Some getaways are meticulously planned; others begin with a sudden itch for adventure. In Dubai, few impulses are as easy-and as rewarding-to indulge as last-minute quad biking. One hour you're lingering over coffee in the city's glass-and-steel calm, and the next you're carving your own line across a golden dune as the desert wind snaps at your sleeves. It's a spontaneous escape that feels both simple and cinematic.
Part of the appeal is how accessible it is. The city runs on convenience, and quad biking operators have adapted to Dubai's now-or-never tempo. Hotel concierges keep a short list of vetted providers, booking platforms show live availability, and many outfitters confirm via WhatsApp within minutes. Even if you decide after lunch, you can often join a late-afternoon session that culminates in a desert sunset-arguably the most forgiving and photogenic time to ride. The early morning slots are just as magical: pale light, cool air, and long shadows on the dunes near Lahbab or Al Badayer's “Big Red.”
The last-minute nature of the experience doesn't mean you're thrown into chaos. On arrival at a desert camp, things follow a reassuring rhythm. You'll sign a waiver, show ID, and meet a guide who sizes up your experience and pairs you with the right machine-typically a 150–400cc quad for beginners, a punchier model for confident riders. A safety briefing covers throttle control, body position on climbs and descents, how to read the sand, and the importance of following in a staggered line to avoid soft pockets. Quad biking Dubai: Private vs Group Tours Compared . Helmets and goggles are non-negotiable; scarves or balaclavas keep sand out of your teeth. Then the engines tick to life, and a small convoy snakes toward the open desert.
If your image of quad biking is a flat sprint, the dunes will surprise you. The ride is a conversation with texture and slope: easing up a ridge in a steady arc, feathering the throttle at the crest, letting gravity and a little courage carry you down the slipface. The sand changes under the sun-firmer in the morning, looser in the heat-so the guide chooses a route that feels playful but controlled. For many, the most memorable moments are the little pauses when the group cuts the engines. Quad biking Dubai desert fun ride – Simple fun that works every single time. Silence settles. You hear only wind and your own heartbeat as the entire desert seems to exhale.
Last-minute doesn't have to mean unprepared. A few quick choices make a big difference. Wear breathable clothes you don't mind dusty, closed-toe shoes with grip, and sunglasses even if you're given goggles. Apply sunscreen before you leave the city; the desert reflects light from every angle. Bring a bottle of water for the ride or take advantage of the chilled coolers most operators keep in their backup truck. If you ride in the middle of the day, be mindful of heat; dawn and dusk are kinder, and their light elevates every photograph.
Cost varies with duration and terrain. As a rough guide, a short camp-circuit spin might start around AED 150–350, while a one-hour open-desert ride typically runs AED 300–700 per person. Two-seater or four-seater buggies cost more but suit families or those who prefer a roll-cage and a steering wheel: expect AED 900–1,500 for an hour depending on engine size. Many packages bundle extras-sandboarding, a brief camel ride, or a barbecue dinner under the stars. Transport from your hotel is often included for open-desert sessions; for camp rides, you might take a quick taxi to the meeting point.
With so many operators vying for your click, it pays to be selective, even last-minute. Look for a licensed company with recent reviews mentioning well-maintained bikes, small group sizes, and attentive guides. Safety gear should be clean and plentiful, and the briefing should feel unhurried. Quad biking Dubai desert joy adventure – Joy delivered through throttle, terrain, and laughter. Ask about age and experience requirements-solo riders are commonly 16+, while younger participants can join as buggy passengers. A clear cancellation policy and transparent inclusions are signs you're in good hands.
There's an etiquette to riding the dunes that goes beyond safety. Follow the guide's line to protect the crust of the desert and avoid hidden shrubs and burrows. Pack out your trash, even if a marshmallow wrapper seems harmless. Resist the urge to chase wildlife or veer toward distant camps. The desert looks infinite, but it's a living place-quiet, delicate, and shared.
