There is a specific feeling you get when you throttle a 400cc engine in the middle of the Arabian desert. The sand flies, the engine roars, and for a moment, it’s just you and the golden horizon.
Quad bike rental in Dubai is, without a doubt, the most popular adventure add-on for tourists. It puts the power in your hands.
But if you are searching for “quad bike rental Dubai” right now, you might be confused by the conflicting prices. Why is one company offering a ride for 100 AED while another charges 600 AED? Is a “dune buggy” safer than a quad? And the biggest question of all: Will you be stuck driving in a small circle, or will you actually conquer the big dunes?
At Maverick Safari UAE, we believe in adrenaline without the “fine print.” In this guide, we will strip away the marketing fluff and explain exactly how quad biking works in Dubai for 2026, the hidden differences in packages, and how to stay safe while having the ride of your life.
Quick Answer: What You Need to Know
What is it? Self-driving a 4-wheeled All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) on sand.
The Big Trap: There are two types of rides: Fenced Area (Small Circle) and Open Desert (Real Adventure). Know what you are booking!
Age Limit: Typically 16+ for Open Desert. Kids (6-15) can ride smaller bikes in fenced/controlled zones.
Price Range (2025):
Fenced Circuit:100 AED – 150 AED (30 mins).
Open Desert Tour:300 AED – 500 AED (1 hour).
Raptor 700cc (Pro):600 AED – 800+ AED.
License? No driving license is required for off-road quad biking.
What Exactly Is Quad Bike Rental Dubai?
Unlike a desert safari where a professional driver takes you dune bashing in a 4×4 car, quad biking puts you in the driver’s seat.
You will be given a helmet (mandatory) and a brief safety briefing. Then, depending on your package, you will either ride around a designated track or follow a lead guide deep into the dunes.
The experience usually takes place in the Lahbab Desert (famous for high Red Dunes) or the Al Aweer area.
A Typical Timeline
Pickup: 2:30 PM (if booked with evening safari).
Arrival at Desert Station: 3:30 PM.
Briefing & Gear: 10 minutes.
The Ride: 30 to 60 minutes of action.
Cool Down: Water break and photos with your bike.
Next Steps: Continue to Dune Bashing (4×4) or head to the Bedouin Camp for dinner.
Current Packages & Price Ranges in 2026
This is where most tourists get caught out. The price depends entirely on where you ride and the power of the bike.
1. The “Inside Boundary” (Fenced Area) – Budget Friendly
Price Range: ~100 AED to 150 AED (30 mins).
The Experience: You ride inside a designated, fenced-off area of flat sand and small mounds. You cannot drive up the big dunes.
Best For: Kids, teenagers, first-timers, and budget travelers who just want a quick photo and a fun spin.
Bike Size: Usually 90cc to 150cc (lower power).
2. The “Open Desert” Tour – The Real Deal
Price Range: ~300 AED to 500 AED (1 Hour).
The Experience: You follow a professional lead guide out of the camp boundaries and into the deep desert. You conquer high dunes, ride ridges, and explore the vast landscape. This is the “Instagram” experience you are looking for.
Best For: Thrill-seekers, adults, and anyone who wants to actually drive in the desert.
Bike Size: 350cc, 400cc (Automatic transmission).
3. The Beast: Yamaha Raptor 700cc
Price Range: ~600 AED to 800+ AED.
The Experience: The Yamaha Raptor is the king of the dunes. It has incredible torque and speed. This is usually a manual gear bike.
Best For: Experienced riders and petrolheads who know how to handle a clutch.
4. Safari + Quad Combo (Best Value)
Price: Safari Price + ~150 AED Upgrade.
The Deal: Instead of booking separately, you add a 20-30 minute quad ride to your standard Evening Desert Safari. It’s the most economical way to do it all.
Maverick Transparency: At Maverick Safari UAE, we clearly label our packages. We won’t sell you a “Desert Ride” and put you in a fenced circle without telling you.
What’s Included
Transport & Pickup
Combo Tours: If you book a “Safari + Quad Bike” combo, pickup is included from your hotel (Dubai/Sharjah) in our 4×4 Land Cruisers.
Bike Only: If you only want to do quad biking (no dinner, no safari), you usually need to arrange your own transport to the desert or pay extra for a private transfer.
Safety Gear
Helmets:Mandatory. If a company lets you ride without a helmet, walk away. It is unsafe and illegal.
Goggles: Sand in your eyes hurts! Maverick provides or rents goggles to keep your vision clear.
The Guide: For Open Desert tours, a lead guide is included. You must follow their line for safety (they know where the drop-offs are).
Hidden Costs to Watch Out For
Double Seater vs. Single: Prices are often “per bike.” A double-seater (2 people on 1 bike) is cheaper per person but harder to steer.
Insurance: Most standard rentals cover mechanical failure but not accident damage. If you crash the bike into another rider or flip it due to reckless driving, you may be liable for repairs. Drive responsibly.
“GoPro” Rentals: Some operators charge extra to rent a helmet mount or GoPro.
