Sandboarding in Doha: A Face Full of Sand in Qatar

Sandboarder descending a dune near Doha — Legit tasty waves bruh

Objective: Sandboarding in Doha, Qatar	Location: From Doha in the Arabian Desert to the Persian Gulf
Trip Length: 4 hours (including camel rides, sandboarding, dunebashing, and driving to the Inland Sea)

Sandboarding in Doha, Qatar

Sandboarding is a hybrid board sport with elements from snowboarding, surfing, and skateboarding. Riders stand on boards and then drift down sand dunes. The sand is soft and powdery, so balancing is light yet challenging. Explore the desert with a sandboarding trip just an hour outside Doha in the Qatari dunes. You will be carving up swirling sprays of sand in no time!

A map showing the route from Doha to the Inland Sea, including labels for the stops along the way

A pair of Landcruisers parked at the top of a sand dune — Undisclosed Sandboarding Location

Dune Bashing to a Secret Spot

Many desert adventures bundle camel rides, dune bashing, sandboarding, and trips to the Inland Sea together. After a quick camel ride, a Land Cruiser goes off-roading through the Arabian Desert. Across many desert dunes and unmarked routes, we eventually reach the edge of a tall hill. The guides unload the boards and lay them at the edge of a particularly steep dune. We all sit by the boards and take turns riding the dunes.

Sandboarder finding his balance on a board — Feeding the stoke 100%

Finding Your Balance

The sandboard has bindings, but no clips to hold your feet to the bindings. Since we’re beginners, it’s probably designed to let us fall off the board without breaking our ankles. Because of this, you won’t really be carving too much. Assume a stance with your dominant foot in back for steering and your lead foot in front for balance. Then, go straight down and stay upright for as long as possible. Afterwards, when you wipe out, grains of sand will completely cover you.

Sandboarders sliding down a desert dune an hour from Doha — Racing the sands of time

Slip Sliding Away

The straighter you stand up, the faster the board goes. The lower you crouch, the slower you go, at least, that’s the theory. The sand acts more like a fluid and you flow down the hill like there’s a wave behind you. So, it’s not as fast as snowboarding. Because of the friction of the sand, put your full weight on your rear foot to control the speed. It also lifts the front of the board a bit so you don’t catch an edge and flip. Shift your weight between toes and heels to turn. You can also put a hand down on the sand to slow down. Or, just go full blast, and after a number of seconds, launch into the sand at the bottom.

A person climbing up a sand dune while holding a board — Climb up for another round

Going Back for More

Where’s the ski lift? The hike back up the hill is really steep, which is why they have placed a ladder in the sand. Every step you take, you slip back down a bit as well. On the ladder, you don’t slip at all. Climbing up the hill is really going to zap your energy. In this sport, there is nothing better than the rush of gliding on the way down. While you wait for your turn, they pass out ice cold water and frosty sodas. As it turns out, that’s exactly what you need when you’re standing around in the desert heat under direct sunshine.

Sandboarding in Doha — Golden sands and endless dunes

Looking back, hopefully that has given you a taste of the thrills associated with sandboarding. After that, it’s more dune bashing until we reach the Inland Sea.

Plan Your Visit

Go sandboarding in Doha, dune bashing, camel riding, and explore the Inland Sea. Try this unique Qatari desert experience.

● Vendor: Get Your Guide
● When: Daily at 8:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m.
● What: A dune tour including a quick camel ride, sandboarding, and dune . bashing in a 4×4 to the Inland Sea.
● Price: From about $30 when I took the tour; current prices and
. availability may vary.

Directions

From Doha, a van drives south for 50 minutes past Mesaieed’s oil refineries to the Desert Safari Camel Ride center. After an obligatory camel ride, a Land Cruiser will take you dune bashing until you reach the sandboarding site.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the desert adventure include?

The dune tour includes:
● 50-minute 4×4 drive to Al Mesaieed.
● 30 minutes to take a quick camel ride, look at falcons, and have a sip of
. karak tea.
● 2 hours and 40 minutes for sandboarding and dune bashing in a 4×4 to
. the Inland Sea.

Is sandboarding in Doha good for beginners?

Yes, I’d never sandboarded before and was able to pick it up fairly easily.

How much does it cost?

The tour I took was about $30 through GetYourGuide. Prices change, so check before you book.

Do you need special equipment?

No, the guides provide the sandboards. Just bring closed-toe shoes and long socks to keep the sand out.

Are there any physical requirements?

No special fitness is required. But, the climb back up the dune is steep and tiring. Moderate fitness makes it easier.

What should you bring?

Wear lightweight clothing with closed-toe shoes. Also wear long socks to keep the sand out. Add sunscreen and sunglasses since there’s no shade on the dunes.