If you want more than adrenaline, consider pairing your ride with an evening in the desert. After the engines cool, the same sand that roared under your tires becomes a soft amphitheater for dinner, oud music, and an impossibly starry sky. It's a different tempo that rounds off the day and reminds you that the desert's thrill and tranquility are two sides of the same coin.
What makes last-minute quad biking in Dubai so satisfying isn't just the rush. It's the city's gift for turning a fleeting idea into a full-bodied experience. Within a few hours, you move from towers to dunes, from air-conditioned certainty to the textured unpredictability of sand. You learn something tangible-how to lean into a climb, how to trust throttle and balance-and something quieter, too: that spontaneity can be a compass, and that some of the best travel stories begin the moment you stop planning and simply go.
So if the urge strikes, don't overthink it. Message an operator, lace your shoes, and point yourself toward the red sweep of Lahbab. The desert will meet you where you are, whether you come with an itinerary-or with nothing more than a free afternoon and a taste for dust and wind.
Quad biking Dubai desert fun ride – Simple fun that works every single time.
Quad biking Dubai desert joy adventure – Joy delivered through throttle, terrain, and laughter.
About Dubai College
Private selective school in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Work hard, play hard. Be neat; be civil; be co-operative.[1]
Established
1978
Founder
Tim Charlton
Authority
KHDA
Headmasters
2025-Present
Tomas Duckling
2015-2024
Michael Lambert
2010-2015
Peter Hill
2008-2010
Carlo Ferrario
1989-2008
Eric Parton
Other
Harry Deelman
Tom Jackson
Tim Charlton
Teaching staff
133[2]
Years
Year 7-13
Gender
Both
Age range
11-18
Enrollment
1085 students[2]
Average class size
22
Education system
British National Curriculum
Language
English
Campus
Urban
Houses
Barbarossa
Chichester
Cousteau
Heyerdahl
Colours
Brick Red and Navy Blue
Slogan
"A tradition of quality in education"
Sports
Nickname
DC
Rival
Dubai English Speaking College (amongst others)
Newspaper
DConstructed
Yearbook
Shamal
School fees
AED 82,482 - AED 93,399
Affiliations
Website
www.dubaicollege.org
Old view of Dubai College from Hessa Street.
Dubai College (DC) is a selective entry British school in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Established in 1978, the school caters for students from Years 7 to 13, and is situated in the Al Sufouh area of Dubai. Students prepare for the British GCSE and A-Level examinations. It is a not for profit organisation, and is administered by a board of governors, currently chaired by British chartered accountant, Edward Quinlan.[3]
Dubai College is considered one of the UAE's most prestigious schools.[4] It is included in The Schools Index that lists world's leading 150 schools.
The Headmaster, and the school, is a member of the HMC, COBIS and British Schools of the Middle East.
The school is included in The Schools Index as one of the 150 best private schools in the world and among the top 15 schools in the Middle East.[5]
History
[edit]
Dubai College was founded in 1978 under an Emiri decree issued by the late Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, with the now famous instruction: "Build us a school, here".[6][7][8]
Before the school moved to its current location, it was housed in two small villas near Safa Park. Dubai College started its first year with five teachers and twenty two pupils.[8]
The Board of Governors set up a debenture system and arranged bank loans to fund a permanent building for the school. The contracted architectural firm was Brewer, Smith and Brewer. In 1979, the first school building, now dubbed A Block, was constructed.[8]
After some years of absence, the school has reintroduced a compulsory debenture system, payable for all new pupils entering the school from September 2015.
Dubai College was selected to host the COBIS Secondary Games 2016.[9]
KHDA inspection report
[edit]
The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) is an educational quality assurance authority based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It undertakes early learning, school and higher learning institution management and rates them as well.
