Sandboarding Abu Dhabi
Included — AED 35 Safari

Sandboarding Abu Dhabi — one of the most fun activities at our desert camp. Ride a sandboard down the natural slopes of the golden Abu Dhabi dunes — no experience needed. Included free in all our standard evening and morning safari packages.

What Is Sandboarding in Abu Dhabi?

Sandboarding is exactly what it sounds like — riding a board down a sand dune, standing or sitting, using the slope and gravity to build speed across the desert surface. In Abu Dhabi, it takes place on the red-gold dunes of the Al Khatim Desert, where the dune faces are steep enough to generate real speed and wide enough to offer a comfortable run-out at the bottom.

Unlike snowboarding, which requires boots locked into bindings, sandboarding in Abu Dhabi is a more accessible experience. Most guests ride seated on a flat board — similar to a sled — gripping handles on either side and steering by shifting their weight. Standing sandboarding is also possible for those with snowboard or skateboard experience, but the majority of guests, including children and older travellers, go down seated and still find it thrilling.

The dunes at Al Khatim reach heights of 80–120 metres — among the tallest accessible dunes near Abu Dhabi city. The descent takes 20–45 seconds depending on your speed, the moisture content of the sand (morning sand is denser and faster), and how much wax your guide applied to the board base.

Sandboarding at Al Khatim Desert — The Best Dunes Near Abu Dhabi

Not all desert terrain is suitable for sandboarding. The sport requires dunes that are tall enough to generate speed, have a consistent slope angle (ideally 30–45 degrees on the main face), and a wide, flat run-out at the base so riders can slow down safely. The Al Khatim Desert, approximately 45 kilometres from Abu Dhabi city centre, ticks every box.

Al Khatim’s signature red-orange dunes — coloured by iron oxide in the sand — are among the most visually dramatic in the UAE. The ridge height, combined with the firm-packed sand typical of inland Abu Dhabi desert, creates excellent board speed. The dunes here also face a northerly orientation that keeps the main boarding face in morning shade, making the experience more comfortable when temperatures rise between March and October.

The area is designated for desert activities under DCT (Department of Culture and Tourism) Abu Dhabi, meaning operators who use it — including Royal Arabian Safari — are licensed and inspected. You will not encounter the overcrowding that affects some Sharjah dune sites.

Sandboarding vs Snowboarding — What to Expect

The two sports feel similar in principle but quite different in practice. Here is what returning snowboarders tell us after trying sandboarding for the first time:

• Speed is comparable — well-waxed boards on a 100m dune can reach 40–55 km/h in optimal conditions
• Turning is harder — sand doesn’t have the edge-grip that snow does; your weight shifts matter more, and corrections are slower
• Falls are softer — falling on sand hurts less than falling on compacted snow, though sand gets into everything, so closed shoes and tucked-in clothing matter
• Hiking back up is the work — there are no lifts. Your guide walks up with you and carries the board on climbs steeper than 35 degrees. Most guests do 3–5 runs
• Standing is harder than it looks — the soft surface absorbs small corrections. Beginners are encouraged to start seated, get the feel for the slope, then attempt standing on run 2 or 3

For complete beginners to both sports, sandboarding has a much shorter learning curve. The seated position is instinctively stable, and the natural runout of the dune slows you down without needing to brake.

Is Sandboarding Included in the Desert Safari?

Yes — sandboarding is included as standard in Royal Arabian Safari’s evening desert safari (from AED 35 per person). You do not need to book it separately or pay an additional fee at the dunes. The boards, wax, and guiding are all part of the experience alongside dune bashing, camel riding, Bedouin camp dinner and cultural activities.

If you want an extended sandboarding session — more runs, more dune variety, or dedicated instruction for standing technique — speak to your guide at the start of the safari. We can allocate additional dune time in place of other activities based on what your group prioritises.

For private groups (booked on the private 4×4 package), we can design the entire safari around sandboarding if that’s the focus. Private groups have used this to film content, practice technique over multiple visits, or simply spend more time on the dunes and less time at the camp. Tell us in advance and we will plan accordingly.

Sandboarding Safety at Royal Arabian Safari

Sandboarding is a low-risk activity when conducted correctly. Royal Arabian Safari guides follow a consistent safety briefing before each run:

• Guests are shown the correct seated position and grip before ascending the dune
• The runout zone at the base is checked for other guests before each descent
• Children under 8 may ride with a guide seated behind them for control
• Guests with recent knee, hip or back injuries are advised against standing sandboarding; seated runs remain comfortable
• In high winds (unusual in the Al Khatim Desert due to sheltering dune ridges) sandboarding is paused until conditions settle

There is no height or weight restriction for seated sandboarding. Our heaviest boards are rated to 130kg. Guests with concerns about physical suitability are encouraged to ask before the activity starts — our guides have experience adapting to every fitness level.

What to Wear and Bring for Sandboarding

Sand gets everywhere. That is the most important thing to know. Here is how to dress for sandboarding in Abu Dhabi:

• Closed shoes or trainers — not sandals, not flip-flops. Sand inside open shoes creates abrasion. Lace-up trainers with ankle support are ideal for standing boarding
• Long trousers — protects your legs during seated runs when the board occasionally catches and you make contact with the sand surface
• Tucked-in top — a shirt tucked into your trousers keeps sand out of your waistband during descents
• Sunglasses — essential during evening safaris when the sun is at a low angle directly into your eyes on northward-facing descents
• Tie up long hair — it will collect fine sand on the way down

We provide all equipment — boards, wax, and grip handles. You do not need to bring anything specific for the sandboarding portion of the safari. Water is available throughout from your guide’s vehicle.

Sandboarding in Abu Dhabi — Frequently Asked Questions