Desert activites in Dubai | United Arab Emirates - Lonely Planet Forum

ONLINE

Sat, 28 Aug 2010 08:32:58 +0000

Hey everyone,

My ladyfriend and I are in Dubai for a few days and want to get a chance to head out into the desert as it's an environment I've never been in before. A few activities things interest me in particular and I was hoping to make a day of it:

4-wheeling or driving something on the sand dunes, specifically I'd like the chance to drive the vehicle not just ride in it.
Sandboarding
Being out for the sunset

I know there are a gazzillion tour operators here, but most of them seem to want to pack in an awful lot more than what I'm interested in doing, and I fear that this will dillute the experience quite a bit. I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions of places that might just do more focused tours that could accommodate me?

Also, it would be really cool to just get a reference from someone about a tour operator that they enjoyed using as opposed to just googling and getting lost in the mess of 2000 tour operators in Dubai!

A side note, we are not sure where else in the UAE we may be going and are pretty open to suggestion, so if this could be better done elsewhere we'd be fine with that option as well, considering the costs. We plan a trip into Oman as well, so again, of Oman is a better place for any of this, we'd be open to suggestions.

Any input of any sort would be amazing to hear, I'm really looking forward to exploring the desert!

ONLINE

Sat, 28 Aug 2010 16:46:54 +0000

Browse this forum just a couple of pages back for ideas on what to see in the UAE and Oman.

When are you in the UAE? If before October, dune bashing will be out of the question as it is too hot.

specifically I'd like the chance to drive the vehicle not just ride in it. Not possible unless you hire a 4 WD and go into the desert on your own. This is NOT recommended unless you are familiar with driving in sand (reduce tyre pressure etc) and are in a group with at least one other 4WD.

Tour operator ? Arabian Adventures is the most well known. You could also try Lama Desert Tours.

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ONLINE

Sat, 28 Aug 2010 20:28:48 +0000

I'm in Dubai right now, actually. What I meant about driving on the dunes was more like an ATV/4-wheeled motorbike type thing, not a Jeep or "truck" style vehicle. I'm def not about to go out and do it on my own as I'm certain I'd end up dead.

I didn't realize the dune bashing was seasonal based on the heat, that's a bit of a bummer for sure.

Thanks for the recommendations on tour operators, hopefully I can find something that fits my needs. If anyone has any other suggestions about my specific questions I'd love to hear them! Thanks!

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ONLINE

Sun, 29 Aug 2010 14:12:22 +0000

Quad bike ? The best place for quad biking in the desert is at the sand dune called Big Red (so called because of its distinctive red coloured sand) . If you follow the sign post to Hatta from Dubai, its about 45 - 60 minutes drive. You can't miss it. The sand dune will be on your left ; the crush of cars opposite it is where you stop. I think its about Dhms 60 for 1 hour (not sure though).

Dune bashing is not really seasonal - its that that the heat during this time means that going out in the desert s very very very uncomfortable (putting it mildly). If you are game, call up one of the above mentioned agencies and ask them. Not sure though how it operates during Ramadan as sunset is when the fast is broken.

I'd recommend a drive to Musandam (in Oman, but accessed from Ras Al Khaimah) and taking a dhow trip into the fjords and dolphin watching. Again will be hot and uncomfortable : but you've got to make the best of your trip.

Oman is a beautiful place : browse the Oman departure lounge for tips and suggestions.

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