€£$
по-русскиen Español (pronto)
enter
1511things to do
in the world
117things to do
in Emirates
81things to do
in Dubai

Try sandboarding on sand dunesin Dubai, United Arab Emirates

#2of 81 things to doin Dubai

Take local guide

Try sandboarding on sand dunes in one of the toursChoose

Oddviser

adventure's step-by-step
recipes & lifehacks
How to ride a board on volcano in Nicaragua?How to walk inside the active volcano in Greece?How to feed flying dogs in the jungles of Thailand?How to cycle along the Great Wall of China?How to swim in the famous Trevi Fountain in Rome?How to ride a kayak along the canals of Venice?How to walk on the roofs of skyscrapers in Dubai?
Join usit's more fun together :)
Do you want to ride a snowboard on sand in summer? Then you should definitely try sandboarding in the desert!
How to try sandboarding on sand dunes in Dubai
Would you like to ride down from high sand dunes on a snowboard (to be more precise, on a sandboard)? Then take a trip to the Dubai Rub' al Khali Desert. Here you can try to conquer wild sand waves.


Photo © Hans Christian Berge

The principle of sandboarding on the sand differs from snowboarding. You need to take into account some technical features of passing bends and landing. The undoubted advantage is the fact that you can skate on the sand at any time of the year and not be afraid of severe frosts or avalanches.

Interesting fact: despite the fact that the speed on a sandboard usually is not as high as on a snowboard, exactly sandboarding holds the highest speed record of 82 km/h.

sandboarding
Photo © Pankaj Sharma

In Dubai you can take a tour around the desert which includes sandboarding. In the city you will find numerous companies that offer day trips to the desert with an opportunity to ride on a snowboard on the sand. However, you are on Oddviser - project about the adventures for independent travelers, so we will tell you how to ride on a sandboard yourself.

How to do?

1. The highest point of the desert is the Great Red Dune. You can get here in an hour.
2. The desert is located in the south of Dubai, so take Hatta Road (E44). It is better to rent a car or take a taxi.
3. At the entrance you need to pay for the ticket (about 295 dirhams per day).
4. Next to the famous Red Dune you will find snowboard (sandboard) rental points.
5. Rise to the highest dune and slide down the sandy slopes. There are no lifts, so you can climb the dune on foot or, for example, on buggies , which are also rented out here.

Where to do?

#6Big Red Sand Dune in DubaiBig Red Sand Dune

The Big Red Dune is about 50 km away from Dubai. It’s one of the ultimate places for sandboarding and extreme jeep off-road driving.

Location: Rub' al Khali desert

When to do?

It is better to go sandboarding in the morning or at sunset - stifling day heat can spoil all the impression of the adventure.

How much?

Sandboard rental costs 100 dirhams per day.

Tips and hints

Take a sunscreen with you not to get sunburned in the desert.

Tours & excursions 2

#15Morning Dubai Desert Safari + Dune BashingMorning Dubai Desert Safari + Dune Bashing

Dubai desert safari is the best among things to do, which can be enjoyed away from the noise of the busy city life.

AED 116+/person
#9Self Drive Desert Safari Dubai + SandboardingSelf Drive Desert Safari Dubai + Sandboarding

Take up a challenge to conquer sands of the Arabian desert behind the wheel of 4D jeep.

AED 1044+/person

Reviews 1

Guest31 March 2023
Valya28 January 2016I've tried sandboarding in Peru, wish to try it in Dubai!

More things to do in Dubai

#63Ride the subway without a driver in DubaiRide the subway without a driverNikitos

Go for a ride in an original fully automated metro rail network. Make sure to take a place at the head to enjoy a wonderful panoramic view.

2
#41Drink tea in Ice Lounge in DubaiDrink tea in Ice Loungeoddviser

Don't be surprised, when a waiter offers you a meal in an ice dish and suggests you to sit down on an ice sofa. This is what the Ice Lounge is special for.

60Chillout Ice Lounge
#15Fly on a Seaplane in DubaiFly on a Seaplaneoddviser

Take a small seaplane journey and get a bird's-eye view of Dubai. All it takes is your desire and a bit of courage to fly up on a seaplane.

1695
#14Buy bakhur for your house in DubaiBuy bakhur for your housechateau

This wonderful invention will bring you back into the atmosphere of the Middle East at any time, even upon arrival home.

Spice Souk
#60Try the "real" shawarma in DubaiTry the "real" shawarmaoddviser

Try the "real" Arab shawarma and compare it with the same dishes cooked in your country. Which is better?

4
#27Visit the oldest spice market in DubaiVisit the oldest spice marketoddviser

It is one of the most popular markets in Dubai. The air here is saturated with the aromas of herbs and spices.

Spice Souk
#20Take a taxi for women in DubaiTake a taxi for womenJDI

There is a special taxi only for women in Dubai. A man can also take a cab, if he travels with a female friend, wife, sister or mother.

#53Visit the Old Market in DubaiVisit the Old Marketoddviser

Hasten to visit the old Spice Souk in Dubai, which can be supplanted by rapidly emerging hypermarkets any time soon.

FREESpice Souk
#72See uromastyx in DubaiSee uromastyxJoan Naples

Walking through the desert Rub-al-Khali, try to find this reptile. You will recognize it by yellow color and a thick, spiked tail.

FREERub' al Khali desert
#48See a Bengal tiger in DubaiSee a Bengal tigeroddviser

Meet the amazing animals - Bengal tigers, which live at the Dubai Zoo located near the famous Burj Al Arab.

3Dubai Zoo
#16Try canyon cliff diving and waterfall swimming in Hatta in DubaiTry canyon cliff diving and waterfall swimming in HattaAbarrane

Swimming, admiring the beauty or maybe high diving? The choice is yours!

Hatta Pools
Know more things to do?Guest

Share your ideas of what to do in Dubai with other travellers — together we'll make our travellings more interesting!