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Dune Bashing in Dubai
Published by Tina Isa, Writer
Country: United Arab Emirates 
The Experience
In recent years, Dubai has steadily gained a reputation as a hotspot for tourism. But apart from the flashy, state-of-the-art attractions that it offers, an overnight desert safari trip really allows visitors to experience an authentic night of local culture. These trips are usually all-inclusive packages.
The trip starts at an appointed meeting spot, where the group is picked up by a procession of 4WDs. From there, the tour leader heads the pack through a series of whirlwind, rollercoaster climbs and drops among the sand dunes. The thrill is incredible and definitely something you'd be hard-pressed to experience elsewhere. Of course, a professional driver is provided for each 4WD, since it is vital to know precisely how and where to manoeuvre the off road vehicles.
Following the heart-pounding ride, visitors are driven to a bedouin camp for some down-time. This is were Arabian hospitality truly shines. As you arrive, you will be greeted with little cups of aromatic Arabic coffee (called "gahwa") and sweet, sticky dates. Guests will find a variety of activities to please everyone in the group, inclusive of any age differences. While some might like a little breather to photograph the incredible sunset, more active types will enjoy a camel trek or sand-boarding before dinner. What is sand-boarding? Well, think of snow boarding on a sand dune!
Dinner is usually buffet-style barbeque after sunset, and everyone is seated on soft cushions layered upon gorgeous Persian rugs in the sand. The smell of freshly roasting food in the vast expanse of the desert is to die for! Temperatures do drop drastically in the desert overnight, so the local hosts may light a campfire if it starts to get chilly. Towards the end of dinner, a belly dancer approaches the middle of the circle of guests to begin a dance performance that spans hundreds of years. The local men accompany her by singing traditional songs and playing on Arabic instruments such as the oud (stringed instrument, similar to a lute) and the tabla (hand drums). Much to the simultaneous glee and good-natured embarassment of the guests, the belly dancer usually pulls them into the circle with her and invites them to dance by demonstrating some of the easier moves.
On the sidelines, the girls and women in the group can have intricate henna patterns drawn on their hands and feet, while adults in the group enjoy a few puffs of shisha (also known as "hookah" or "hubble-bubble" due to the bubbling sound it makes through the water pipe). Depending on the package you sign up for, visitors have the option of returning back to the city after dinner, or camping under the stars and returning the next morning after breakfast.
The trip starts at an appointed meeting spot, where the group is picked up by a procession of 4WDs. From there, the tour leader heads the pack through a series of whirlwind, rollercoaster climbs and drops among the sand dunes. The thrill is incredible and definitely something you'd be hard-pressed to experience elsewhere. Of course, a professional driver is provided for each 4WD, since it is vital to know precisely how and where to manoeuvre the off road vehicles.
Following the heart-pounding ride, visitors are driven to a bedouin camp for some down-time. This is were Arabian hospitality truly shines. As you arrive, you will be greeted with little cups of aromatic Arabic coffee (called "gahwa") and sweet, sticky dates. Guests will find a variety of activities to please everyone in the group, inclusive of any age differences. While some might like a little breather to photograph the incredible sunset, more active types will enjoy a camel trek or sand-boarding before dinner. What is sand-boarding? Well, think of snow boarding on a sand dune!
Dinner is usually buffet-style barbeque after sunset, and everyone is seated on soft cushions layered upon gorgeous Persian rugs in the sand. The smell of freshly roasting food in the vast expanse of the desert is to die for! Temperatures do drop drastically in the desert overnight, so the local hosts may light a campfire if it starts to get chilly. Towards the end of dinner, a belly dancer approaches the middle of the circle of guests to begin a dance performance that spans hundreds of years. The local men accompany her by singing traditional songs and playing on Arabic instruments such as the oud (stringed instrument, similar to a lute) and the tabla (hand drums). Much to the simultaneous glee and good-natured embarassment of the guests, the belly dancer usually pulls them into the circle with her and invites them to dance by demonstrating some of the easier moves.
