Sandboarding is an exhilarating sport where you glide down sand dunes – not to be mixed up with sand skiing, which isn’t really a thing. Sandboarding is pretty much like surfing but on sand instead of water. And, luckily for you, the expansive Arabian desert is the perfect setting for this thrilling activity!
Hitting the dunes can be a bit daunting without the right guidance, so let’s take a look at our top places to go sandboarding in the UAE.
Top 7 Places in UAE to Sand Ski and Sand Board
- Sonara Camp – Ras Al Khaimah
- Al Badayer – Sharjah
- Lahbab Desert – Dubai
- Bassata Desert Village – Ras Al Khaimah
- Bedouin Oasis – Ras Al Khaimah
- Liwa Oasis – Abu Dhabi
- The Dunes Camping & Safari – Ras Al Khaimah
1. Sonara Camp
Location: Al Ashish, Ras Al Khaimah
A good place to start your sandboarding adventure is Sonara Camp. Set in the Ritz-Carlton Al Wadi, Sonara offers a unique desert experience in the Arabian wilderness, allowing guests to enjoy sandboarding in addition to a whole lot of other activities.
This stunning camp is perfect for a thrill, combining luxury with adventure. Visitors can also savor Mediterranean and Arabic cuisine, watch captivating falcon shows, and explore the serene desert landscape.
2. Al Badayer
Location: Al Badayer, Sharjah
This is the definition of the ultimate desert adventure destination, featuring some of the UAE’s most impressive dunes, like the famous “Big Red” which is ideal for experienced sandboarders who are looking to gain speed on their runs.
This area is perfect for dune-bashing, sandboarding, and quad biking. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned adventurer, there’s something fun for anyone of all ages.
Another great benefit of Al Badayer is being able to check out Fossil Rock, either before or after, for even more adventure.
3. Lahbab Desert
Location: Sector 7 and Sector 8 in South East Dubai
Lahbab Desert, known for its iconic red sand dunes, offers an exceptional sandboarding experience. Just 45 minutes from the city, this Dubai desert is a prime spot for dune bashing and camel rides, in addition to sandboarding. Glide down these majestic dunes, soak in the serene desert landscape, and make memories that’ll last a lifetime.
4. Bassata Desert Village
Location: Al Ashish, Ras Al Khaimah
Bassata Desert Village is a truly immersive Bedouin experience deep in the Ras Al Khaimah desert. Surrounded by flame-hued dunes, this camp provides a wide range of activities for you to enjoy in addition to sandboarding. One highlight is enjoying some traditional Bedouin entertainment so you can experience the lifestyle and culture.
Guests can also enjoy authentic Arabic cuisine, live entertainment like belly dancing, and the tranquility of the desert landscape.
5. Bedouin Oasis Camp
Location: Al Nakheel, Ras Al Khaimah
Bedouin Oasis Camp provides yet another authentic Bedouin experience. The crimson dunes here are perfect for sliding down the sand in style. But, it also has a lot more to offer other than sandboarding.
Besides those laughable moments of losing balance on the board, visitors can also enjoy exhilarating evening entertainment like fire shows and traditional BBQ dinners, and sleep under the stars in luxurious tents.
6. Liwa Oasis
Location: Bateen Liwa, Abu Dhabi
You’ll find Liwa Oasis on the edge of Rub’ al Khali. It’s a true paradise for sandboarding enthusiasts and offers some of the world’s largest sand dunes. With dunes reaching heights of just under 1,000 feet, this location can be a whole lot of fun for both beginners and experienced sandboarders.
Naturally, there’s a lot more to do there than just sandboarding. Once you’re done gliding across the smooth sands, we’d highly recommend admiring the awe-inspiring desert landscape before checking out the other activities.
7. The Dunes Camping & Safari
Location: Al Wadi Desert, Ras Al Khaimah
We’ll close off this list with yet another spot in Ras Al Khaimah – The Dunes Safari. It’s a spot that offers an exceptional desert camping experience – perfect for hardcore sandboarding enthusiasts. The camp also provides guided quad bike and buggy tours, in addition to romantic private safaris. So, there are lots of options for you to enjoy after your sandboarding session.
We should also mention that they have a convenient online booking system and affordable packages.
FAQs
Which desert dunes are best in the UAE?
In terms of going on a desert safari, sandboarding, and other activities, Al Lahbab and Liwa Desert are widely seen as two of the best options. But, when planning a visit to one of these destinations, bear in mind that the most popular option might not always be the best for you, especially if you find that it’s hard to get a booking at a particular destination.
Is sandboarding okay for a beginner?
Yes, sandboarding is suitable for beginners. The desert camps usually have gentle slopes that are perfect for sandboarding, even if you haven’t done it before. Plus, the staff, if through a provider, can instruct you on what to do and set you up with the necessary equipment.
Which is the largest sand desert in the UAE?
The Rub Al Khali, also known as the “Empty Quarter,” is the largest sand desert in the UAE and the world. It spans an area of 650,000 square kilometers across parts of Saudi Arabia, Oman, Yemen, and the UAE.
What do I need for sandboarding?
You’ll need the following for sandboarding:
- A sandboard – these are provided by desert safari operators.
- Protective gear like a helmet and pads (optional).
- Comfortable clothing and closed shoes that are suitable for the desert.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect against the sun.
Is sandboarding a suitable activity for kids?
Sandboarding can be enjoyed by kids but it’s important to consider their age and ability level. Most deserts have gentle slopes that are alright for kids. Parental supervision and protective gear are highly recommended.
Final Thoughts
Pack your bags and get ready for a thrilling desert adventure across some of the most spectacular dunes in the UAE. From the iconic Lahbab Desert in Dubai to the majestic Liwa Oasis in Abu Dhabi, these destinations offer unforgettable experiences for all ages.
Trust us – whether you’re a seasoned boarder or a curious traveler, the desert’s vast landscape promises excitement and breathtaking beauty.
Because these are often subject to change, be sure to check in with a tour provider for details on the times and experience cost. And if you’re still feeling a bit scared to take on the dunes, be sure to read up on some sandboarding safety tips.
