Two ways to drive the dunes
Standing at the base, you see both lined up: the quads, light and nervous, and the buggies, low and wide with roll cages. Both take you into the same red dunes. They just tell a different story.
The quad bike (ATV): light and physical
A quad bike is a four-wheel motorbike. You ride it standing or seated, steer with your arms and lean with your body. It is the cheaper option, from AED 175 on our quad biking Dubai page, and the best way to feel every curve of the sand.
The dune buggy: power and comfort
A dune buggy is a small off-road car with seats, seatbelts and a roll cage. Our self-drive Can-Am buggies start from AED 475 on the dune buggy Dubai page. You drive with a steering wheel and pedals, and you can take a passenger.
Side by side
| Quad bike | Dune buggy | |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | AED 175 | AED 475 |
| Seats | 1 rider | Driver + passenger |
| Driving | Handlebars, body balance | Steering wheel, pedals |
| Protection | Helmet | Roll cage, seatbelts, helmet |
| Feeling | Physical, close to the sand | Powerful, faster climbs |
| Best for | Solo riders, first-timers on a budget | Couples, friends, thrill seekers |
For both vehicles, the driver must be at least 16.
So, which one?
- Pick the quad if you ride alone, want the lower price, or like to feel the vehicle move under you.
- Pick the buggy if you ride as a pair, want more power, or prefer the safety of a cage and seatbelts.
- Can’t choose? Many guests start with a quad and come back for the buggy.
See all the desert vehicles
Quads, buggies and dirt bikes are all on our Dubai desert tours page. Pick your machine and book online or on WhatsApp.