Dune buggies, dune bashing, camel rides, desert camping, quad biking – there are loads of desert activities in Dubai and Abu Dhabi that should be on your bucket list. And if you’re looking for one more – stick horse riding in the desert on there too.
Being so close to such beautiful desert in the UAE, it’s the perfect opportunity to get back to nature and try horse riding, especially in a country that’s so famous for its equestrian sports.
And not only is it a top way to spend time with animals (for more on that click here), it’s also a fun way to keep fit and get some exercise.
Horse riding is excellent for improving core strength, and whether you’re a dressage pro or a happy hacker, a ride in the UAE desert should be just enough to set you up with a new hobby.
Looking for where to go horse riding in the desert in the UAE? Read on.
Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club, Dubai
This one isn’t all about the polo, although in winter there are plenty of high-end matches to keep you occupied if you’re into it. But this swanky riding stables and polo resort also offers desert rides as it’s a top place for all equestrian sport. Your desert ride sparked a passion for horse riding? You can get lessons in showjumping and dressage as well as polo, and they cater for beginners to advanced riders, so whatever your level there’ll be something to suit. Who knows, you might even become the next Nacho Figueras.
Dubailand, alhabtoorpoloresortandclub.com (04 436 2222).
Al Ali Stables, Dubai
This is a spot to really get away from it all and head out into the dunes on horse back. There are desert rides for all abilities, and riders are split into groups so whether you’re up for a gentle walk across the sand or cantering over the dunes you’ll be well catered for. Pro rider? The stables also provides private professional endurance racing training.
Al Ruwaya @alalistable_horseriding (055 478 8889).
Al Jiyad Stables, Dubai
This desert spot has more than 120 Arabian and part-bred Arab horses for you to ride. If you’re looking for a desert horse ride in Dubai this could well be for you – especially with the stunning setting. Set out in the Al Marmoum conservation area you’ll get to see the UAE’s beautiful desert wildlife up close and enjoy the views of the rolling dunes, all from your trusty mount. The hourly desert hacks are suitable for all levels of rider.
Al Qudra Road. www.aljiyadstables.com (050 559 9262).
Bab Al Shams, Dubai
This luxury desert resort offers desert hacks daily from 6am until 6pm, and the stables has horses suitable for all levels. There are also ponies for younger riders if you want to go for a ride across the dunes as a family and it’s a top place to make the most of the desert. Why not extend it into a pool day or staycation and enjoy the stunning infinity pool after your horse ride in the desert? For more on the latest staycation deals click here.
Dhs320 (one-hour hack). Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa, Al Qudra, babalshams.com/horse-riding.
Baniyas Equestrian Center, Abu Dhabi
This is an incredible place to really get back to nature while on horseback. There are several different types of desert ride on offer – so whatever level of rider you are you’ll find something to suit your skills. Beginners can start off with a 30- to 45-minute dune ride, riding over sand dunes with an experienced team of instructors. Meanwhile if you’re more confident in the saddle, intermediate riders can go on a one-hour or 90-minute bush trail or beach ride. Experienced riders can go on a wildlife ride around Sir Bani Yas wildlife park, where you’ll see everything from gazelle to giraffes. You can also sign up for lessons if you want to brush up your skills.
Al Nahda East 13 (050 823 2900).
Desert Palm Riding School, Dubai
This gorgeous location offers the chance to improve your horse riding skills, whatever age you are. It also offers competitions in showjumping, one-day eventing and dressage if you’re an experience rider looking for a challenge. But if you’re looking for a hack around the stunning estate you can also do that here.
Al Awir Road, desertpalmllc.com (050 451 7773).
Emirates Equestrian Centre, Dubai
This is one of the best places to go horse riding in Dubai, although you’ll need to have some level of riding skill to go on a desert hack here. You need to be able to walk, trot and canter – but if you know your stuff then this is a brilliant option to check out. Rides start at Dhs250 for an hour and half and you can go at 9am or 4.30pm. There are also loads of lessons and competitions taking place at Emirates Equestrian Centre, so if you’re new to the region and love horse riding this should be one of your first ports of call.
Al Qudra, emiratesequestriancentre.com/desert-hacking (050 558 7656).
Horse Beach Riding, Abu Dhabi
Don’t be misled by the name – this company does arrange horse rides on the beach, but it also takes you on treks on a different type of sand, too. Horse Beach Riding organises desert horse rides in Abu Dhabi. Rides are two hours long and start at Dhs350 and you’ll see the stunning landscape of the Arabian desert from a different vantage point. Rides kick off at 6am and 5pm so you’ll miss the heat of the day, and you might even see some wildlife while you’re there too. Fancy the beach riding we talked about earlier? You can even go swimming with the horses in the sea with the same company if you enjoyed your desert ride, with prices starting at Dhs750 including a meal. The company also rehabilitates horses.
From Dhs350. Daily 6am and 5pm. horsebeachriding.com
JA Equestrian Centre, Dubai
This state-of-the-art equestrian centre in Jebel Ali offers heaps of different riding experiences, from lessons to hacks and more. Getting a little hot, or fancy trying something totally different? You can even go swimming in the Arabian Gulf with horses here, for an utterly memorable experience. A bucket-list experience for pony-mad kids (and adults).
JA The Resort, Jebel Ali, jaresortshotels.com (04 814 5555).