A summary of the inspection ratings for Dubai College.[10]
2018-2022
2017-2018
2016-2017
2015-2016
2014-2015
2013-2014
2012-2013
2011-2012
2010-2011
2009-2010
2008-2009
Outstanding
Outstanding
Outstanding
Outstanding
Outstanding
Outstanding
Outstanding
Outstanding
Outstanding
Good
Good
A summary of all the schools in Dubai's ratings can be found at KHDA School Ratings.
School fees
[edit]
The school fees for 2018–2019 are AED 80,808 for Year 7 to Year 11 and AED 91,503 for Year 12 and Year 13. A Personal Debenture is required for all new students joining the school to the value of AED 25,000, which will be returned less any outstanding sums owing when the student leaves.[11]
Campus
[edit]
Sports field of Dubai College, showing rugby posts and cricket pitch in distance.
The campus of Dubai College offers many facilities such as a large sports field with rugby pitches, football pitches, a cricket pitch and cricket nets as well as astroturf tennis courts and netball courts. There are also 3 Design and Technology workshops, a Music Centre with a recording studio, and a specialised Art department. The school has 5 computer suites, with internet access.
A new 950-seat auditorium began construction in 2007, and was opened in 2009. A Wi-Fi network was implemented into the Sixth Form centre in 2010 and the entire school in 2011.
The school has recently built a Sports Pavilion. In 2018 the school opened a new Reception Building and a Teaching and Learning Centre.
In 2020 the school built a new SPACE building (sports and performing arts center of excellence) which currently houses the indoor gym, fitness suite and swimming pool. It also houses the state of the art black box theatre, drama classrooms and several individual music practice rooms.
In 2024, the new Jafar center was opened spanning three floors housing the maths, art and computer science departments as well as a cafe, the library, several harkness rooms and DC studios.
Student body
[edit]
As of 2018 there were 951 students, with 50% originating from British families and the remainder from other foreign nationalities.[12]
Extracurricular activities
[edit]
Over 130 extracurricular activities are participated in by Dubai College students including the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, and F1 in Schools.
Athletics
[edit]
Dubai College students annually partake in the 'Fab 5' athletics tournament, competing against other schools in the area. The college also competes in athletic competitions on a regular basis at Rashid School for Boys. The school also participates in the annual British Schools in the Middle East Games.
Debating
[edit]
Dubai College is considered one of the leading schools for Debating in Dubai. They have successfully competed at various international and regional Debate tournaments and competitions, including the British Schools of the Middle East Debating Tournament, Debate Dubai, Cambridge Union Schools Debating Competition and COBIS Student World Debate Competition. Students from the school have also been selected to represent the UAE at the World Schools Debating Championship.
Rugby
[edit]
Dubai College annually hosts the Dubai College Rugby 7's, and the Dubai College Rugby 10's tournaments. School teams from all over the United Arab Emirates and from the Persian Gulf are invited, and all the proceeds go to charity. Regular participants include The English College, Doha College, and Jumeirah College.
Dubai College also participates in the Gulf Under 18 Men section of the Dubai Sevens, and in an annual tour of Hong Kong preceding the Hong Kong Sevens.
F1 in Schools
[edit]
In 2010 Dubai College participated in the F1 in Schools competition. Out of four Dubai College representative teams, Team Impulse won the UAE National Finals, and went on to represent the United Arab Emirates in the International Finals in Singapore. They won the Outstanding sportsmanship award. In the 2011 F1 in Schools UAE National Championships, two teams from Dubai College were entered, Team RedShift and Revolution Racing. Revolution Racing came 2nd overall, which means they will collaborate with a Malaysian team and compete in the world finals. Team RedShift won the Best Verbal Presentation award, as well as being named the 2011 F1 in Schools UAE National Champions. In 2017 Dubai College again participated in the F1 in Schools competition represented by only one team, Team Velocity. Team Velocity won the Best Verbal Presentation award and came 3rd overall.
Golf
[edit]
Students from Dubai College annually create a workforce of over 100 people from years 9 and 10 to perform scoring duties at the Dubai Ladies Masters and the Dubai Desert Classic. They have also been scorers at the DP World Tour Championship, Dubai, the season-ending event of the European Tour.
