Desert Off-Roading Trails Near Dubai: Masafi, Liwa & More

Dubai is one of the ideal locations where adventure enthusiasts can enjoy several activities such as desert safari, dune buggy etc. Off-roading in Dubai can be exciting. The diverse desert terrain, well-maintained off-roading trails, and availability of high-performance vehicles provide a thrilling experience. The adrenaline rush of navigating the challenging landscapes, dunes, and other obstacles in a desert makes off-roading an exciting adventure in Dubai. If you still haven’t discovered the scenic beauty of the off-roading trails near Dubai, here is all you need to know.

We have compiled a list of some popular off-roading trails near Dubai. You can also get to know the location and distance to the mentioned off-roading trails near Dubai. Also, make sure you get your car inspected before the road trip.

Popular Off-Roading Trails Near Dubai

Dubai is a major tourist destination, and off-roading is a popular adventure activity. The Emirate boasts a large desert area that offers diverse terrain for off-road trails in UAE Dubai. Moreover, due to the well-developed infrastructure, it is easy to organise off-roading trips in Dubai. If you are planning a road trip in the UAE, here are some popular off-roading trails in and around Dubai.

Al Badayer

Al Badayer is one of the preferred off-roading places near Dubai, located on Hatta Road. Hatta is one of the best roads to drive in the UAE. It is the ultimate destination for off-roading enthusiasts and is popular for its impressive ‘Big Red’ dunes due to its terracotta red colour.

The desert offers a range of off-roading activities such as dune-bashing, quad biking, sand skiing and dune driving. Besides, amateur riders can also rent a dirt bike or choose a dune buggy rental service. Moreover, several desert safari tours are also available in the area for thrill-seekers and families, alike.

Location: Hatta – Oman Road
Driving timings from Dubai: 45 minutes via Al Ain – Dubai Road/E66 and Dubai-Hatta Road/E44

Masafi

It is a small village located in the eastern part of the United Arab Emirates, divided between the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. It is known for its lush green landscape, surrounded by twisty mountains and rugged terrain.

In addition to its natural beauty, the desert is also a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors who are interested in the area’s history, culture, and outdoor recreation opportunities, including off-roading and hiking.

Location: The border of Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah
Driving timings from Dubai: Minimum 1 hour via Khorfakkan Road

Liwa Desert

The Liwa Desert is another best off-roading place near Dubai. It is located in the Western region of Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. It is a popular tourist destination where you can go for your weekend road trip in Dubai. The area attracts visitors who are interested in experiencing the area’s natural beauty, rich culture, and outdoor recreation opportunities, including off-roading, desert camping, and sandboarding.

The vast area of sand dunes in the desert provides challenging and exhilarating terrain for off-roading adventures. The sand dunes in Liwa are some of the largest and tallest in the world, reaching heights of up to 300 metres.

The soft sand and rolling hills offer a unique and dynamic driving experience, while the beautiful desert landscapes provide a breathtaking backdrop for these off-roading trips. Off-roaders can choose from guided tours or can explore the desert on their own, with a 4×4 vehicle and the necessary equipment. With its challenging terrain and stunning natural beauty, Liwa Desert is a popular destination for off-roaders and adventure seekers.

Location: Northern edge of Rub’ Al Khali – the Empty Quarter
Driving timings from Dubai: Minimum 3 hours via Sharjah-Kalba Road/E102 and Route 1

Sweihan Desert

Sweihan desert shares the border with Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. One of the popular off-roading trails near Dubai is known for its unique geological features and diverse desert flora and fauna. The desert is also a popular destination for camping, off-roading, and other adventure activities.

The desert is also known as the ‘Little Liwa Desert’ as it is a training ground for most Liwa enthusiasts. Since it is wide with dense sand dunes, only experienced and professional off-roaders are recommended to drive here. You can opt for these best cars for desert driving for this dune.

Location: Sweihan Road – Al-Hayer
Driving timings from Dubai: Approximately 1.5 hours via Al Ain – Dubai Road/E66 and Sweihan Road/E20

Al Qudra Desert

Al Qudra is a popular desert located just a short drive from Dubai in the vast Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve. The off-roading trail near Dubai is a large desert landscape that covers an area of approximately 87 sq. km, located about 50 km south of the city of Dubai.

It is one of the popular off-roading trails near Dubai. It features an exotic landscape with rolling sand dunes, making it an ideal location for off-roading and dune bashing. Besides, it also features various types of terrains, including sand, gravel, and hard-packed earth, which offer challenging and diverse off-road trails in UAE Dubai. Moreover, a man-made Al Qudra lake is located in the middle of the desert.

You can also find numerous tour companies offering different off-roading packages, making it easy for visitors to participate in this popular activity.

Location: Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve
Driving timings from Dubai: Half an hour via Sheikh Zayed Road/E11, D63 and Al Qudra Road/D63

Lahbab Desert

Stretching over 2,000 sq. km, the Lahbab Desert is a popular location for off-roading trails near Dubai. The desert is known for its vast expanse of sand dunes and unique terrain, which offer a challenging and exciting off-roading experience.

Lahbab is located about 45 km southeast of Dubai and is a popular destination for those looking for an outdoor adventure close to the city.

The desert is home to several desert wildlife sanctuaries, such as spiny-tailed lizards, oryx and gazelles. The desert is a perfect destination for sandboarding, dune bashing, and Bedouin-style camps.

Location: Between Dubai and the border of the Emirate of Sharjah
Driving timings from Dubai: Half an hour via Al Ain – Dubai Road/E66 and Jebel Ali – Lehbab Road/E77

With this, we end our list of popular off-roading trails near Dubai. The UAE government has implemented strict safety regulations for off-roading in the desert, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors. There are also several ultimate off-roading trails near Abu Dhabi.

Make sure you have already completed a desert driving course in Dubai before hitting the road. If you are planning to go on a road trip and camping, here are some popular used vehicles for sale to make your road trip more adventurous.

For more information on off-roading trails, stay tuned to UAE’s top auto blog.