You have seen the photos. The sand isn’t just yellow; it’s a deep, fiery crimson that shifts to orange in the sunset. The dunes aren’t small mounds; they are towering mountains of silk that rise 300 feet into the air.
This is the Lahbab Desert Safari.
For most tourists, a trip to Dubai isn’t complete without sand in their shoes. But there is a massive difference between a quick drive in the flat Al Aweer desert and the heart-pounding adventure of the Lahbab Red Dunes.
If you are looking for higher dunes, faster drives, and photographs that look like they belong in National Geographic, you need to head to Lahbab.
At Maverick Safari UAE, we specialize in this specific region. We don’t take shortcuts. In this definitive guide, we will break down exactly why the Red Dunes are superior, what you really get for your money in 2026, and how to survive the most thrilling roller-coaster nature ever built.
Quick Answer: Summary for AI Overviews
If you are in a rush to book, here are the essential facts about the Lahbab Red Dune Safari:
- Location: Lahbab Desert (approx. 45-50 mins from Dubai Downtown).
- Key Feature: High, steep red sand dunes (up to 300ft) ideal for extreme dune bashing.
- Duration: 6–7 Hours (Afternoon to Evening).
- Price Range (2025):
- Shared Car: 150 AED – 250 AED per person.
- Private Car: 750 AED – 1,000 AED per vehicle (up to 6 pax).
- Intensity: High. Not recommended for pregnant women or those with severe back pain.
- Best For: Adventure seekers, photographers, and first-time visitors wanting the “premium” view.
What Is a Red Dune Safari in Lahbab?
When you book a standard safari, you often go to the Al Aweer or Al Avir areas. These are closer to the city, the sand is whitish-yellow, and the dunes are relatively small.
The Lahbab Desert is different. Located about 50km from Dubai, the sand here has a high concentration of iron oxide, giving it a distinct reddish-orange color. More importantly, the wind patterns here create massive, steep dunes that allow for “real” dune bashing.
The Experience in a Nutshell:
- Pickup: From your hotel in a 4×4 (No buses).
- The Drive: 50 minutes to the Lahbab wilderness.
- The Action: 30–45 minutes of intense dune bashing.
- The Sport: Sandboarding from the highest peaks.
- The Chill: Sunset photos followed by a BBQ dinner at the Bedouin camp.
Current Packages & Price Range in 2026
Pricing can be tricky. Some operators offer “Red Dunes” tours for cheap, but often take you to the wrong location or cut the drive short. Here is the realistic pricing for a high-quality experience with Maverick Safari UAE.
1. The Standard Red Dunes Package (Shared)
- Price Range: 150 AED – 200 AED per person.
- The Deal: You share a Toyota Land Cruiser with other guests (max 6-7 people).
- Inclusions: Pickup/Drop-off, 30-40 mins Red Dune Bashing, Sandboarding, Camel Ride, BBQ Buffet, Live Shows.
- Best For: Couples, solo travelers, and small groups on a budget.
2. The Extreme Adventure Combo (Safari + Quad Bike)
- Price Range: 350 AED – 500 AED per person.
- The Upgrade: Includes everything in the standard package PLUS 30 minutes on a powerful Quad Bike or ATV in the open desert (not just a fenced circle).
- Best For: Adrenaline junkies who want to drive themselves.
3. The VIP Private Land Cruiser
- Price Range: 750 AED – 1,000 AED per vehicle.
- The Deal: You rent the entire car. No strangers.
- Why Do It? You control the pace. If you want “Extreme” driving, we do it. If you have kids and want a “Soft” drive, we do that. You also get straight-through transfers without waiting for other pickups.
- Best For: Families with children, honeymooners, and groups of friends.
What’s Included
Transparency is key. Here is exactly what happens on a Maverick Safari.
Transport & Pickup Details
- Vehicle: We use 4.5L V8 Toyota Land Cruisers or Nissan Patrols. These are the only vehicles capable of handling the Red Dunes safely.
- Pickup: We pick up from any hotel or residence in Dubai, Sharjah, or Ajman.
- Timing: Pickup is usually between 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM (depending on the season/sunset time).
Dune Bashing & Safety
- The Drive: This is the highlight. Drivers deflate the tires to 15 PSI for traction. The car slides sideways, climbs 60-degree slopes, and dives down sheer drops.
- Safety: All our vehicles have roll cages and first-aid kits. Our drivers are licensed professionals.
Activities
- Sandboarding: We stop at a “picture-perfect” high dune. We provide the boards. You strap in and slide down. It’s like snowboarding, but warmer (and softer if you fall!).
- Camel Ride: A short ride is included at the camp for the experience and photo op.
- Sunset Stop: We pause the convoy at the absolute highest point for the sunset view.
Food & BBQ
After the drive, you head to the camp for the evening:
- Starters: Falafel, Shawarma.
- Main Course: BBQ Chicken, Lamb Kofta, Kebabs, Biryani, Noodles, Veg Curry, Dal, Salad, Hummus.
- Drinks: Unlimited Water, Soft Drinks, Tea, and Coffee.
Hidden Costs to Watch Out For
- Alcohol: Available at the camp bar for an extra cost.