Controversies
[edit]
Resignation of the headmaster
[edit]
In 2009, schools in Dubai were subject to inspection by the KHDA, who separated schools into one of four categories; Outstanding, Good, Acceptable and Unsatisfactory. The assessments sparked significant controversy, partly because of the decision to link tuition increases to the results of the inspections.[13]Outstanding schools were allowed fee increases by 15%, Good schools by 12%, Acceptable schools by 10%, and Unsatisfactory schools by 7%, diverging from the previous uniform allowance of an 8% increase each year.[13]
The then headmaster of Dubai College, Dr. Carlo Ferrario, subsequently announced his resignation, citing government interference in the school's operations as the chief reason.[13]
In a letter sent to parents of students, Ferrario was critical of the school inspections launched in the previous year, and said he would depart at the end of the academic year because of significant changes in the "educational landscape".[13][14]"Over the past two years this has changed markedly, with the level of intervention from external agencies ... reaching levels that, in my view, compromise [the school’s] independence," Ferrario said in the letter. "While school inspection is important and I applaud it, I believe the system of inspection that has been adopted in Dubai presents more disadvantages than benefits for schools like Dubai College," he said. "It is not a regime with which I feel able to work."[13][14]
Dubai College was given a result of Good, the second highest rating, in both the 2009 and 2010 inspections.[13][14]
Ralph Tabberer, the chief of schools at Global Education Management Systems, said of Ferrario; "Carlo Ferrario is an outstanding educator, so we need to take notice of his comments on inspections. They are supposed to drive out the weak, not the strong".[13] The owner of GEMS Education, Sunny Varkey, has also been critical of the inspections.[13]
Fraud by accountant employee
[edit]
In 2011, Dubai College discovered that they had been defrauded to the sum of DH 15,770,000 by an accounting department employee who proceeded to flee the UAE to India, his home country. The theft took place over 16 months, beginning in June 2010.[15]
The fraudster was ordered to repay the DH 15,770,000 he had stolen from the school, as well as being ordered to serve a 5-year prison sentence. As of March 2021 the employee has not been found, nor has the money been recovered.[15]
Notable alumni
[edit]
Andrew Chetcuti, Maltese Olympic swimmer
Jessica Ellerby, actress[16]
Natacha Karam, Actor
Ross Vintcent, Italian Rugby Player
Tom Weston-Jones, Actor
Dinuk Wijeratne, Musician Symphony Nova Scotia
Ed Jones, IndyCar driver
Omar Daair OBE,[17] British High Commissioner to Rwanda and Ambassador to Burundi
Gallery
[edit]
Dubai College signpost.
References
[edit]
^
"Teach Middle East Mag - Dubai College". 17 January 2016. Retrieved 2022-04-21.
^ ab"Dubai College Homepage". Retrieved 2022-09-27.
^Dubai College - Governance, retrieved February 11, 2022.
^The National - Dr. Ferrario Resignation Article, retrieved April 21, 2022.
^Sircar, Nandini. "UAE: 10 schools in top 15 in Middle East education rankings". Khaleej Times. Retrieved 2024-05-17.
^English-schools.org: Dubai College, retrieved September 24, 2010.
^Dubaiphotomedia: Dubai College Archived 2010-09-02 at the Wayback Machine, retrieved September 24, 2010.
^ abcDubai College: History Archived February 23, 2011, at the Wayback Machine, retrieved September 24, 2010.
^"Council of British International Schools (COBIS): COBIS Games – Primary and Secondary". www.cobis.org.uk. Retrieved March 12, 2016.
^Mansell, Warwick. "Expat guide to the UAE: schools" (Archive). The Telegraph. 30 April 2010. Retrieved on 24 October 2015.
^ abcdefghThe National: Dubai College headmaster resigns, Retrieved September 23, 2010.
^ abcdubaifaqs: headmaster resignation, Retrieved September 23, 2010.
