Buggy Tours in the Dubai Desert: Extreme Fun and Adventure

From choosing a tour to safety tips—everything you need to know for an unforgettable adventure in the Arabian Desert.

What if Dubai’s main attraction isn’t among the skyscrapers, but an hour’s drive away, in the endless red desert? Forget passive sightseeing tours. Dune buggy tours are your chance to take control, get behind the wheel of a powerful off-road vehicle, and feel pure adrenaline as you conquer golden sand dunes. This is a safari where you’re no longer a passenger—you’re the pilot. Where only the gas pedal and the steepness of the next dune decide the pace. In this guide, we’ll cover everything from choosing a high-powered buggy to the details of the evening program at a Bedouin camp. You’ll learn how to avoid overpaying and get the most out of one of Dubai’s most thrilling activities.

Buggy safari: How the adventure works from A to Z

A desert buggy safari is a carefully planned extreme experience that combines with the highest safety standards. Here’s what your day in the desert looks like from start to finish.

Equipment, requirements, and safety briefing

Before heading out to conquer the dunes, it’s important to understand who can drive and what kind of beast you’ll be riding.

Who can drive?

• Age: Strictly 18 years and older.
• Driver’s license: Bring your standard category B driver’s license. An international license is not required.
• Health: Let’s be honest—things are going to get pretty bumpy. Therefore, tours are strictly unsuitable for pregnant women and those with back problems. Don’t take any risks.
• Physical requirements: There are typically height (120–200 cm) and weight (up to 120 kg) restrictions.

Tech overview

Get ready to tame a real beast. At your disposal will be off-road legends such as the Can-Am Maverick X3 (up to 200 horsepower!) or the Polaris RZR 1000cc. Forget about SUVs: these machines are built to devour sand and soar over dunes. A reinforced safety cage, sport seats, and a suspension that laughs in the face of rough terrain will ensure you feel confident as you tackle the steepest sand dunes.

Preparation process

No one will let you head into the desert without proper preparation. Before the start, each participant undergoes a mandatory and detailed briefing. The guide will explain the basics of driving the buggy, rules for moving in a convoy, and safety procedures. You’ll be provided with all the necessary protective gear, including a helmet and special goggles, after which you can take your place behind the wheel.

Route and locations across Dubai’s best dunes

The adventure begins the moment you hit the gas. However, you won’t be left alone with the desert—your journey is guided by professionals.

How the ride works

Don’t think this is just a boring convoy drive. The guide-marshal ahead is your navigator and safety net. He chooses the most "delicious" trajectory and sets the pace, but on your own stretch of the route, you are in control. You decide how to enter a turn and at what speed to take the next jump. This is the very golden mean: adrenaline and freedom under the control of a professional who won’t let you literally fly off into the sunset. During the ride, stops are planned at the most scenic spots for rest and photography.

Where the safari takes place

Tours are organized in the most impressive desert areas of the emirate. The two most popular locations are:

• Lahbab Desert: Famous for its towering dunes reaching 100–150 meters and the incredible red hue of the sand, rich in iron oxide. It’s the perfect venue for dynamic driving and stunning sunset photos.
• Al Badayer area: Known among off-road enthusiasts for the legendary “Big Red” dune—a one of the tallest and most challenging dunes in the region to conquer.

More than racing: What else awaits you in the desert

A buggy tour is not just about driving. It’s a full-fledged adventure filled with activities that let you change pace and immerse yourself more deeply in the atmosphere of the Arabian Desert.

Active fun on the dunes

During stops along the route, you’ll enjoy additional activities included in the program.

• Sandboarding: Imagine snowboarding, but instead of cold snow, you’ve got warm, soft sand—and instead of a ski lift, you use your legs (or the help of your friends). No special skills are required: just lie down on the board or sit on it and race down the dune with an exhilarated shout. Falling isn’t scary—the landing is soft. The main thing is not to get a mouthful of sand!
• Camel riding: In the vicinity of the camp, you’ll have the opportunity to take a short ride on the “ships of the desert.” This is a nod to tradition and a great chance to capture those classic photos against the backdrop of the dunes.
• Photo stops at sunset: The guides know the best vantage points. An essential part of the program is a stop at the crest of a high dune to capture the moment when the setting sun paints the sands in crimson and golden hues.