On the sidelines, the girls and women in the group can have intricate henna patterns drawn on their hands and feet, while adults in the group enjoy a few puffs of shisha (also known as "hookah" or "hubble-bubble" due to the bubbling sound it makes through the water pipe). Depending on the package you sign up for, visitors have the option of returning back to the city after dinner, or camping under the stars and returning the next morning after breakfast.
When to Go to Dune Bashing Dubai
The best time to visit Dubai is October to April. Absolutely make sure to avoid the summer season (May - September) when the temperatures reach brutal highs above 40 degrees Celsius and humidity can skyrocket up to 90 percent.
Also check the Ramadan dates and avoid visiting at that time. Ramadan is the Islamic month of fasting, and it is forbidden to eat and drink in public during this time. Most public eateries will likely be closed, although Dubai hotels may still offer service in their on-site restaurants.
Also check the Ramadan dates and avoid visiting at that time. Ramadan is the Islamic month of fasting, and it is forbidden to eat and drink in public during this time. Most public eateries will likely be closed, although Dubai hotels may still offer service in their on-site restaurants.
Odds n' Ends
During your trip in the desert, you'll find that the sand will truly get everywhere on your body. Bring a small change of clothes if you wish to freshen up at the camp site, or else wait it out until you can shower upon your return. Although Dubai is an Islamic country, it does relax the rules a bit compared to neighbouring countries. However, women are still advised to wear modest clothing to avoid offending any locals and also to avoid unwelcome attention. Avoid low-cut necklines, sleeveless tops and short hemlines. Veils or head-coverings are not required. Do take light, cotton clothing with you, and use lighter colours rather than darks since they will keep you much cooler during the day. The shopping malls offer all of the brand names that you would expect in North America and Europe, including designers; so you can of course purchase additional items there.
If you are prone to car sickness or get queasy on rollercoasters, bring along some Gravol or ginger-based medication to help you feel better. If you don't have anything, ask for a can of ginger ale at the campsite and sip it slowly. With that in mind, pregnant women, small children and seniors should skip the dune-bashing and head straight to the dinner camp instead.
Definitely take your camera, and perhaps also a tripod for long-exposure shots of the desert sky at night or the sunset. Although you might be tempted to photograph the local Arabs, keep in mind that it is considered offensive to photograph the women. Always ask permission before you do. Apart from the camera, leave any other electronics at the hotel, since it is unlikely that you will be able to use them in the desert, and of course it would be unfortunate if they are lost or damaged from the sand.
Most people in Dubai speak English, and you will find that it is extremely cosmopolitan. You won't really need to know Arabic to get by.
For the desert safari and dune bashing, insurance is usually included in the fee you pay, but it doesn't hurt to double check with the tour operator as well. Although package prices vary, expect to pay between $75 - $100 for each adult and a bit less for children.
If you are prone to car sickness or get queasy on rollercoasters, bring along some Gravol or ginger-based medication to help you feel better. If you don't have anything, ask for a can of ginger ale at the campsite and sip it slowly. With that in mind, pregnant women, small children and seniors should skip the dune-bashing and head straight to the dinner camp instead.
Definitely take your camera, and perhaps also a tripod for long-exposure shots of the desert sky at night or the sunset. Although you might be tempted to photograph the local Arabs, keep in mind that it is considered offensive to photograph the women. Always ask permission before you do. Apart from the camera, leave any other electronics at the hotel, since it is unlikely that you will be able to use them in the desert, and of course it would be unfortunate if they are lost or damaged from the sand.
Most people in Dubai speak English, and you will find that it is extremely cosmopolitan. You won't really need to know Arabic to get by.
For the desert safari and dune bashing, insurance is usually included in the fee you pay, but it doesn't hurt to double check with the tour operator as well. Although package prices vary, expect to pay between $75 - $100 for each adult and a bit less for children.
Want a Guide?
- Desert Safari Dubai
- Desert Safari Dubai is one of the prominent tour operators in the area. They offer a number of different packages based on the time of day you want to visit and how long you intend to stay, and also allow for private and group bookings. In addition, they operate several other types of local experiences. I would recommend the dhow cruise as well!
- Viator
- Viator is another well-known desert safari tour operator in Dubai. Their site includes a good amount of information about what is included, as well as things to keep in mind with regards to cultural sensitivities.
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