Quad Bike Dubai: Open Desert ATV Ride with Hotel Pickup
What You'll Actually Do
This isn't a theme park ride on a roped-off track. You're riding a proper quad bike through Dubai's open desert - real dunes, real sand, real terrain. We take small groups (max 8 riders) out with professional instructors who know every dune and valley in the area.
You've got two options: a 30-minute session if you're short on time, or the full 60-minute ride if you want to go deeper into the desert. Both start with a safety briefing where our instructors show you the controls, teach you how to handle sand, and make sure you're comfortable before heading out.
Three Tracks for Different Skill Levels
Not everyone wants the same intensity, and we get that. Our instructors set up three different route options:
- Beginner track - Gentle slopes, wider paths, slower pace. Good if you've never been on a quad bike before or if you're a bit nervous about it.
- Intermediate track - Steeper dunes, tighter turns, more speed. For riders who've done something similar or who picked it up quickly during the briefing.
- Advanced track - The proper stuff. Steep climbs, fast descents, challenging terrain. Our instructors will only take you here if they're confident you can handle it.
Morning or Afternoon - Which Is Better?
We run two sessions daily:
- Morning (pickup 7-7:30 AM) - Cooler temperatures, firmer sand. The light is gorgeous for photos early on. You'll be back at your hotel by late morning, so it doesn't eat into your whole day.
- Afternoon (pickup 3-3:30 PM) - Warmer, softer sand which some riders prefer. If you time it right, you catch the sunset over the dunes. Popular with photographers and anyone who isn't a morning person.
Quad Bike vs Dune Buggy - What's the Difference?
People ask us this constantly. A quad bike (ATV) is a single-rider vehicle where you sit on top and steer with handlebars - it's more like a motorcycle for the desert. A dune buggy is a side-by-side vehicle with a roll cage, steering wheel, and passenger seat.
Quad bikes give you more of a physical, hands-on experience. You're shifting your weight, leaning into turns, feeling every bump. Dune buggies are more like driving a car through the desert. If you want something that gets your heart rate up, the quad bike's your pick.
What's Included
We don't nickel-and-dime you. Your booking covers hotel pickup and drop-off, the quad bike itself, all safety equipment (helmet, goggles, gloves), your instructor, refreshments, insurance, and a support vehicle that follows the group. The only extras are meals, professional photography, and tips - those are on you if you want them.
Safety - We Take It Seriously
Every rider gets a full safety briefing before touching a quad bike. Our instructors are licensed and have years of experience in the Dubai desert specifically - they know the terrain, the weather conditions, and how to handle first-time riders who might be nervous.
All safety equipment is provided and mandatory: helmets, goggles, and gloves. We also run a support vehicle with the group at all times, carrying water, first aid supplies, and communication equipment. For more on staying safe during desert activities, check our desert safety guide.
What to Wear and Bring
Closed-toe shoes are a must - sandals and sand don't mix when you're riding at speed. Long pants help keep sand off your legs. Bring sunglasses for before and after the ride, and sunscreen for exposed skin. We provide everything else.
If you want a detailed packing list, our desert gear guide covers everything you need for any desert activity, and our what to wear guide has specific clothing recommendations by season.
Who This Is For
You need to be at least 16 to ride (with a parent or guardian present). No experience required - honestly, most of our riders have never been on a quad bike before, and they do fine after the briefing. If you can ride a bicycle, you can ride a quad bike.
This is a dedicated quad biking experience, so there's no camel riding, belly dancing, or BBQ dinner attached. If you want the full desert safari experience with activities bundled in, check our other packages. But if you just want to get on a quad bike and ride - this is the one.
Highlights
- 30 or 60 minutes of quad biking
- Three difficulty tracks available
- Morning and afternoon time slots
- Small groups (max 8 riders)
- Professional instructors
- All safety equipment included
What's Included & Excluded
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- 30 or 60 minutes quad biking (depending on option)
- Professional licensed instructor and guide
- Safety equipment (helmet, goggles, gloves)
- Safety briefing and training
- Three difficulty tracks
- Photo stops
- Refreshments
- Insurance coverage
- Support vehicle
Excluded
- Meals β this is a quad biking session, not a full desert safari (water and soft drinks are included)
- Desert camp activities (BBQ dinner, belly dancing, camel riding) β book separately if you want these
- Professional photography (you can take your own photos at the 2-3 scheduled stops)
- GoPro or action camera rental (bring your own if you have one β mount works well on the handlebars)
- Tips and gratuities
- Sandboarding β not part of this quad bike tour
Itinerary
Hotel Pickup
Our driver collects you from your hotel, apartment, or any Dubai address. The 45-min drive heads toward Lahbab desert β you'll see the skyline disappear and the dunes start about 20 minutes before you arrive.
Safety Briefing & Gear Up
At the base, your instructor runs through throttle control, braking, sand turning, and hand signals. You get fitted with a helmet, goggles, and gloves. Most first-timers have questions β the instructors deal with beginners daily, so nothing you ask will be new to them.
Open Desert Quad Biking
Out into the open desert on your quad bike (ATV). The instructor picks the route based on your group β beginners get flatter terrain with gradual slopes, advanced riders hit the steeper dunes. You'll stop 2-3 times at scenic viewpoints for photos. The bikes handle well in sand once you get the hang of the throttle.
Cool Down & Photos
Back at the base, grab water and soft drinks. Restrooms are available. Good time to check your photos and compare notes with your group before the drive back.
Return to Hotel
Your driver takes you back to your hotel or drop-off point. Return drive is about 45 minutes depending on traffic β you'll be back by late morning or early evening.