Dune Bashing Abu Dhabi
Real dune bashing in licensed 4×4 vehicles, 45 to 55 minutes from Abu Dhabi. It is included in every evening safari from USD 10 (AED 35), or book a private car from USD 190 (AED 699) and set the intensity yourself. Optional, so you decide on the day.
Pick How Hard the Dunes Hit
You set the level, not the route. Seat belts stay on in every vehicle and you can ask the driver to slow down at any point.
Gentle
A calm drive over the dunes at low speed. The camp evening stays exactly the same.
- Good for young children and grandparents
- Tell us when you book or tell the driver at the start
- No extra charge
Standard
The full dune bashing run: climbs, drops and slides across the Al Khatim dunes with a licensed driver.
- Part of every evening safari
- Optional, you decide on the day
- Sandboarding is free at camp
Extra
A longer run for guests who want more sand. The longer 30 to 45 minute option is available for an extra charge.
- Priced per vehicle, not per person
- More time on the big dunes
- Add it when you book on WhatsApp
Which Level Is Right for You?
Want More Sand? Add an Extra Run
One price covers everyone in the vehicle. The longer 30 to 45 minute option is available for an extra charge, so the group gets more time on the big dunes without changing the rest of the evening.
How Does Dune Bashing in Abu Dhabi Work?
A licensed driver takes your 4×4 over steep dune faces and across soft sand, climbing, sliding and turning on the ridges. A normal ride takes about 15 to 20 minutes, sometimes 30 depending on the route. It is included in the safari price and always optional: if you skip it, we drop you at the camp without the dune drive.
Our camp is at Al Khatim, about 45 to 55 minutes from Abu Dhabi, then the dune ride begins.
Choose the Ride That Fits Your Group
Dune bashing is not one fixed ride. Tell your driver how you want it and the pace follows.
Full power, ask for more
Ask your driver for the full ride, or add the longer 30 to 45 minute option. A private car lets you set the pace for your whole group.
Gentle drive for kids
Infants and small children get the gentle dune drive, not the thrilling version. Children under 3 travel free, from 3 years the adult price applies.
A calm, easy drive
Tell us and the driver drives gently as you ask. Or skip the dunes and travel by a separate vehicle straight to the camp, free of charge.
Pregnancy, back or heart
We advise no dune bashing. We arrange a separate vehicle that goes straight to the camp by road. Tell us when you book.
How Your Dune Bashing Goes
From the WhatsApp message to the ride home, in the order it happens.
| Time | What happens |
|---|---|
| When you book | Send your date, group size and hotel on WhatsApp. We confirm the price in USD and AED. No deposit, you pay on the day. |
| On the day | Your driver messages you and collects you from your hotel or home. Self-drive guests go to the meeting point instead. |
| 45 to 55 minutes later | You reach the red dunes at our own camp in Al Khatim. Licensed drivers, insured 4x4s, seatbelts in every vehicle. |
| The ride | A normal ride is about 15 to 20 minutes, sometimes 30. Tell the driver to go gentler or stronger, or skip it. A longer 30 to 45 minute ride is available for an extra charge. |
| If you prefer not to bash | Pregnancy, back or heart problems: skip the dunes and a separate vehicle takes you by road straight to camp. |
| After the ride | Free sandboarding and photo stops on the dunes. |
| Evening | BBQ buffet dinner and live shows at the camp. |
| About 9:30 PM | Back at your hotel. |
Choose How You Ride
Dune bashing is part of every package below. Prices are in USD with AED in brackets.
Shared Evening Safari
- Dune bashing included, optional
- Sandboarding free
- BBQ buffet dinner and live shows
- Children under 3 free
Private Car
- Your own car, driver and pace
- Hotel or home pickup included
- Cheaper than shared seats from 5 guests
- You set the dune intensity
Private Land Cruiser
- Toyota Land Cruiser with driver
- More space and a smoother dune ride
- Hotel or home pickup included
- You set the dune intensity
Same Dunes, Different Control
The dunes and the driver standard are the same. The difference is who sets the pace.
You ride the standard dune drive with other guests from the same pickup. Tell your driver if you want it gentler. Best value for one or two guests.
The vehicle is only yours. You choose gentle or full power, and the driver waits for your pace. Cheaper per person from 5 guests.
Dune Bashing at Our Camp
How a Safe Dune Drive Works
Permitted drivers, a roll cage in every vehicle, seatbelts at every seat and tyres set for sand. This is what sits behind the 15 to 20 minute ride.
Who drives you?
Every driver holds a dune driving permit. Training comes first, and the permit is issued only after it.
How experienced are they?
Our drivers have 10 or more years on the dunes. They read the sand and choose the line for every face.
What do drivers check?
Drivers carry out safety checks and first aid checks as part of the job.
What if the car rolls?
Our vehicles have a roll cage, and every seat has a seatbelt.
Why are the tyres let down?
At the desert edge tyres go from road pressure, about 32 to 35 PSI, down to about 15 to 18 PSI. The wider footprint lets the car float over sand instead of digging in. They are pumped back up on the way out. More on our vehicles.
Can I change the ride?
Yes. Vehicles are insured, you can ask for a gentler ride at any point, and you can skip the dunes and go straight to camp.
