All You Need to Know About Dune Bashing in Abu Dhabi

Imagine a heart-pounding activity that combines the thrill of a rollercoaster with the awe-inspiring beauty of the desert. That’s precisely what dune bashing in Abu Dhabi offers – a sand-sational escapade that’s sure to leave you both exhilarated and humbled. Here’s more on what you need to know, so, buckle up and get ready for the ride of your life!

What Exactly is Dune Bashing?

Dune bashing is a sort of off-roading that only takes place on sand dunes. On such desert adventures, visitors are taken up and down the dunes in 4×4 vehicles traversing at various speeds, while following the ebbs and flows of the shifting sands. The 4×4 is expertly manoeuvred by a skilled driver trained to maintain the vehicle’s stability be it when ascending or descending the slopes for you to fully experience this activity.

Bahnfrend, Dune bashing, Dubai, 2007 (13), CC BY-SA 4.0

When and Where to Go

For the ultimate dune bashing experience, consider the magical hours of sunrise or sunset when the desert comes alive with a soft, golden light. The Empty Quarter, the largest sand desert on the planet, is the pièce de résistance when it comes to this activity offering endless dunes to conquer; look to be based here at properties like Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara which offers dune bashing too. Other locations to consider include the Al Khatim and Al Khaznah deserts, both promising whirlwind journeys along the sands.

Key Things to Keep in Mind

While dune bashing is a wild ride, safety should always come first. Only venture out with a trusted tour operator / resort that offers a qualified professional driver in a suitable safari vehicle. Don’t eat a large meal right before you set off on this excursion to keep the ride ‘tummy friendly’. Remember, this activity isn’t for the littlest ones, so check ahead for age restrictions. Dress in simple, comfy clothing, and opt for sandals or slippers – you will likely be hopping out for some Insta-worthy dune snaps!

Other Desert Escapades

Why stop at dune bashing when you can amp up your desert experience even more? Combine it with other exhilarating activities in Abu Dhabi like fat biking (these are special bikes designed to tackle sandy landscapes), sandboarding, or zipping along the dunes in a 4×4 buggy. For a more laidback experience, enjoy a traditional camel trek at sunrise or sunset, captivating horse riding, or a tranquil desert walk. There are many thrills and secrets to uncover amidst this wondrous sea of sand.

Dubai for Thrill Seekers

Dubai’s audacious spirit translates into a haven for thrill seekers, offering an array of heart-pounding adventures against a backdrop of modern marvels. From skydiving to dune bashing, this city caters to those who crave an adrenaline rush.

Skydiving and Indoor Skydiving

Of course, Dubai hotels with room service are absolute luxury, but for those seeking an adrenaline rush from above for a change, Dubai offers skydiving experiences like no other. Plunge from heights while soaking in stunning views of iconic landmarks. If you prefer to defy gravity indoors, indoor skydiving centres provide a controlled yet exhilarating free-fall experience.

Dune Bashing and Sandboarding

Dubai’s vast desert landscape sets the stage for thrilling escapades. Hop into a 4×4 and embark on a dune-bashing adventure, navigating the sandy terrain with heart-pounding twists and turns. For a unique experience, try sandboarding down the dunes—an adrenaline-infused blend of snowboarding and surfing.

Jet Skiing and Flyboarding

Dubai’s azure waters invite thrill seekers to embrace aquatic adventures. Jet skiing offers high-speed rides, allowing you to zoom across the waves and soak in breathtaking coastal views. If you’re up for a futuristic water experience, try flyboarding—levitating above the water’s surface for a sensation like no other.

Bungee Jumping and Ziplining

Bungee Jumping
Bungee Jumping – Photo by Melqui via Pexels 

Dubai’s commitment to pushing boundaries extends to its gravity-defying activities. Leap from dizzying heights with bungee jumping experiences that provide an adrenaline surge like no other. For a unique perspective of the city’s skyline, take to the skies on a zipline, soaring between skyscrapers with the wind in your hair. If you are staying at La Suite Dubai Hotel and Apartments, simply ask the front desk for more information on these activities.

Doha Quest

Doha Quest is the newest addition to the list of theme parks in Qatar. The high-tech indoor amusement park includes roller coasters, interactive games, and brightly lit kids’ rides.

Doha skyline from the Marriott Hotel, Qatar
Doha skyline from the Marriott Hotel, Qatar | Image by David McKelvey via flickr

Details

Located in Doha Oasis, Doha Quest is the recent most attraction added to the list of attractions in Doha. It is a location that has attractions for everyone, so no one has to stay behind in any hotels in Doha while the others go have fun. Quest is open from Monday to Saturday from 2 in the afternoon to 10 in the night, but it is closed on Sundays.

