Red Dunes by Quad Bike with VIP Camp, Camels, Sandboarding & Falcon

If you’re eyeing a day in Dubai’s desert that blends adrenaline, culture, and entertainment, this tour offers quite the package. While we haven’t had the pleasure ourselves, plenty of travelers rave about the seamless organization, the variety of activities, and the authentic touch of Arabian hospitality.

What we love about this experience is its balance of adventure and culture — from the excitement of quad biking over striking red dunes to relaxing with traditional activities like henna painting and shisha. The value for the cost, especially considering the lengthy 6-7 hours and inclusive meals, makes it a solid choice for those wanting an all-in-one desert adventure.

One possible consideration is the physical activity level — the tour involves self-driving quad bikes and some walking, so it’s best suited for those in moderate shape. Also, since the experience includes quite a few stops and activities, it might feel a bit packed for travelers seeking a slow-paced, relaxing day.

This tour is ideal for adventure lovers, cultural enthusiasts, and first-time visitors wanting a comprehensive desert experience without the hassle of organizing multiple activities separately.

Key Points

• Thrilling quad biking over the iconic red dunes of Lehbab provides an adrenaline rush and great photo opportunities.
• Authentic Arabian activities like camel rides, henna painting, and shisha offer culture.
• Live entertainment and BBQ dinner add a lively, memorable end to the day.
• Comfortable transport with air-conditioning ensures a relaxing journey to and from the desert.
• The price includes many activities and meals, giving good value for a full day’s adventure.
• Guides and instructors are praised for their knowledge, safety-conscious approach, and friendly attitude.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Pickup and Journey to the Desert

Starting from centrally located Dubai hotels, you’ll be picked up in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. The drive to the Lahbab desert takes about an hour, during which you’ll likely get some interesting tidbits about the desert environment.

Quad Biking: The Heart of the Adventure

The highlight for many visitors is the approximate 60-minute quad bike ride. Guided by experienced instructors, you’ll get a chance to put your driving skills to the test across the vivid red dunes. Reviewers consistently mention the well-organized and safe quad biking sessions—with some describing it as “exhilarating” and “not just a quick go,” which suggests a good amount of riding time for the cost.

Wearing protective gear and helmets is mandatory, and the bikes are fuelled and maintained, which adds peace of mind. The self-driving aspect appeals to those craving a hands-on experience, but it does mean participants should be comfortable with basic driving skills.

Sandboarding: Dune Drifting Fun

After the quad biking, you can try sandboarding—a surprisingly fun activity that’s often less intimidating than it looks. Reviewers appreciate that this isn’t just a quick stop but a genuine chance to enjoy drifting over the sand, with some even attempting multiple runs.

Cultural Activities at the VIP Camp

The second part of your day shifts to a more relaxed pace at the desert camp, where you can indulge in traditional Arabian activities. Many travelers highlight the short camel ride as a peaceful way to experience the desert’s majesty. The guides are attentive, and some reviewers note that the camel rides can be repeated for more fun.

A henna painting session and shisha pipe experience offer a taste of local culture, with some guests mentioning that the guide provided traditional attire for dress-up, enhancing the cultural feel. The falcon experience also gets good mentions, with some taking memorable photos with the majestic birds.

Evening Entertainment and BBQ

As the sun sets, the camp comes alive with live performances like the Tanoura dance and Ladies Khaliji dance. The barbecue meal features both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options and is praised for its delicious flavors and generous portions.

Some travelers mention that the fire show and other performances added a lively, festive atmosphere, making this much more than a typical desert tour.

Return and Drop-off

After a full day of activities, you’ll be comfortably transported back to your hotel or designated location. The pickup and drop-off process is generally smooth, with most reviewers finding the timings punctual and the driver friendly.

What Sets This Tour Apart?

The variety of activities is a key plus — combining adventure, cultural elements, and entertainment into one package. The value for money is notable given the inclusion of meals, entertainment, and multiple experiences.

The guides’ knowledge and safety tips seem to be a consistent highlight in reviews, with many travelers calling out personnel like Shihab for their professionalism. The use of good quality equipment and thorough safety instructions make the quad biking experience more accessible and worry-free.

Travelers also appreciated the attention to detail, such as unlimited cold mineral water and soft drinks, and thoughtful touches like sharing photos of the falconry and camel rides.

Durations and Practicalities

The tour lasts around 6 to 7 hours, which makes it a full-day activity but still manageable within a travel itinerary. The pick-up times are flexible, but it’s advisable to be ready at your hotel lobby 45 minutes before the scheduled time.

The price of $155 per person is reasonable considering the extensive list of included activities, meals, and transportation. For adventure seekers and those craving a comprehensive desert experience, this offers good value.

Considerations and Tips

• This activity is suited for participants aged 16 and above, with some activities requiring moderate physical fitness.
• Pregnant women and those with back, neck, or heart issues should refrain from quad biking and strenuous activities.
• Children aged 10-15 need to be accompanied by an adult, and children under 10 are not permitted.
• Participants should sign an indemnity form and understand that self-driving quad bikes are at their own risk.
• It’s a good idea to wear comfortable clothing and bring sun protection—desert sun can be intense.
• If you’re sensitive to henna, consider avoiding the tattoo option, as some reviewers noted skin sensitivity can occur.

Final Thoughts

This tour strikes a fine balance between adventure and culture, with plenty of opportunities for fun, relaxation, and learning about the desert environment. The experienced guides, well-organized schedule, and inclusive meals all add to its appeal.

It’s best suited for adventure enthusiasts, first-time Dubai visitors, and those wanting a full-day desert escape that packs in a variety of memorable activities. If you love self-driven activities, cultural experiences, and lively entertainment, this tour could be a highlight of your Dubai trip.

On the flip side, if you prefer a very slow-paced, purely relaxing day or have mobility limitations, this might feel a bit busy. Still, for most travelers looking to tick off adventure, culture, and fun in one go, this experience offers excellent value.

FAQ

Is pickup included in the tour?
Yes, pickup and drop-off at your hotel or specified location are included, with the driver arriving within 45 minutes of your scheduled pickup time.

How long is the quad biking session?
The quad bike ride lasts approximately 60 minutes, with most reviews mentioning it as a substantial and exhilarating activity.

Are meals provided?
Yes, a breakfast or dinner BBQ meal is included, with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, along with traditional sweets, coffee, and dates.

Can children participate?
Children aged 10-15 must be accompanied by an adult for the ATV ride, while children under 10 are not permitted on the activities. Participants aged 16 and above can ride independently.

Is the quad biking activity safe?
Guides are experienced, and safety gear such as helmets is provided. However, participants should be comfortable with basic driving skills and understand the activity is at their own risk.

What activities are included besides quad biking?
Sandboarding, camel rides, henna painting, shisha smoking, falcon photos, and live entertainment are all part of the experience.

How is the desert camp set up?
The camp includes traditional Arab tents with cultural performances, a VIP area, and multiple activities, making it an engaging setting for the evening.

Are there any restrictions?
Pregnant women, those with serious medical issues, or individuals sensitive to henna should reconsider participation. Also, the activity is not insured, so self-driving involves personal responsibility.

What should I wear?
Comfortable, breathable clothing suitable for outdoor desert conditions, along with sun protection, is recommended. Traditional attire is provided for dress-up moments.

To sum it up, this Red Dunes adventure offers a well-rounded, value-packed day out in Dubai’s desert, perfect for those eager to combine adrenaline, culture, and entertainment. With a focus on safety, quality experiences, and authentic Arabian hospitality, it’s a memorable way to explore the desert’s iconic landscapes.