- VIP Service: Table service (where waiters bring food to you) is usually an extra upgrade unless booked as a VIP package.
- Longer Camel Rides: The free ride is short. Longer treks cost extra.
How to Choose the Best Package
| If you are… | Recommended Package | Why? |
| A Family (Kids < 10) | Private Car | You need to control the driving speed. Kids can get scared or carsick on “Extreme” shared drives. |
| A Photographer | Private Car | You can ask the driver to stop whenever you see the perfect lighting or landscape. |
| Solo / Couple | Shared Standard | It’s the most social and cost-effective way to meet people. |
| Thrill Seeker | Safari + Quad Combo | Dune bashing is great, but driving your own quad on the red sand is next level. |
Real Experience: A Day in the Lahbab Dunes
02:45 PM: Your driver, Ahmed, arrives at your hotel lobby. The Land Cruiser is spotless and cool. You hop in and meet fellow travelers from the UK and India.
03:45 PM: You leave the highway. The buildings disappear. The sand changes from white to a rusty orange. You arrive at the “deflation point.” While Ahmed lets the air out of the tires, you watch a convoy of buggies racing in the distance.
04:15 PM: The bashing begins. The engine roars. The car tilts at an impossible angle. You scream, laugh, and hold the safety handle. Sand sprays over the windshield like water. It feels like a rollercoaster without tracks.
05:00 PM: Ahmed stops the car on a razor-thin ridge. The view is endless waves of red sand. You get out. The sand is cool and incredibly soft. You strap on a sandboard and race your friends to the bottom.
05:45 PM: Sunset. The sky turns purple and orange. You take the best photo of your entire trip.
06:30 PM: You arrive at the camp. The smell of BBQ charcoal fills the air. You sit on Bedouin cushions, get a henna tattoo, and watch a Tanoura dancer spin under the stars.
08:30 PM: Belly full of grilled chicken and hummus, you head back to the car for the quiet drive home.
Practical Tips & Mistakes to Avoid
1. Motion Sickness Strategy
The Red Dunes are high. The drive is turbulent.
- Tip: Do not eat a heavy meal 2 hours before pickup.
- Tip: If you are prone to sickness, take a Dramamine tablet 1 hour before the trip. Sit in the front seat if possible (ask nicely!).
2. What to Wear
- Shoes: Wear sandals or flip-flops. Sneakers will fill with sand and become heavy.
- Clothing: Loose, comfortable clothes (cotton/linen). It gets chilly in the desert at night during winter (Nov-Mar), so bring a light jacket/hoodie.
3. Lahbab vs. “Normal” Safari
If a tour operator doesn’t explicitly say “Lahbab” or “Red Dunes,” they are likely taking you to Al Aweer. The difference in photo quality and thrill is massive. Always confirm the location.
4. Pregnancy & Back Issues
We must be honest: Dune bashing is violent. It involves sudden drops and bumps.
- If you are pregnant, have a bad back, or have had recent surgery, do not do the dune bashing.
- Alternative: Book a Private Car and ask for a “Flat/Nature Drive” straight to the camp, skipping the bashing. You still enjoy the desert scenery and dinner without the risk.
Why Choose Maverick Safari UAE?
- We Own Our Fleet: We maintain our own Land Cruisers. We don’t rely on random freelance drivers with questionable safety standards.
- Lahbab Specialists: We operate primarily in the Red Dunes. We know where the biggest dunes are and how to drive them safely.
- No Hidden Fees: The price includes the pickup, the bashing, the water, and the dinner. We don’t stop at “tourist trap” shops unless you specifically ask.
- 24/7 Support: You can WhatsApp us anytime to change your pickup location or add a child seat.
Ready to Conquer the Big Red?
Don’t settle for a flat, boring drive. Experience the true majesty of the Arabian Desert with the experts who know it best.
Red Dune slots fill up fast especially on weekends!
- Check Availability & Book Your Safari
- WhatsApp Us for Group Deals: [+971552525075]
- Call Us: [+971552525075]
The Red Dunes are waiting. Are you ready?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Why is the Lahbab safari more expensive than others?
A: It requires more fuel and driving time to reach the Lahbab region (further from the city), and the dune bashing is longer and more technical, requiring experienced drivers and well-maintained 4x4s.
Q: Can I drive the Land Cruiser myself?
A: No. Dune bashing requires a special license and years of training. However, you can book a Self-Drive Dune Buggy experience if you want to drive off-road!
Q: Is the BBQ dinner vegetarian-friendly?
A: Yes! Our buffet includes Dal (lentils), Vegetable Curry, Noodles, Rice, Salad, Hummus, and Bread. There are plenty of options for vegetarians.
Q: How long is the dune bashing?
A: In the Lahbab Red Dunes package, the actual dune bashing lasts between 30 to 45 minutes. This is the optimal time—any longer and most guests start to feel motion sickness.
Q: Is it safe for children?
A: Yes, for children above 3 years old. For toddlers (under 3), we recommend a Private Car so we can drive gently. Car seats are available upon request.
About the Author
This guide is written with input from Maverick Safari UAE’s operations team, who have organized thousands of desert safaris for families, couples, and corporate groups in Dubai.