Dune Bashing Adventures
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.
Quick Jump Links to Navigate the Guide
- What is Dune Bashing?
- A Dune Bashing Experience in Dubai
- Top Dune Bashing Dubai Safaris
- Dubai Dune Bashing Tips
- Dune Bashing in Dubai Reviews
- Dubai Desert Activities Guide
What is 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.
A Dune Bashing Experience in Dubai
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.
Top Dune Bashing Dubai Safaris
Red Dune Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner & Live Entertainment
Highlights of the Dubai Dune Bashing Tour
- Leave the city behind and head to the Lahbab desert for a day of excitement
- Arrive at the camp and take part in activities like camel riding and henna hand painting
- Relish a delectable buffet, which includes a wide array of international dishes (vegetarian and non vegetarian)
- Get a chance to try on traditional Arabic clothing and take pictures that will definitely make your friends jealous!
- Enjoy a thrilling dune bashing experience over the red sand dunes
- Watch a traditional belly-dance and tanoura dance show
Monster Dunes Hummer Safari
Highlights of the Dubai Dune Bashing Tour
- Enter the desert in style as you are picked up from your hotel in a Hummer
- Drive over the golden dunes and into the desert in this beast of a vehicle
- Experience traditional activities like sheesha smoking, camel riding and henna painting
- Savour the toothsome barbecue dinner with unlimited tea, coffee and soft drinks
- Watch a live belly-dance and tanoura dance show performed by professionals
- Get great sunset photo opportunities
Morning Dune Buggy Safari
Highlights of the Dubai Dune Bashing Tour
- Get an early start to the day and head to the desert right in the morning
- Experience the thrill of dune bashing in an off-road dune buggy
- Learn the do’s and don’ts of driving this buggy from a professional instructor
- Finally embark on a self-drive journey through the desert and feel the adrenaline pumping through your blood
Evening Dune Buggy Safari + BBQ Dinner + Live Entertainment
Highlights of the Dubai Dune Bashing Tour
- Get prepared for an absolutely thrilling day filled with exciting activities
- Head to the desert in a 4X4 vehicle and enjoy some heart-pumping dune bashing
- Follow that up with an exhilarating sand boarding session amidst the dunes
- he highlight of this safar, ride your very own dune buggy through the desert
- Enter the Bedouin camp and enjoy delicious food and live performances
Desert Adventure Combo – Camel Ride, Quad Biking & Sand Boarding
Highlights of the Dubai Dune Bashing Tour
- Enjoy the perfect desert-combination Dubai has to offer
- Once you reach the desert, hop on to your quad bike and ride away
- Experience a bit of the olden days and ride the ‘ship of the desert’, like a true Bedouin
- The highlight of this safar, ride your very own dune buggy through the desert
- Get an opportunity to sand board on some massive dunes
- Cap off the day with a visit to a camel farm and see these beautiful creatures revelling in their natural habitat
Dubai Dune Bashing Tips
Here are some tips to help you get the best possible dune bashing experience on your next trip to Dubai!
- Wear loose and comfortable clothing on your adventure. There is no restriction on what you can and cannot wear, so come dressed in whatever you find comfortable. Keep in mind though that you will be stepping in and out of sand every now and again.
- Also, you might want to wear sandals or slippers instead of shoes. Sand is bound to get inside your shoes and socks, thereby making it very uncomfortable.And when you wear slippers, you can easily take them off and feel the sand at your feet!
- Being in the desert it can got hot and sunny, so make sure you put on sunscreen (unless you’re going for a tan) and carry a pair of sunglasses with you.
- Going dune bashing is a little like going on a mini-roller coaster, so make sure you avoid eating a heavy meal before you do this.
- Carry your camera as you’re going to have a ton of photo opportunities.
- Lastly, carry some extra cash with you, as there are souvenirs and other items you can purchase at the camp itself.
Dune Bashing in Dubai Reviews
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