Falconry, Desert Motorsports & Wild Experiences in the Arabian Gulf

From falconry and dune buggies to camel racing and desert safaris, the Arabian Gulf is home to adrenaline-packed experiences that push the limits.

The Arabian Gulf is no stranger to opulence and innovation, but beneath the polished skylines lies a deep connection to thrill and tradition. 

For those who crave raw, wild experiences, the region delivers adventures that span cultural rituals, modern motorsports, and desert survival skills. Here are six unforgettable experiences to seek out across the Arabian Gulf.

Visitors can get up close with these majestic birds, learn about their care, and even hold one.
Visitors can get up close with these majestic birds, learn about their care, and even hold one at Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital.

Falconry at Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Falconry is more than a sport in the UAE – it’s a revered tradition that reflects the Emirati way of life. At the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital, visitors can get up close with these majestic birds of prey, learn about their care, and even hold one. The guided tour includes a walk through the world’s largest falcon hospital, complete with a falconry museum and flying demonstration in the desert garden.

Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital, Sweihan Road, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday, 10am – 2pm (Tours by appointment only)
Website

Skilled drivers navigate steep drops and sharp ridges in 4x4s.
Skilled drivers navigate steep drops and sharp ridges in 4x4s on the rust-coloured slopes at Big Red in Dubai, UAE.

Dune Bashing at Big Red, Dubai, UAE

Few things match the sheer adrenaline rush of dune bashing in the UAE’s famous ‘Big Red’ sand dune. Located just outside Dubai, the area attracts locals and tourists alike with its towering, rust-coloured slopes. Skilled drivers navigate steep drops and sharp ridges in 4x4s, offering a white-knuckle ride that’s as thrilling as it is scenic.

Al Badayer, Sharjah – Dubai Road, UAE
Opening Hours: Daily, 8am – 6pm (varies by tour operator)
Website

Catch a glimpse of this uniquely Gulf tradition during race season.
Catch a glimpse of this uniquely Arabian Gulf tradition, camel racing, during race season at Al Shahaniya in Doha, Qatar.

Camel Racing at Al Shahaniya, Doha, Qatar

A blend of old and new, camel racing in Qatar is both a historic sport and a futuristic spectacle. At Al Shahaniya Camel Racetrack, robot jockeys ride prized camels across the desert in fast-paced races. Catch a glimpse of this uniquely Gulf tradition during race season, or visit in the off-season to tour the training grounds and meet the animals.

Al Shahaniya Camel Racetrack, Al Shahaniya, Qatar
Opening Hours: Race season: October – February, races usually on Fridays and Saturdays
Website

Quad biking here is less about speed and more about navigating the landscape.
Quad biking in the Wahiba Sands, Oman is less about speed and more about navigating the landscape.

Quad Biking in the Wahiba Sands, Oman

Vast golden dunes, silence interrupted only by engine roars, and a horizon that seems to go on forever – welcome to Oman’s Wahiba Sands. Quad biking here is less about speed and more about navigating the fluid, ever-changing landscape. Local guides provide orientation and gear, leading groups through safe yet adventurous tracks across the desert.

Wahiba Sands, Ash Sharqiyah Governorate, Oman
Opening Hours: Daily, 7am – 7pm (advance booking recommended)
Website

Sandboard down mammoth dunes that reach up to 250 metres.
Sandboard down mammoth dunes that reach up to 250 metres at the Empty Quarter in Rub’ al Khali, Saudi Arabia.

Sandboarding at Empty Quarter, Rub’ al Khali, Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia’s Rub’ al Khali – the Empty Quarter – is the largest continuous sand desert in the world. Here, you can trade snow for sand and try your hand at sandboarding down mammoth dunes that reach up to 250 metres. The sheer scale of the desert makes it an ideal playground for this sport, combining elements of snowboarding with raw desert isolation.

Rub’ al Khali, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia (access via guided desert expeditions)
Opening Hours: Seasonal, typically October – April
Website

The circuit offers drift racing for those looking to control a car at high speeds in dramatic slides.
The Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir, Bahrain offers drift racing for those looking to control a car at high speeds in dramatic slides.

Drift Racing at Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir, Bahrain

Take motorsports off the sand and onto the track at Bahrain International Circuit. Known for hosting Formula 1, the circuit also offers drift racing experiences for those looking to control a car at high speeds in dramatic slides. Whether you’re a spectator or a participant, the roar of the engine and squeal of tyres delivers pure energy.

Gate 255, Gulf of Bahrain Avenue, Umm Jidar, Sakhir, Bahrain
Opening Hours: Varies by event and booking; advance reservations recommended
Website

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