How to Choose the Best Quad Bike Package
If you are…
Recommended Ride
Why?
A Family with Kids (Age 8-14)
Fenced Area (90cc – 150cc)
Safe, controlled environment. Parents can watch from the sidelines.
A Couple on a Date
Double-Seater Quad / Buggy
You sit together (tandem). It’s fun, but the passenger must hold on tight!
A Solo Adventure Seeker
Open Desert (400cc)
Powerful enough to climb high dunes, but automatic transmission makes it easy to drive.
An Experienced Biker
Raptor 700cc
Standard quads will feel too slow for you. You need the manual gears and torque of a Raptor.
On a Tight Budget
Safari + Quad Combo
Booking them together is 30-40% cheaper than booking them separately.
Real Experience: What a Typical Guest Day Looks Like
Let’s say you book the Evening Safari + Open Desert Quad Combo with Maverick Safari UAE.
Your guide picks you up at 2:30 PM. The AC is cool, the music is playing, and you leave the city behind. By 3:30 PM, you arrive at the bike station at the edge of the Red Dunes.
You sign a disclaimer and put on your helmet. The engine roars to life—it’s loud and raw. You follow the lead guide. At first, the sand feels slippery, like driving on snow. But within 5 minutes, you get the hang of it.
You approach a tall dune. Your instinct says “slow down,” but your guide signals “throttle!” You press the thumb throttle, the engine screams, and you fly up the slope, cresting the top with a view of endless golden sand.
After 45 minutes of adrenaline, you stop on a high peak for photos. The sun is starting to dip. You return the bike, dusty and smiling, and hop into the Land Cruiser to head to the camp for a well-deserved BBQ dinner and cold drinks.
Practical Tips & Mistakes to Avoid
1. What to Wear
Shoes:Closed-toe shoes are essential. Do not wear flip-flops. The engine gets hot, and you need foot protection. Sneakers or boots are best.
Pants: Wear long trousers. The engine heat can burn your calves if you are in short shorts.
No Loose Scarves: These can get caught in the wheels or engine. If you wear a Sheila or Ghutra, tuck it in tight!
2. Best Time of Day
Winter (Oct-Apr): Anytime is good, but 3:00 PM to sunset is magical.
Summer (May-Sept): It is extremely hot. Book an Early Morning ride (7:00 AM) or a Sunset ride (5:30 PM). Do not ride at noon.
3. Safety First
Don’t Show Off: The #1 cause of accidents is trying to drift or jump when you aren’t experienced. The bike can flip.
Distance: Keep 10 meters between you and the bike in front.
4. Common Scams to Avoid
The “20-Minute Hour”: Some roadside operators promise “1 Hour” but call you back after 30 minutes. Maverick Safari UAE guarantees the full time you paid for.
Old Bikes: Cheap rentals often have old bikes that stall or have stiff steering. We maintain our fleet daily.
Why Choose Maverick Safari UAE?
We Own Our Fleet: From 90cc kids’ bikes to 1000cc Can-Am buggies, we maintain our vehicles to the highest safety standards.
Transparent Pricing: No “bait and switch.” We tell you if it’s fenced or open desert before you pay.
Flexibility: We offer pickup from both Dubai and Sharjah, and we have packages that combine quads with the full BBQ dinner experience.
Safety Record: Our guides are trained to lead convoys safely, ensuring you have fun without getting hurt.
How to Book (Action)
Ready to tear up the sand? Whether you want a quick spin or a high-speed desert raid, we have the keys waiting for you.
Q: Do I need a driving license for quad biking in Dubai?
A: No, you do not need a driving license to ride quad bikes off-road in the desert. However, you must carry a valid ID (Passport copy or Emirates ID).
Q: What is the age limit for quad biking?
A: For small bikes in the fenced area, children as young as 6-10 can usually ride (depending on height). For Open Desert tours, the rider must typically be 16+.
Q: Can I share a quad bike with a passenger?
A: Yes, we offer “Double-Seater” quad bikes which are slightly larger. This is a great option for couples or parents with a child (age 10+).
Q: Is quad biking included in the standard Desert Safari package?
A: Usually, no. It is an optional paid add-on. However, Maverick Safari UAE offers “Combo” packages that include both the safari and the quad bike for a discounted price.
Q: Which is better: Quad Bike or Dune Buggy?
A: A quad bike (handlebar steering) requires more balance and physical effort—it feels more like a sport. A Dune Buggy (steering wheel, roll cage) is safer, faster, and more comfortable. If you have back issues or want safety, choose the buggy.
Q: Can I bring my phone for photos?
A: Yes, but keep it in a zipped pocket! Phones fall out of open pockets easily on the bumps. Your guide will stop for photos, which is the safest time to take it out.
About the Author
This guide is written with input from Maverick Safari UAE’s adventure team. We have organized thousands of off-road excursions in the Lahbab and Al Aweer deserts, ensuring safe and thrilling experiences for visitors from around the world.
