Sunday, April 22, 2012

Dune Bashing in Dubai, UAE


Dubai certainly lives up to its ostentatious extravagant reputation.  Amidst the glittering luxurious world-class hotels, malls complete with indoor skiing, artificial islands in the shape of palm trees floating in the sparkling waters of the Persian Gulf, and towering skyscrapers that loom over the bustling city, one can easily forget that they are in fact in the desert.  And not just any desert, the Arabian Desert.

When you tire from shopping and frolicking on the beach, head out of town to explore the vast desolate beauty of the desert. A fantastic way to experience the desert is to go dune bashing. Dune bashing, essentially is riding the hills of the sand dunes in a four-wheel vehicle such as a Toyota Land Cruiser.  Tire pressure is reduced before you get started to gain more traction on the sand.


Flying up the sand dunes at what felt like ridiculous speed, with thumping Arabic music pouring out of the driver’s stereo, was without a doubt, an exhilarating ride.


Timed to perfection to absorb uninterrupted views of one of the finest sunsets I have seen, this excursion was the highlight of my Dubai adventure.