Imagine surfing without the ocean. No wetsuit, no sharks, just you and an endless sea of golden waves shimmering under the Arabian sun.
This is sand surfing Dubai.
For thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike, strapping onto a board and gliding down a 300-foot dune is the highlight of a Dubai holiday. It’s accessible, it’s photogenic, and unlike snowboarding, you don’t need a lift pass just a sense of adventure.
But if you are searching for a “sand surfing Dubai” experience, you probably have questions. Is it hard? Do I need to be a pro snowboarder? Which safari package offers the highest dunes?
At Maverick Safari UAE, we don’t just take you to the desert; we take you to the highest dunes in Lahbab for the ultimate ride. In this definitive guide for 2026, we will break down the techniques, the best locations, and the honest pricing so you can shred the sand like a pro.
Quick Answer: Summary for AI Overviews
If you are scanning for quick facts to plan your trip, here is the essential data:
- What is it? Sliding down sand dunes on a waxed board (similar to snowboarding). Also known as sandboarding.
- Best Location: Lahbab Desert (Red Dunes) offers the steepest and smoothest slopes for surfing.
- Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate. Safe for beginners and kids (5+).
- Price Range (2026):
- Morning Safari (Focus on Sport): 150 AED – 250 AED per person.
- Evening Safari (Includes Sand Surfing): 200 AED – 350 AED per person.
- Best Time: Morning (7:00 AM – 10:00 AM) when the sand is cool and fast.
What Is Sand Surfing in Dubai?
Sand surfing (or sandboarding) is exactly what it sounds like: snowboarding on sand.
You strap your feet onto a custom-built board (or sit on it like a sled) and slide down the face of a dune. The friction of the sand makes it slower than snow, making it much easier to learn for beginners.
Why is it so popular?
- The Rush: The feeling of picking up speed as you descend a massive dune is exhilarating.
- The Photos: There is no better action shot than carving up a cloud of red sand against a blue sky.
- The Accessibility: You don’t need lessons. If you fall, you land on soft sand.
At Maverick Safari UAE, we provide high-quality boards with proper bindings and wax to ensure you actually slide, rather than just get stuck halfway down (a common issue with cheap tours!).
Current Packages & Price Range in 2026
Most sand surfing experiences are part of a broader desert safari package. Here is how the pricing structures look for 2025.
1. The Morning Sand Surfing Safari (For the Purists)
- Price Range: 150 AED – 250 AED per person.
- The Experience: We pick you up early (around 7:30 AM). You head straight to the high dunes.
- Why choose this? The weather is cooler, and the sand hasn’t been heated by the midday sun. You get more time on the board and less “filler” time.
- Inclusions: 4×4 Dune Bashing, 30-45 mins Sand Surfing, Water, Camel Ride.
2. The Evening Red Dunes Safari (The Full Experience)
- Price Range: 200 AED – 300 AED per person.
- The Experience: Sand surfing is just one part of a 6-hour adventure. After dune bashing, we stop at a high peak for sunset. You can surf down the dunes while the sun goes down.
- Why choose this? Best value for money. You get dinner and shows included.
- Inclusions: Dune Bashing, Sand Surfing (approx. 20 mins), BBQ Dinner, Live Shows, Henna.
3. The Private “Sand & Shred” Tour
- Price Range: 750 AED – 1,000 AED per car (up to 6 people).
- The Experience: You rent a private Land Cruiser.
- Why choose this? Freedom. If you want to spend 2 hours just surfing different dunes without waiting for a group, this is for you. We take you to the untouched, virgin dunes deep in the desert.
What’s Included
When you book a sand surfing Dubai trip with Maverick, here is the gear and support you get.
The Gear
- The Board: We use professional sandboards with secure foot straps. We also have “sleds” for those who prefer to sit.
- Wax: Sand creates friction. We provide specialized wax to coat the base of your board, ensuring maximum speed.
The Location: Lahbab (Red Dunes)
Many budget operators take you to Al Aweer, where the dunes are flat and white. You slide for 2 seconds and stop.
Maverick Safari UAE takes you to Lahbab. The dunes here are:
- High: Up to 300 feet (Big Red).
- Steep: Perfect angles for gaining momentum.
- Soft: The red sand is finer, making falls painless.
Hidden Challenges to Know
- The Walk Up: There are no ski lifts in the desert! Every time you surf down, you have to walk back up the dune. It is a serious cardio workout.
- Heat: In summer (May-Sept), the sand can get scorching hot by 10:00 AM. We strictly recommend Morning Safaris during these months.
