Sandboarding
When most people think of Dubai, the Burj Khalifa often comes to mind as a symbol of its architectural grandeur. However, Dubai offers much more than just towering skyscrapers. One of the most thrilling activities for adventure lovers is sandboarding, a desert experience where you glide down some of the largest sand dunes in the world.
Sandboarding is suitable for all ages and is a fantastic way to connect with the desert landscape. Many visitors opt to book a desert safari combining sandboarding with other exciting activities like dune bashing and camel rides.
How to Sand Board
To sandboard, you’ll need a sandboard and wax for smooth gliding. Apply the wax evenly, find a suitable dune, and start your adventure. Many desert safari tours offer lessons, or you can go independently to practice.
Best Places to Do Sand Boarding
The UAE is home to some of the world’s best sandboarding spots:
- Al Qudra Desert: Known for its massive dunes and nearby activities like dune bashing and camel rides.
- Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve: A protected area, often with sightings of gazelles and oryxes.
- Al Aweer Desert: Offers ideal sandboarding conditions and other activities.
- Al Badayer (Red Dunes): Popular for its red sands and thrilling dune experiences.
- Sweihan Desert: A favorite for a thrilling day trip, about 90 minutes from Dubai.
- Fossil Rocks (Sharjah): High dunes and soft sand make it perfect for sandboarding.
- Moreeb Dunes (Abu Dhabi): Known for its impressive height, it’s one of the best sandboarding spots in the UAE.
- Al Faya Desert: Located on the Sharjah/Al Malaiha road, ideal for dune bashing and sandboarding.
Types of Sandboards
- Terrain Sandboards: Suitable for steep dunes, these boards have bindings for added stability.
- Dune Sleds: Designed for flat sandy surfaces; they have larger bottoms and can be used seated or lying down, accommodating multiple riders.
Best Sandboarding Tours in Dubai & Timing
- Evening Desert Safari with Sandboarding
- Morning Desert Safari with Sandboarding
- Overnight Desert Safari with Sandboarding