Dubai, the most glamorous and fabulous city in all of the Middle East. Like moths to a flame, tourists from every corner of the earth flock to this enchanting Arabian paradise year after year. With so much to do, explore and experience, it’s no wonder why this city is such a booming tourist magnet. From exploring its many attractions and skyscrapers, indulging in mouth-watering food and shopping at its mega-malls to skydiving, jet skiing, scuba diving, Dubai desert safari and dune bashing, Dubai is a city that has something for everyone, literally. But before all the development, construction and industrial boom, Dubai was (and still is) a desert-land. In this article, we will be looking at the one activity that has been part of Dubai’s culture for decades and centuries – Dune Bashing.
In short, Dune Bashing is basically a form of off-roading done on sand dunes, usually in big 4X4 vehicles like the Toyota Land Cruiser or Fortuner. It basically involves driving at varying speeds over sand dunes and manoeuvring the car in such a way as to maintain balance while going up the dune and coming down. Dune bashing is a highly thrilling and adrenaline-pumping activity, that must be done with the utmost care and safety. The SUV’s that are used for this adventure sport, are usually fitted with protective gear, like roll cages, and the tyre pressure is significantly reduced to allow for maximum traction against the moving sand.
What you can expect while Dune Bashing in Dubai – Unless you’re a professional driver, you will most likely by sitting in the passenger seats of the car, while your driver does all of the heavy lifting. Be prepared to skid, slide and slip all across your seat as you make your way through the golden sands of the desert. Usually, dune bashing is done in a convoy of vehicles to ensure safety.
Situated on the Persian Gulf, Dubai is landlocked on 3 sides, with the Arabian desert encompassing most of this emirate. With so much sand all around, Dubai makes for an ideal place for the perfect dune bashing experience. What once started out as simply a hobby for the UAE locals, has now become a teeming industry, entertaining and wowing millions of people!
A typical dune bashing experience in Dubai begins with the tour operator picking you up from your hotel and driving you straight to the desert. After deflating the tyres and meeting up with the other groups of people (taking the tour), your dune bashing adventure begins. Depending on what you choose and your comfort level, the dune bashing goes on for about 20-30 minutes, after which you are taken to a central camp in the desert, where you are given a true Bedouin experience.
You are invited to sit on couches/carpets on the floor and partake in authentic emirati activities like sheesha smoking, henna painting and even camel riding! The star of this experience is the delicious barbecue dinner that follows afterwards. During this dinner, you not only get to treat your tastebuds with the scrumptious Middle-Eastern cuisine, but also your eyes, as there are live entertainers (Belly-Dancers and Tanoura Dancers) performing while you eat!
Once you are done with your meal, the adventure finally comes to a close, as you are dropped back to your hotel, safe, satiated and sound.
Here are some tips to help you get the best possible dune bashing experience on your next trip to Dubai!
The dune bashing is an experience everyone visiting Dubai should have. I had a brilliant time at the desert with my friends and our tour guide Siraj is the best guide one could ask for. He was extremely helpful and supportive. He supported me with my disability and ensured I had a great time with my friends. Many thanks Siraj , you’re the best. Will definitely recommend you to friends and will look out for you next time I’m in Dubai.
– Rita E, Tripadvisor September 2018
this adventure and thrill will not be forgotten by my kids for a long time. The chain of vehicles (offroaders) inside the sand dunes has to be experienced to be believed. The ups and downs and the turns were fun. there is a point to click pics and then the final stop with few dances and snacks followed by food. There are also other activities like horse / camel rides.
– dharmendra_spcnl, Tripadvisor September 2018
You can search for agents for tours by clicking on Ahlan Emirate Travel