Highlights

Opened only in 2021, Doha Quest has already made history as it is home to the tallest indoor roller coaster known as EpiQ Coaster and the world’s highest drop water ride, which is known as Magma Blast.

Family attractions

Another speciality about Doha Quest is that it is separated into three different times, the past, the present and the future. The rides and the attractions are dedicated to each of the three themes giving them a story and a unique experience.

Adventures

Not located too far from Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels By Tivoli and the city centre, Doha Quest has something for everybody varying from rides, games, food and shopping.

 

Best desert safaris in Doha

Doha is a sand dune full of thrills to enjoy! Be it conquering a rip-roaring four-wheel drive in the desert or an unforgettable camel ride, there is just so much to do. Here are a few exciting things to do on your safari.

Image credit- Unsplash,Haris khan,CC0

Camel riding

Camels are quite laid-back creatures and what is a desert without the elegant line of camels walking across? Arrange a ride during your desert safari for the experience of a lifetime.

Dune bashing

This is the adventure you’ve been waiting for! Hop on a safari jeep and prepare for a roller-coaster ride on the dunes. Resorts such as Souq Al Wakra Hotel Qatar by Tivoli can help organise this experience. You might just have to hit a spa in Doha Qatar after your adventures to relieve your tiredness.

Sandboarding

Slide down the dunes of fine sand, but don’t scream in excitement unless you don’t mind getting sand in your mouth! This is something you definitely must try.

Visit the inland sea

Khor Al Adaid is just 60 km away from Doha and is a UNESCO Natural Reserve. The dunes gradually part into a sea and the views here are amazing.

Tips for desert driving in Qatar

Driving in the desert may seem like a daunting task. However, once you know the tricks that make driving in the desert a more comfortable experience, you are bound to have a lot of fun.

Make sure your vehicle is in order

Desert Driving Jeeps in Qatar | Image via Piqsels

Oil and water levels, 4 by 4 operations, soundness of wheels and tyres, lock operations, etc. are some of the key things you should check about your vehicle before going on your drive.

See if you can get help from an expert

You may meet experts in desert driving when you hang out at some of the restaurants in Wakra. Try and start a conversation with them and they will be able to tell you what to look out for.

Never go on your own

This is the golden rule in desert driving because it is quite a dangerous task. So make sure you go with a friend, and especially with someone who can help you out in the case of an emergency. Ideally, a convoy of 3 – 8 vehicles would go together. If you’re staying at Souq Al Wakra Hotel Qatar by Tivoli, you may come across others who are interested in the activity.

Sand conditions

Make sure that someone in your convoy is aware of the local sand conditions. This is critical to make sure that you have a safe trip back and forth.

Thrilling Dubai Desert Safari Experiences – Fun Adventures Amidst the Dunes

If you are looking to add some excitement to your holiday in Dubai, then don’t miss the chance to enjoy a desert safari; from thrilling activities to cultural insights there’s much to experience.

Planning the Excursion

Several tour operators offer desert safaris, though, for more convenience, properties such as Avani Deira Dubai Hotel will help organise such excursions for guests. You will be taken to a desert that’s within easy reach while depending on the tour, you will have the option of morning, sunset or overnight safaris.

Dune Bashing

Though there’s plenty of things to do in Deira, Dubai desert safaris offer some unique activities such as dune bashing; this action-packed experience involves being expertly driven up and down the dunes amidst the shifting sands at varying speeds in a 4×4 vehicle and will be unlike any ride you’ve taken!

Other Activities

Different desert safaris will also include other activities. Adrenaline junkies can look to try quad biking or exploring the vast sea of sand via a dune buggy. The huge dunes that can be found here are also ideal for sandboarding and sand skiing while not to be missed is the opportunity to go on camel rides too.

Bedouin-Style Camp

The perfect end to a desert adventure would be to have dinner at a Bedouin-style camp which is organised on some tours. You can not only look forward to delectable dinner buffets with Middle Eastern cuisine, but cultural elements too be it shisha smoking, henna painting or witnessing belly dancing.

Tips for desert driving in Qatar

If you are afraid of saying yes to a desert road trip because of the safety risks, read on. With the right safety tips, your Qatar desert driving will be fun and memorable.

Desert safari in Qatar|Image via Unsplash

Carry more bottles of water- more and more!

Water becomes a life-saving fluid when you are desert driving in Qatar. Carry more and more water cans with you (and energy drinks and fresh juices if possible) to stay hydrated.

Stay filled!

It’ll be a horrible experience if you happen to get stuck in the middle of an endless desert without fuel in your vehicle. Check if you have enough gas before you go, and also have a reserve source of fuel.

Have a list of emergency numbers!

