposit and no booking fee, there is no money of yours sitting with us either way — nothing to chase, and nothing to wait for.