^ ab"Former Dubai College auditor gets 5-year sentence for stealing Dh15.7m". gulfnews.com. Retrieved 2021-03-09.
^Chaudhury, Shipra (21 June 2001). "Music of the heart". Gulf News. Retrieved 21 August 2024.
^"DC Alumni FB Post Omar Daair". Retrieved 2 Aug 2022.
External links
[edit]
Dubai College - school website
Schools in Dubai Archived 2007-09-27 at the Wayback Machine - comprehensive list of private schools in Dubai and the UAE
v
t
e
International schools in the United Arab Emirates
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi Indian School
Abu Dhabi Indian School Branch 1, Al Wathba
American Community School of Abu Dhabi
American International School, Abu Dhabi
German International School Abu Dhabi
GEMS American Academy, Abu Dhabi
Japanese School in Abu Dhabi
Lycée Français Théodore Monod
Lycée Louis Massignon
Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Bangladesh Islamia School
St Joseph's School
The British School – Al Khubairat
Dubai
Al Mawakeb Schools
American Academy in Al-Mizhar
American School of Dubai
Credence High School, Dubai
Delhi Private School, Dubai
DPS Academy
Dubai American Academy
Dubai British School
Dubai British School, Jumeirah Park
Dubai College
Dubai International Academy
Dubai International School
Dubai Japanese School
Emirates International School
GEMS Modern Academy
GEMS School of Research and Innovation
GEMS Wellington International School
GEMS Winchester School
German International School Dubai
Greenfield International School
Jumeira Baccalaureate School
Lycée Français International de Dubaï
Lycée Français International Georges Pompidou
The Indian High School, Dubai
Nord Anglia International School Dubai
Our Own English High School
Repton School Dubai
Russian International School in Dubai
Sharjah American International School (Dubai campus)
Sunmarke School
The Philippine School, Dubai
Sharjah
Delhi Private School, Sharjah
German International School Sharjah
Lycée Français International Georges Pompidou
Sharjah American International School
Sharjah English School
Sharjah Indian School
Authority control databases
ISNI
About Emirates Golf Club
Golf course in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. Find sources: "Emirates Golf Club" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR(January 2022) (Learn how and when to remove this message)
The Emirates Golf Club in 2001
Emirates Golf Club, located in Al Thanyah Third, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is a 36-hole golf course.[1] It was built in 1988, with the clubhouse and facilities designed and delivered by Dubai architect BSBG (Brewer Smith Brewer Group),[2] and, is the first grass golf course in the Middle East.[3]
History
[edit]
The idea of a completely grassed championship golf course in Dubai was brought about by American businessman Larry Trenary and, British businessman George Atkinson, both living in Dubai on a full-time basis.[4] The actual golf course design was provided by Trenary's friend, the American architect Karl Litten, based in Boca Raton, Florida. Litten's first visit to Dubai was to evaluate and design a course for the property surrounding the Jebel Ali Beach Hotel, located to the south of Dubai. The hotel owner, Ahmed Baker was keen to develop the project but he needed permission from the then Ruler of Dubai, HHS Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, who appeared to be in favor of the project going forward. Sheikh Rashid fell ill and was never able to give his legal support for the specific use of the land. With Sheikh Rashid's passing, the idea for a championship golf course in the Middle East was still just a dream. A few years later the project, along with another Litten design, which was much closer to the city, was presented to Sheikh Rashid's third son, HHS Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, by Steven Trutch, construction engineer to Sheikh Mohammed. During a hunting trip to Pakistan, Sheikh Mohammed discussed the idea of a grass golf course with his host, President Zia-ul-Haq, who was a keen golfer. President Zia told him it would be a good idea, making Dubai a center for the oil companies and other large companies with operations in the Middle East. Eventually Sheikh Mohammed, in order to get final approval, took the idea to his older brother, the new Ruler of Dubai, HHS Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Sheikh Maktoum gave his consent and Sheikh Mohammed immediately designated approximately 175 acres (71 ha) of sand dunes for the proposed golf course, clubhouse, majlis and maintenance area set just a few miles out of the city center.