Most 5-star hotels in Doha the likes of Souq Al Wakra Hotel Qatar by Tivoli advise their guests to keep a list of contacts to call during an emergency. So, make sure you take this list when you come for desert driving too.

Check the tires before you go!

Your car tires should be healthy, and they can’t make any trouble during the ride. So, check the status before you start the engine, and always have a spare tire with you.

Adventure-Filled Activities in the Abu Dhabi Desert

It may seem foreboding, but the deserts of Abu Dhabi are enchanting indeed and offer the perfect backdrop to enjoy some truly thrilling activities.

Camel Trekking

What better way to explore this unique landscape than on a “ship of the desert” AKA the camel! The quintessential way to enjoy an Abu Dhabi desert tour, camel trekking gives you an idea of the traditional ways Bedouins travel and lets you take in magical sunsets too.

Image Credit: Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara

Dune Bashing

For more action-packed escapades, you can look to try dune bashing. Offered at desert resorts the likes of Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, this activity involves being driven in 4WD vehicles by experienced drivers; they will take you on an exciting and speed-filled ride on the dunes you won’t soon forget!

Image Credit: Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara

Fat Biking

Pedal-powered adventures await for those who traverse the sands on mountain bikes that have been adapted to manoeuvre the sandy terrain. Featuring larger tires, and referred to as fat bikes, they provide another great way to discover the beauty of the desert.

Image Credit: Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara

Sandboarding

The desert can be compared to a sea of sand and the imposing dunes provide perfect slopes to enjoy some adrenaline-pumping sandboarding. The steeper the dune, the faster you can go and there are plenty of opportunities to surf your way down on a breathtaking ride!

 

Intrigued by history, art and food, Lavinia Woolf is a writer who is passionate about the extraordinary and writes of the exhilarating and enchanting. Google+

Desert animal survival adaptations that will blow your mind!

Deserts are certainly one of the harshest environments on the planet but even in these environs, nature has amazed us giving a number of creatures abilities to tackle these unforgiving conditions. Read on to know about some of these unique survival adaptations of animals who live in deserts.

WikimediaImages, Camel Race Algeria Desert Animal Track Riding, CC0 1.0

Scaly Skin

Most of the creatures of deserts particularly reptiles have scaly and patterned skin, these are an adaption formed through thousands of years of evolution. Scaly skins of these creatures retain moisture and help them evenly dissipate heat. The sidewinder snakes, the thorny devil, Earless lizard, the Gila monster are some of the creatures who have developed this adaptation.

Sophisticated digestive system

Almost all the desert creatures have a highly adapted digestive system that can synthesise food to extract water. Since these environments do not hold water for these creatures to drink, most creatures like The desert tortoise, the Greater Roadrunner, Brewer’s Sparrow, camels are some of the examples of desert creatures with sophisticated digestive systems.

Nocturnal lifestyle

Most of the desert creatures avoid the scorching sun by this ingenious method. That is by becoming nocturnal. This particular behaviour can be seen among Mammals and other warm-blooded creatures such as badgers, coyotes and foxes.

Heightened Senses

Finding food in the desert is like finding a needle in a haystack and some of these creatures have developed adaptations such as an acute sense of hearing and smell to pinpoint the location of food. This works both ways i.e. predator such as fennec foxes and coyotes use them to hunt their prey and creatures like the desert hare use their sense of hearing to not become the hunted.

Animals of these special survival adaptations can be spotted in desert regions and you are more likely to spot one of these during your Abu Dhabi Desert Tour or a stroll on the deserts during your stay at Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara.

 

Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+

Dune Bashing in Mui Ne

Vast expanses of red and white rolling sand dunes make Mui Ne, the most colourful stop on your travel itinerary during your time in Vietnam. Read on to find out everything you need to make a stop there!

How to Get There

Located in the beautiful fishing village of Mui Ne down by the south coast of the country, the sets of giant dunes can be easily reached by many a resort in Mui Ne including the likes of Anantara Mui Ne Resort easily. Just request your hotel reception to arrange a tour and you can enjoy a frolicking good time fast!

Image Credit: Anantara Mui Ne Resort

Things to Do

The ideal spot for the sporty and adventurous, there is plenty of fun activities to do here such as sand boarding or signing up for a hot air balloon ride over the dunes. Or you can simply hire yourself a quad bike to let loose. A dune buggy can also be hired for around 30 minutes for USD 20.

Sandboarding, Sand Board, Sand, Dune, Surf, Snowboard

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit these magnificent geological oddities is early morning or evening just in time for the sunrise or sunset.

Tips

If you are all about avoiding the masses of tourists who flock to spots like these, you can consider visiting the dunes during midday. However, it will be quite hot so consider loading up on sunblock and carrying along plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+