Evening in a bedouin camp: culture and gastronomy

After the adrenaline-fueled ride across the dunes, evening tours conclude in a stylized Bedouin camp, where a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere prevails. This provides the perfect contrast to the day’s more extreme activities. You can look forward to a rich cultural program:

• Falconry show: A brief demonstration of the traditional art of falconry, which is part of the Bedouins’ cultural heritage and is recognized by UNESCO.
• Tanoura dance: A mesmerizing performance by a dancer in a vibrant, glowing costume, performing a mystical Sufi whirling dance.

And when the last rays of the sun disappear behind the dunes, a well-deserved reward awaits you: a generous open-air barbecue dinner. After a day filled with the roar of engines, the silence of the desert and the aroma of meat grilling over an open fire are like balm for the soul. The tables are laden with an abundance of Arabic mezze appetizers (be sure to try the tenderest hummus!), fresh salads, and, of course, the main course: juicy, steaming kebabs and tandoori chicken straight from the fire. The perfect ending to a perfect day.

Buggy, ATV, or Jeep safari? We’ll help you decide

Buggy, ATV, or a classic jeep? All three promise a desert adventure, but the experiences they offer are completely different. To help you choose your “iron horse,” we’ve summarized the key differences in a simple table.

*Prices are approximate and may vary depending on the season, operator, and package of services. Always confirm the current price at the time of booking.

As you can see, the choice boils down to a simple question: do you want to be a spectator, even if in the front row (jeep safari), or do you want to be the star of the show yourself (buggy)? An ATV offers an excellent compromise, but it’s the buggy that delivers that true sense of complete control and extreme adrenaline.

Planning your adventure: Practical tips

To ensure your safari goes perfectly, it’s important to consider several practical details.

Best time to go

The ideal season for desert adventures in Dubai is from October to April, when the weather is most comfortable. Tours are also available in the summer, but they typically take place early in the morning or after sunset to avoid the daytime heat.

How to choose and book a tour

• Book your tour in advance, especially during peak season; booking online is the best option.
• Carefully read reviews on independent platforms. The main booking secret: Pay close attention not to the total duration of the tour (which may include transfers, dinner, etc.), but to the net buggy riding time. Some operators offer a fair 60 minutes, while others provide only 30. This parameter determines how much adrenaline you’ll ultimately get. Don’t hesitate to ask this question directly before making payment!

Safety rules you need to know

Your safety is the top priority for the organizers. The key rule for you is to always follow the guide’s instructions, never overtake other participants, and maintain a safe distance.

Dress code and what to bring

• Clothing: Choose comfortable sportswear made from lightweight fabrics that cover your shoulders and knees to protect you from the sun and sand.
• Footwear: Only closed-toe, comfortable shoes are allowed; sneakers are ideal.
• What to bring: Be sure to bring high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, a head covering (cap or keffiyeh), a power bank for your phone, and a light sweater or jacket for the evening, as it can get cool in the desert after sunset.

Important restrictions and who should refrain

The buggy tour is a serious physical activity. It involves intense shaking and requires concentration.

Summary: Is a buggy safari worth the money?

Let's draw an honest conclusion. This adventure is not cheap, but what you get in return is priceless for many.

Why you'll love a buggy safari:

• Full control and maximum adrenaline: You're not just a spectator—you're an active participant driving powerful machinery.
• Premium level of organization: Reliable equipment is used, and professional guides ensure safety.
• A comprehensive "all-in-one" adventure: In a single day, you get extreme thrills, stunning natural scenery, insights into local culture, and a hearty dinner.

What might be a downside:

• High cost: This is one of the most expensive types of desert safaris.
• Restrictions: The tour is not suitable for families with young children or individuals with certain health issues.

Final verdict: If you’re seeking an adrenaline rush, want a unique dune-driving experience, and are willing to pay for it, a buggy safari will stay with you for a lifetime. It’s the perfect choice for couples, groups of friends, and experienced travelers looking for more than just a standard excursion.

The industry is constantly evolving: in Dubai, tours on quiet, eco-friendly electric buggies are already emerging, ushering in a new chapter in the history of desert adventures. Yet one thing remains unchanged—the roar of the engine, the wind on your face, and the endless sea of red sand all around. And this experience will stay with you—in the form of sand in your sneakers and adrenaline coursing through your veins.