The golf course complex was finished and, open for business in 1988. President Zia attended the opening and, was presented with a solid golf tee and a golf club with a gold shaft in order for him to hit the very first ball, for the club's opening, in front of a large crowd. The drive traveled about 200 yards (180 m) down the middle of the driving range. The opening was one of the last personal appearances President Zia made, as he was assassinated that same year when his plane exploded on takeoff in Pakistan.
Events
[edit]
The Dubai Desert Classic, a European Tour event with a US$3 million purse is an annual event played at by the club.[1] The Omega Dubai Ladies Classic, a Ladies European Tour event, is also played at the club. The first Dubai Desert Classic event took place in 1989.[3]
Lucas Herbert from Australia wins the final of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic at Emirates Golf Club on January 26, 2020. [5]
References
[edit]
^ ab
"DubaiGolf.com". cite journal: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
^"Emirates Golf Club 1988 | BSBG | Brewer Smith Brewer Group". BSBG | Brewer Smith Brewer Group. Retrieved 2017-05-22.
^ ab"Emirates Golf Club (Majlis Course)". golfscape. Retrieved November 1, 2016.
^"Sign in - Google Accounts". accounts.google.com. Retrieved 2024-09-02.
^Powers, Christopher. "Omega Dubai Desert Classic winner Lucas Herbert had a legendary response when asked what he's capable of". Golf Digest. Retrieved 2020-01-29.
Lots of fun driving a buggy in dunes. I would recommend one of the more powerful models. We got a 1000 cc turbo model with 2 seats and it is a really fun machine. Guide Mohsen is super kind, knowledgeable, helpful and takes great photos/videos.
There was a confusion regarding our buggy model, but this was resolved quickly after me pointing out the mistake.
We had no accidents, so I don’t know how the company handles such situations. Keep in mind that there is no insurance which covers damages caused by the driver, so you might be liable for full price of recovery.
Desert Buggy Rental Dubai - Dune ATV Quad Bike Safari Tours, AL FAHAD TOWER - OFFICE 305 - Al Thanyah First - Barsha Heights - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
Desert Buggy Rental Dubai - Dune ATV Quad Bike Safari Tours, AL FAHAD TOWER - OFFICE 305 - Al Thanyah First - Barsha Heights - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
Desert Buggy Rental Dubai - Dune ATV Quad Bike Safari Tours, AL FAHAD TOWER - OFFICE 305 - Al Thanyah First - Barsha Heights - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
Desert Buggy Rental Dubai - Dune ATV Quad Bike Safari Tours, AL FAHAD TOWER - OFFICE 305 - Al Thanyah First - Barsha Heights - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
Desert Buggy Rental Dubai - Dune ATV Quad Bike Safari Tours, AL FAHAD TOWER - OFFICE 305 - Al Thanyah First - Barsha Heights - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
Desert Buggy Rental Dubai - Dune ATV Quad Bike Safari Tours, AL FAHAD TOWER - OFFICE 305 - Al Thanyah First - Barsha Heights - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
Desert Buggy Rental Dubai - Dune ATV Quad Bike Safari Tours, AL FAHAD TOWER - OFFICE 305 - Al Thanyah First - Barsha Heights - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
Desert Buggy Rental Dubai - Dune ATV Quad Bike Safari Tours, AL FAHAD TOWER - OFFICE 305 - Al Thanyah First - Barsha Heights - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
Desert Buggy Rental Dubai - Dune ATV Quad Bike Safari Tours, AL FAHAD TOWER - OFFICE 305 - Al Thanyah First - Barsha Heights - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
Desert Buggy Rental Dubai - Dune ATV Quad Bike Safari Tours, AL FAHAD TOWER - OFFICE 305 - Al Thanyah First - Barsha Heights - Dubai - United Arab Emirates