SKILL GUIDE
From Novice to Pro: How Our Guided Desert Tours Cater to All Skill Levels
December 26, 2025
8 min read
Dubai Desert
One of the most common questions we get at Buggy Dunes is: "I've never driven off-road before—is it difficult?"
On the flip side, experienced riders often ask: "Will I be stuck in a slow convoy, or can I actually drive?"
The beauty of the Dubai desert is that it offers terrain for everyone, from flat, scenic plateaus to massive, technical dunes. At Buggy Dunes, we don't believe in a "one-size-fits-all" tour. Instead, our expert guides tailor the route, the pace, and the challenge level to match the driver.
Here is how we ensure you get the perfect adrenaline fix, whether it's your first time behind the wheel or your fiftieth.
If you have never driven a dune buggy, the vast Arabian desert can look intimidating. We make it accessible and safe from minute one.
Many first-timers worry about gears and clutches. You can relax—our fleet of Polaris RZR and Can-Am buggies are fully automatic (CVT transmission). It's as simple as:
For beginners, we don't head straight for the steepest climbs. Our guides will lead you through "soft" routes—flowing tracks with gentle inclines that let you feel the power of the machine without the fear of rolling or getting stuck. You get the thrill of sliding across the sand with zero stress.
You are never alone out there. Our lead guides stay in visual contact, using hand signals and stops to give you tips on how to handle the steering and throttle. By the end of the hour, you'll be driving with confidence you didn't know you had.
Pro Tip for Beginners: Trust the machine. Modern desert buggies have incredible suspension that soaks up bumps you think would stop a normal car.
If you are an experienced off-roader or a returning visitor, the last thing you want is a slow, flat tour. We get it. That's why we offer advanced route options for capable groups.
Once our guides assess that you have good car control, they will pick up the pace. We take you to the "technical" dunes—areas with sharper crests, tighter turns, and higher climbs. This is where you really feel the suspension and horsepower work.
For advanced riders on longer tours, we can head toward iconic spots like Al Badayer or Pink Rock. These require momentum and skill to climb. We will show you how to "side-slope" (driving across the face of a dune) and how to crest a peak safely while maintaining speed.
While we always prioritize safety, "guided" doesn't mean "restricted." If you show us you can handle the machine respectfully, we give you the room to enjoy the torque and drift that these high-performance buggies were built for.
The difference between a mediocre tour and an unforgettable one is the guide.
Our team doesn't just memorize one track. They read the sand conditions daily (which change with the wind) and they read you.
On busy days, if we have a mix of families and thrill-seekers, we often split the convoy so the fast drivers can go fast, and the scenic drivers can enjoy the view.
If a beginner is catching on quickly, the guide will gradually increase the difficulty, turning a novice into a confident driver in just 60 minutes.
Whether you want a gentle sunset cruise or a high-octane dune bashing session, we have the buggy and the guide for you.
Choose from 1-hour, 2-hour, or half-day desert safari packages.
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Discover why a dune buggy ride should be the very first adventure on your Dubai itinerary.