If you step outside the glamorous streets of Dubai’s inner city, you’ll discover a golden wonderland waiting to be explored. The desert that surrounds the prosperous destination provides you with an opportunity to try an endless stream of spine-tingling activities.

One of the best ways to experience the soaring dunes is through a sandboarding tour in Dubai, which is perfect for beginners and extreme sports enthusiasts alike.

In our comprehensive guide that follows, you will find everything you need to know about sandboarding, one of the most exciting outdoor activities in Dubai.

What are the best sandboarding tours in Dubai?

Morning desert safari in Dubai

Leave the city early to enjoy the desert before the heat of the day sets in on this sandboarding excursion.

You’ll begin this morning sandboarding tour in Dubai by energizing yourself with an Arabic staple — coffee and dates. Once you’ve finished the sticky and sweet fruit, you’ll hop into a buggy, and set off on a thrilling dune-bashing adventure through the desert. If that’s not exhilarating enough for you, you’ll also strap yourself onto a board and surf along the lofty dunes. Before heading back to the city, you’ll climb on the back of a camel to experience the traditional way of journeying across the barren wilderness.

Sunset desert safari in Dubai

If you’re not a morning person, you can instead opt for this experience that takes place later in the day and watch in awe as the desert dunes sparkle under the late afternoon sun.

On this sandboarding tour in Dubai, you’ll also participate in a dune-bashing experience over the peaks and troughs of the desert. Hold on for dear life as your vehicle bumps and flies over uneven terrain. You’ll also try to hold your balance as you zoom down the golden slopes on a sandboard.

Make a four-legged friend — a camel — and gain unique views across Dubai from their back before relaxing in a classic Bedouin-style camp. Here, you’ll feast on fresh barbecue fare as you enjoy a myriad of entertainment, including belly dancing and fire shows, as well as commemorate your experience by having your hands painted in an artistic henna style.

What are the prices of sandboarding excursions in Dubai?

A morning sandboarding tour in Dubai costs between US$30 and US$40 per person of any age. However, you can choose to upgrade your experience to include extreme dune bashing, which is perfect for adrenaline junkies. This costs between US$60 and US$70 each.

If you choose a sunset Dubai sandboarding excursion, you can expect to pay between US$80 and US$90 per adult. Children between the ages of 3 and 11 receive a small discount of around US$5 each. You can upgrade to a VIP experience, which provides you with table service instead of a buffet for dinner. This costs between US$90 and US$100 per person of any age.

What does a sandboarding tour in Dubai include?

Sandboarding tours in Dubai typically include all activities, such as camel riding, as well as refreshments or a full meal. In some cases, you’ll also enjoy entertainment, including live shows, henna painting and costume photography, which are covered in the tour price.

Is transportation included?

Most sandboarding trips in Dubai begin with a convenient accommodation pickup. You’ll simply inform the operator of your hotel name and, on the day of your excursion, await collection from a friendly guide in the lobby at a predetermined time. Once your adventure is over, you’ll be dropped back to the same spot, making for a seamless experience.

How long do sandboarding tours in Dubai last?

Sandboarding tours in Dubai generally last between 4 and 6 hours, which gives you plenty of time to try out a wide range of activities, and get a feel for the Arabian desert. You can select from different time slots, making these tours easy to slip into any itinerary.

When is the best time to go sandboarding in Dubai?

The best time for sandboarding tours in Dubai is early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat of the day. Plan your visit to Dubai during the winter months of November to March, when temperatures are pleasurable and perfect to enjoy outdoor activities.

Is sandboarding in Dubai safe?

Sandboarding is a safe and exciting activity that tourists love to partake in while traveling through Dubai. However, pregnant women and people with serious medical conditions are advised against participating.

Can children join?

All tours have different age restrictions in place. Some welcome children over the age of 3, while others only allow those aged 10 or over to participate. In all cases, minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

What happens if the weather is bad?

In the event of bad weather such as heavy rain or sandstorms, sandboarding activities in Dubai may be postponed or refunded. The safety of participants is a top priority, and tour operators are closely monitoring weather conditions to ensure the well-being of the guests.

Which other outdoor activities can be done from Dubai?

Travel tips

Wear light clothing that provides sun protection, such as long sleeves, pants, and a hat to shield yourself from the sun.
As desert heat can be intense, it's essential to stay hydrated before, during, and after your sandboarding experience.
Follow the sandboarding guide to ensure your safety throughout the activity.
Bring a camera to capture the stunning landscapes during your sandboarding adventure.

Sandboarding in Dubai