Sandboarding in Dubai: Sliding Down the Dunes During a Safari

Discover one of the most exhilarating outdoor activities in the Emirates. We’ll walk you through how to choose the perfect safari, prepare for your descent, and maximize the adrenaline rush as you glide down the dunes.

Forget about snowy slopes. Dubai’s real mountains are made of golden sand, and the sound of your board slicing through the scorching dune is unlike anything else. Sandboarding—riding across the dunes on a specialized board—has rapidly evolved from an exotic pastime into a must-do experience for anyone who truly wants to feel the pulse of the Arabian Desert. Here, sport becomes a way to engage in a dialogue with the desert, an opportunity to merge, for a few hours, with its majestic landscape, located just an hour’s drive from futuristic skyscrapers. This guide is your practical tool for selecting the ultimate desert adventure—straight to the point, without fluff or clichés.

Sandboarding: A quick primer for beginners

Sandboarding is essentially snowboarding for the desert: you ride a specialized board down sandy dunes. The concept is simple: you ascend to the top of a dune and glide down under the influence of gravity. All necessary equipment, including the board (sandboard) and bindings, is typically provided by the safari tour operator. One of the key advantages of this activity is its accessibility. You don’t need any special physical conditioning or prior riding experience. Instructors will demonstrate the basic techniques, after which you can choose your own style: sliding upright, like on a snowboard, or, for greater control and fun, sitting or even lying down on the board. This activity is suitable for most ages and skill levels.

Why Dubai is the ultimate destination for sandboarding?

Dubai has become the world’s capital of desert adventures for good reason. It offers ideal conditions for sandboarding, attracting both beginners and seasoned riders alike.

• Dune quality: The desert surrounding Dubai boasts an incredible variety of terrain. There are gentle, soft slopes perfect for first-time riders and family outings, as well as massive, steep dunes that challenge even the most adventurous thrill-seekers.
• Infrastructure and safety: Unlike wild, untamed deserts, sandboarding in Dubai is part of meticulously organized and safe safari tours. You’ll be accompanied by an experienced guide, and all activities take place in thoroughly vetted locations.
• Climate and accessibility: Thanks to its hot, sunny climate, riding the dunes is possible almost year-round, making this adventure accessible in any season. In the background, other dunes can be seen stretching beyond the horizon.

Adventure formats: An overview of sandboarding safari tours

Sandboarding is rarely a standalone activity—it is more often integrated into a comprehensive desert safari. The choice of tour determines not only the duration of your sandboarding session but also the overall atmosphere of your adventure.

Morning safari: adrenaline at dawn

This is the perfect option for those who want to kick off their day with an energy boost. The typical itinerary begins with an early departure from the hotel around 7:00 AM, allowing you to experience the desert bathed in the cool morning light. By 8:00 AM, an exhilarating dune bashing ride awaits you, after which, around 9:00 AM, you'll arrive at the best slopes for sandboarding. Following a brief briefing, you'll have ample time to enjoy plenty of thrilling runs. Often, the program is enhanced with quad biking (available at an additional cost), and by 11:00 AM, you'll be back in the city, leaving you with a full day to pursue other plans.

• Ideal for: Early birds, families with children (to avoid the midday heat), and photographers looking to capture the soft morning light.

Evening safari: gliding in the rays of the sunset

This is the classic and most popular format, turning sandboarding into an integral part of a magical evening. Here, everything’s different: you glide down dunes that have already begun to cool, and each descent becomes a chase after the sunset, painting the sky and sand in incredible shades of orange, pink, and purple. The adrenaline of the descent blends with the serenity of contemplating the boundless landscape. After sandboarding, you’ll be taken to a stylish Bedouin camp, where a barbecue dinner under the stars, traditional dances, henna painting, and other entertainment await.

• Ideal for: Romantic outings and anyone who wants a complete “desert” experience in a single evening, combining adventure with culture.

VIP and private tours: craft your own adventure

For those who value maximum comfort and privacy, private tours are available. Here, you don’t choose from a pre-set menu—you create your own, from the make of vehicle for your safari (for example, a comfortable Land Cruiser or a premium G-Wagen) to the timing of your private dinner under the stars. A personal instructor, a secluded campsite far from bustling groups—every detail is tailored to your wishes.

• Ideal for: Couples, families, or groups of friends seeking an exclusive experience and complete flexibility in planning.

Tour comparison: Which option is right for you?

The choice depends on your priorities: time, budget, and desired experiences.

Planning your desert adventure: Practical tips

• Best time to visit: The most comfortable season for a desert trip is from October to April, when the air temperature is most pleasant. You can also enjoy desert tours in summer, from May to September, but it’s best to opt for morning tours to avoid the extreme daytime heat.
• What to wear and bring:
  • Clothing: Choose lightweight, comfortable sportswear made from breathable fabrics that cover your shoulders and knees. This will protect you from the sun and sand in case of falls.
  • Footwear: Forget about sandals, flip-flops, or, heaven forbid, heels. During the day, the sand gets so hot that it can burn your feet, and every step uphill on loose slopes in open footwear turns into pure torture. Only sneakers or other snug-fitting closed footwear will do.
  • Essentials: High-SPF sunscreen, quality sunglasses, and a head covering (cap, panama hat, or scarf).
• Booking and budget:
  • It’s recommended to book your safari in advance, especially during peak season (November to March), to secure your spot.
  • Tour prices vary: a group morning or evening safari can cost from $50 per person, while private and VIP tours start at $300 and above.
  • Prices are provided for reference only and may vary depending on the season, operator, and package of services. We recommend confirming the current price before booking.
• Safety and riding techniques:
  • 1. Always listen carefully to your guide’s briefing before you start riding.
  • 2. For your first runs, choose small, gentle slopes to get used to the board.
  • 3. If you have no experience with snowboarding or skateboarding, start by riding seated or lying down on the board—this is easier, safer, and just as fun.
  • 4. And here’s our top tip—don’t be afraid to fall! Falling into soft, warm sand doesn’t hurt—it’s more of an opportunity for laughter and cool photos. Consider it part of the adventure.

Your perfect desert adventure: Summary and final choice

So, which tour should you choose? The answer is simple—whichever one matches your style of vacation.

• Morning: if you’re an early bird, appreciate sports in their purest form, and want to avoid the heat.
• Evening: if you’re looking for an all-inclusive package featuring culture, the romance of a sunset, and dinner under the stars.
• VIP: if your top priority is personalized service, comfort, and flexibility.

And that’s the magic of sandboarding in Dubai: you come here for the sport, but you take away something much more— the feeling that you’ve managed to “tame” the desert, making it yours, if only for a day. And it’s precisely this experience, this sense of absolute freedom atop a golden dune, that will stay with you long after.