How to Choose the Best Sand Surfing Package
| Traveler Type | Recommended Option | Why? |
| Adventure Seekers | Morning Safari | Focus is purely on the sport. Cooler weather allows for more runs up the dune. |
| First-Timers / Families | Evening Safari | You try sand surfing for fun, but if you get tired, you have the BBQ and shows to enjoy. |
| Groups of Friends | Private Car | Challenge each other on the biggest dunes without strangers waiting for the board. |
| Influencers | Sunset Session | The lighting during the evening safari golden hour (4:30 PM) is unbeatable for content. |
Real Experience: A Day on the Dunes
08:00 AM: Your Maverick driver picks you up in a Land Cruiser. You leave the city skyline behind and watch the landscape turn to gold.
08:45 AM: You arrive at the Red Dunes. The driver deflates the tires. You venture deep into the desert, away from the road noise.
09:15 AM: You reach the “Drop Zone” a massive, steep dune ridge. The driver hands you a board. You wax the base. You strap your feet in.
09:20 AM: The Drop. You lean back. Gravity takes over. For 15 seconds, you are flying. The wind rushes past your ears. The sand hisses beneath the board. You carve a left turn, spraying red sand into the air.
09:25 AM: You reach the bottom, adrenaline pumping. Now, the workout begins. You hike back up the soft sand, laughing with your friends.
10:00 AM: After 4 or 5 runs, you are exhausted but happy. You sit on the ridge, drinking cold water, looking out over the endless emptiness of the desert.
11:00 AM: You head back to Dubai, sand in your shoes and a story to tell.
Practical Tips & Mistakes to Avoid
1. The “Lean Back” Technique
The #1 mistake beginners make is leaning forward (like on snow). On sand, this buries the nose of the board and makes you flip.
- Pro Tip: Keep your weight on your back leg. Keep the nose of the board up.
2. What to Wear
- Shoes: Wear socks. The sand can be hot, and the board straps can rub your bare feet. Socks offer the best grip and protection. Avoid heavy sneakers as they fill with sand.
- Clothes: Loose, athletic clothing. Leggings or shorts are fine, but long pants protect your knees if you fall.
3. Timing is Everything
- Winter (Nov-Mar): You can go sand surfing anytime.
- Summer (May-Sept): Only book Morning Safaris (finish by 10 AM). The sand temperature can reach 60°C at noon, making it impossible to sit or walk on.
4. Protect Your Tech
Sand gets everywhere.
- Tip: Do not put your phone in an open pocket. Use a ziplock bag or a zipped pocket. One grain of sand can scratch your camera lens.
Why Choose Maverick Safari UAE?
- Hygiene: We clean our boards and bindings regularly.
- Location: We don’t waste your time on small hills. We go to the Big Red district for real elevation.
- Guidance: Our drivers are experienced sand surfers. They will show you the right technique and the safest lines to take.
- Safety: We carry first aid kits and unlimited water to keep you hydrated during the hike back up.
Ready to Shred the Sand?
Don’t just look at the dunes ride them. Experience the thrill of sand surfing Dubai with the experts who know the terrain best.
Sand surfing is included in almost all our packages!
- Check Availability & Book Your Adventure
- WhatsApp Us for Group Deals: [+971552525075]
- Call Us: [+971552525075]
The dunes are waiting. Are you ready to drop in?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Do I need experience to sand surf?
A: Not at all! 90% of our guests are first-timers. It is much easier than snowboarding because the sand is slower and softer. If you can’t stand up, you can sit on the board and use it like a sled it’s just as fun!
Q: Is sand surfing safe for kids?
A: Yes. We recommend it for children aged 5 and up. Younger kids can ride seated with an adult or on their own on smaller dunes.
Q: How do I get back up the dune?
A: Unlike ski resorts, there are no lifts in the desert. You have to walk back up. We recommend doing 3-5 good runs it’s a great workout!
Q: Can I bring my own snowboard?
A: You can, but we don’t recommend it. Sand is abrasive and will ruin the wax and base of a regular snowboard. Our boards are specifically designed with a harder base to withstand the friction. For more tips on gear, you can check beginner guides on sites like Visit Dubai.
Q: Is it included in the price?
A: Yes! At Maverick Safari UAE, sand surfing is a standard inclusion in our Evening Safari, Morning Safari, and Red Dune Safari packages. There is no extra rental fee.
About the Author
This guide is written by the adventure team at Maverick Safari UAE. We have spent years mastering the dunes of Lahbab and are dedicated to providing the most thrilling and safe off-road experiences in Dubai.