Seven Questions to Ask Any Dune Bashing Operator
Put these to anyone you book with. Here are our answers.
| Ask any operator | Our answer |
|---|---|
| Do your drivers hold a dune driving permit? | Yes. They are trained first and the permit is issued after that. |
| How many years have they driven the dunes? | 10 or more years of experience. |
| Is there a roll cage and a seatbelt at every seat? | Yes. Our vehicles have a roll cage and every seat has a seatbelt. |
| What do you do with the tyres? | Let down to about 15 to 18 PSI at the desert edge, then pumped back from 32 to 35 PSI road pressure. |
| Are the vehicles insured, and are safety and first aid checked? | Yes. Our safari vehicles are insured, with a seatbelt in every seat, and cover is subject to the policy terms. Drivers carry out safety checks and first aid checks. |
| What happens if a vehicle gets stuck? | The driver assesses the situation and arranges recovery. Guests are guided by the driver and, if needed, moved safely to another vehicle. |
| Can I skip it or take it gentler? | Yes. Skip it and go straight to camp, or ask the driver for a gentler ride. If you are pregnant or have back or heart problems, we arrange a separate vehicle by road to the camp. |
Written by the Royal Arabian Safari operations team. Reviewed by Bilal Ahmed, Founder and Managing Director, operating in Abu Dhabi since 2015. Last reviewed 20 October 2026.
What First Timers Worry About
Is it safe?
Our drivers are licensed, the vehicles are insured and every seat has a seatbelt.
Can I stop it?
Yes. Dune bashing is optional and we drop you at the camp if you skip it. Tell the driver if you want it gentler.
Can babies come?
Infants travel free and get the gentle dune drive. A child seat is available on request.
Can I sit in front?
Not for every guest. One person per group can sit with the driver on special request, for example to film the ride.
What if it is bad?
We reschedule or release the booking and you owe nothing.
Do I tip?
Tipping is optional, the guest decides and drivers never ask.
Go Bigger on the Sand
Add these at booking. We confirm availability on WhatsApp.
Extra Dune Bashing
- Per vehicle, not per person
- Same licensed driver
- Ask for the longer 30 to 45 minute option
Quad Bike
- Take the handlebars yourself
- Kids quad from about 4 to 5 years with a parent
- Same price for kids as standard
Can-Am Buggy
- Harness and helmet provided
- Expert guide escort
- Maximum 2 persons
Dune Bashing Abu Dhabi Questions, Answered
The questions first timers ask before they ride.
What is dune bashing in Abu Dhabi?
How much does dune bashing cost in Abu Dhabi?
Is dune bashing included in the desert safari?
How long does dune bashing last?
Is dune bashing safe?
Can I skip dune bashing?
Is dune bashing safe for kids and babies?
Can pregnant women go dune bashing?
Can I go if I have back or heart problems?
What if I get nervous or feel unwell on the dunes?
Can I choose how intense the ride is?
Can grandparents come dune bashing?
What is the best time for dune bashing?
Where does the dune bashing happen?
What vehicles do you use for dune bashing?
Can I sit in the front seat?
What is the difference between dune bashing and a desert safari?
Can I extend my dune bashing?
Can I drive a quad bike or buggy on the dunes?
Do you take photos and video on the dunes?
What happens if the weather is bad?
Can I do a desert safari without dune bashing in Abu Dhabi?
What is the difference between dune bashing in Dubai and in Abu Dhabi?
Can I book private sand dune bashing in Abu Dhabi?
Is dune bashing a separate ticket, and what does the evening tour include?
How do I choose the best, most reputable dune bashing operator in Abu Dhabi?
Is hotel pickup included for dune bashing from Abu Dhabi?
Can I cancel or change my booking?
Do I need to tip the driver?
Will I get motion sick dune bashing?
What should I wear for dune bashing?
How do you keep dune bashing safe in Abu Dhabi?
Why do they let the air out of the tyres before dune bashing?
What happens if a 4×4 gets stuck on the dunes?
Where can I book a dune bashing tour in Abu Dhabi online?
What is the difference between a half-day and a full-day dune bashing excursion in Abu Dhabi?
Can I combine dune bashing with desert camping near Abu Dhabi?
Which companies offer evening desert safaris with dune bashing from Abu Dhabi?
Where can I find reviews of dune bashing companies in Abu Dhabi?
What should I bring on a dune bashing trip in Abu Dhabi?
Guest reviews
What Guests Say About the Dunes
Real messages from guests. First names only, phone numbers removed, spelling lightly tidied.
Dune bashing was truly amazing, unforgettable, breathtaking and thrilling. Highly recommended: best photography and videos, best care and service to make the guest happy and satisfied. You won’t regret booking with them, you will surely enjoy all the activities included in the package. To Rizwan and to the whole team, thank you so much.
Thank You for the Wonderful Desert Safari Experience. The entire experience was nothing short of amazing, from the thrilling dune bashing to the camp setup, every detail reflected your commitment to creating unforgettable memories. The hospitality extended by Mr. Rizwan Khan and your team was truly exceptional.
Thank you bro. We enjoyed a lot. Good package and good customer service. I will definitely recommend it to others!
A lot of experiences for a very good price and in one place. Enjoyed everything including camel ride, dune bashing, dinner and the shows organized there. Overall it was an amazing experience.
We had an unforgettable desert safari experience from start to finish. The dune bashing was absolutely thrilling and gave us a real adrenaline rush as we moved across the golden sand dunes. The Tanoura dance was colorful, energetic and truly captivating. One of the highlights was renting a quad bike and riding it ourselves through the desert.
Book Your Dune Bashing
Tell us your date, your group size and your hotel. We reply with your pickup time and total in USD and AED. No deposit.
Plan the Rest of Your Abu Dhabi Trip
Shared Evening Safari
Private Car
Private Land Cruiser