Quad Biking in Dubai: The Ultimate Guide to Off-Road Desert Thrills (2026)
There is a moment when you are sitting on a 400cc quad bike, the engine idling beneath you, looking out at a sea of red sand dunes that stretch to the horizon. You press the throttle, the tires grip the sand, and suddenly, you aren’t just looking at the desert you are conquering it.
Quad biking in Dubai is one of the most popular adventure activities for tourists, yet it is also one of the most confusing.
If you search online, you will see prices ranging from 90 AED to over 1000 AED. Why the huge difference? Is a “dune buggy” safer than a quad bike? And most importantly, will you be stuck driving in a small circle, or will you actually get to explore the open desert?
At Maverick Safari UAE, we believe the best adventure is an honest one. In this guide, we’ll strip away the marketing fluff and explain exactly how quad biking works in Dubai, the hidden differences in packages, and how to choose the ride that matches your adrenaline level.
Quick Answer: What You Need to Know (Fast Facts)
What is it? Self-driving a 4-wheeled All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) on sand.
The Main Catch: There are two types of rides: Fenced Area (Small Circle) and Open Desert (Real Adventure). Check before you book!
Age Limit: Typically 12+ for small bikes (fenced), 16+ for open desert/powerful bikes.
Best Location:Lahbab Desert (Red Dunes) for high dunes and soft sand.
License? No driving license is required for off-road quad biking.
What Is Quad Biking in 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 (and sometimes goggles), a brief safety briefing on how to use the throttle and brakes, and then you are off. The experience usually happens in the Lahbab Desert (known for its red sand) or the Al Aweer area.
Next Steps: Either return to hotel OR continue to the Bedouin camp for BBQ dinner (if booked as a combo).
Current Packages & Price Ranges in 2026
This is where most tourists get confused. The price depends entirely on where you ride and the power of the bike.
1. The “Inside Boundary” (Fenced Area) – Budget Friendly
Price Range: ~90 AED to 180 AED (30-60 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 Adventure
Price Range: ~300 AED to 600 AED.
The Experience: You follow a lead guide out of the camp and into the deep desert. You conquer high dunes, ride ridges, and explore the vast landscape. This is the “Instagram” experience.
Best For: Thrill-seekers, adults, and anyone who wants to actually drive in the desert.
Bike Size: 350cc, 400cc, or sometimes 700cc.
3. The Beast: Yamaha Raptor 700cc
Price Range: ~700 AED to 900+ AED.
The Experience: The Yamaha Raptor is the king of the dunes. It has a manual gear (usually) and incredible power. This is for people who know how to ride.
Best For: Experienced riders and adrenaline junkies.
4. Dune Buggy (Polaris / Can-Am)
Price Range: ~1000 AED to 2000+ AED (per buggy, not per person).
The Experience: These are not bikes; they are open-cage vehicles with a steering wheel, roll cage, and bucket seats. They are faster, safer, and more comfortable than quads.
Best For: Couples (sit side-by-side), families, and those who want speed with safety.
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 (And What Most Companies Don’t Tell You)
Transport & Pickup
Combo Tours: If you book a “Safari + Quad Bike” combo, pickup is included from your hotel (Dubai/Sharjah) in a 4×4.
Bike Only: If you only want to do quad biking (no dinner, no dune bashing car ride), you might need to pay extra for a private transfer to the desert, or drive your own rental car to our meeting point.
Dune Bashing & Safety
Helmets are Mandatory: If a company lets you ride without a helmet, leave. It is illegal and unsafe.
Goggles: Sand in your eyes hurts. Some budget operators charge 20-30 AED to rent goggles. At Maverick, we recommend bringing sunglasses, but we can also assist with goggles.
The “Hidden” Costs
Insurance: Most standard quad bike rentals do not cover damage to the bike. If you flip the bike or crash into someone, you may be liable for repairs. Drive carefully.
Private Guide: In open desert tours, you follow a guide. If you want to go completely alone (not recommended for safety), that is a different, custom service.
How to Choose the Best Quad Biking Package
If you are…
Recommended Ride
Why?
A Family with Kids (Age 10-14)
Fenced Area (150cc)
Safe, controlled environment. Parents can watch from the sidelines.
A Couple on Honeymoon
2-Seater Dune Buggy
You sit together, it’s safer, and you can take amazing photos of each other.
A Solo Adventure Seeker
Open Desert (400cc)
Powerful enough to climb 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 torque of a Raptor.
On a Tight Budget
Safari + Quad Combo
Booking them together is 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 “speed up!” You press the throttle, the engine screams, and you fly up the slope, cresting the top with a view of endless golden sand. The wind is hot, but the speed cools you down.
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
No Loose Scarves: These can get caught in the wheels or engine.
Closed Shoes: Do not wear flip-flops. The engine gets hot, and you need grip. Sneakers or boots are best.
Long Pants: The engine heat can burn your calves if you are in short shorts. Lightweight trousers are ideal.
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 (5:00 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.
No Hidden “Repair” Scams: We are honest. We treat our guests with respect and transparency.
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.
Don’t wait until the last minute bikes often sell out on weekends!
