Quad Bike vs Dune Buggy in the Dubai Desert

Many desert safaris let you add a 30-minute self-drive ride on a quad bike or a dune buggy. Both are exciting, but they are different machines. This guide helps you choose.

The short answer

• Choose the quad bike if you want a simpler, more affordable ride and the chance to include younger riders as passengers.
• Choose the dune buggy if you want a more powerful, more thrilling ride.

Quad bike

A quad bike is a four-wheeled bike that you steer with handlebars, a little like a motorbike. It is easy to learn and a popular first choice.

Good to know:

• It is a self-drive activity, taken at your own risk.
• Riders aged 14 and above can drive the quad bike. Younger children can ride as a pillion passenger with another rider.
• On the 4-hour safari, adding a 30-minute quad bike ride brings the shared price to AED 132 per person at the time of writing.

Dune buggy

A dune buggy is a small, powerful off-road vehicle with a steering wheel and seats. Our rides use the Polaris 1000cc buggy. It is faster and more demanding than a quad bike, and many guests find it the highlight of the day.

Good to know:

• It is also self-drive. Check the tour page for the age rules and whether a passenger can ride with you.
• Because the vehicle is more powerful, it costs more: on the 4-hour safari, a 30-minute dune buggy ride brings the shared price to AED 327 per person at the time of writing.
• You can also book the dune buggy experience on its own.

Safety for both

1. Listen to the instructions you are given and follow your guide.
2. Use the safety equipment provided.
3. Wear closed shoes and keep to the route you are shown.
4. If you have back or heart problems, are pregnant, or have any health concern, speak to us before booking.

How to decide

1. Who is driving? Teenagers and first-timers often prefer the quad bike.
2. What do you want from it? For maximum thrill, the dune buggy.
3. What is your budget? The quad bike is the lower-priced add-on.

Book your ride

Browse our quad bike tours and dune buggy tours, or add a ride to a desert safari. Our price guide shows how add-ons change the total. A full refund is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before; see the cancellation policy.