Dirt Bike Dubaiwith theMX-Academy

Dirt bike Dubai is a trip you can plan from home: pick your riding days, fly in and find bikes, gear and guides waiting at Jebel Ali. Track sessions, the desert, beach days and sightseeing all fit into one holiday.

Around 6 hrs' flight from Switzerland2 hrs ahead in Swiss summer, 3 in winterDate of your choiceMina Jebel Ali, Dubai

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Dirt bike Dubai: three riders sit astride red Honda bikes on rippled red sand, elbows up, ready to ride

Why fly to Dubai for dirt biking

A dirt bike in Dubai gives you what few riders find at home: open desert, dunes that glow red in the evening light and a riding school on site that takes care of bikes, gear and guiding. The MX-Academy Dubai trains on a track at Jebel Ali and takes riders into the desert once they have the skills. Every level is welcome, from children aged four and first-timers to racers looking for a new challenge.

Dirt biking in Dubai also fits into a normal family holiday. The city and the desert lie close together, so a morning on the bike and an afternoon on the beach, at a landmark or in a shopping mall is easy to arrange. Travel partners who do not ride will find plenty of inspiration under things to do in Dubai.

Flight, time difference and how long to stay

Flying from Switzerland, you reach Dubai after around six hours. Dubai keeps UTC+4 all year: when Switzerland switches to summer time the gap shrinks to two hours, and in winter it is three. That small gap makes even a long weekend worthwhile, with one or two riding days and a little time for the city.

To make real progress, plan a week. First-timers who want to ride in the desert spend around three days on the track beforehand, while riders with experience need one sand training day or more. A week leaves room for that preparation, a guided desert ride and a rest day or two. There is also a multi-day racing week: three track lessons, then a desert ride.

Dirt bike in Dubai: a rider pauses on his Honda amid orange sand ripples, small shrubs and a rocky ridge

Light bikes and full gear waiting at Jebel Ali

There is no need to ship a bike. The school rents competition bikes for every size of rider, from the Yamaha PW50, Torrot kids' bikes and the Honda CRF70 for the smallest up to the CRF110, CRF150, CRF250 and the KTM SX-F 250, plus complete protective gear. A light bike such as the CRF250, at around 110 kg, handles soft sand far better than a heavy travel enduro, and that means more fun and more safety in the dunes.

Packing is simple as a result. If you prefer your own helmet, boots or complete kit, bring it along; experienced riders may even ride their own bike. Renting without coaching is limited to intermediate riders or supervised riders, so first-timers ride with coaching or supervision. Prices are in AED and apply on site in Dubai: a half-hour introduction in a group is AED 500 for an adult and AED 400 for a child up to 12.

Dirt biking in Dubai: two riders plough down a dune on orange and white bikes, sand spraying over the plain

From the training track into the dunes

Every trip starts on the track. The coaches check your level and begin with the fundamentals: standing and sitting positions, braking and accelerating, foot placement, loading the footpegs and throttle control. Advanced riders move on to jumps, starts and ruts. Many guests ride a motorbike for the first time and still manage basic jumps after one day. Lessons are booked as a group of two or more or as a private lesson, as explained under motocross training in Dubai.

In the desert, experienced guides lead groups matched to skill and fitness; Mohammed Jaffar and Mohammed Al Balooshi are two of them. They teach you to read the sand, choose a line, ride dune slopes and jump when you are ready. A ride can take a few hours or most of a day, and overnight tours are possible. Behind MX-Academy Dubai stand Chris Möckli and Mohammed Al Balooshi, whose school it is; both are seasoned motocross and rally riders with local knowledge.

Dirt bike UAE: a rider in blue and white Red Bull kit takes a red Honda high into a pale, hazy sky

Staying in Abu Dhabi? Where the riding takes place

Some visitors land in Abu Dhabi or spend part of their holiday there and look for dirt biking nearby. The MX-Academy rides in Dubai, with its base at Mina Jebel Ali. Jebel Ali sits at the far south-western edge of Dubai, at the point where Sheikh Zayed Road runs into the emirate of Abu Dhabi, so it is the part of Dubai that faces Abu Dhabi.

Booking works the same from anywhere in the world. Requests go to info@mx-academy.ch or via the booking page: add your dates, riding level and group size, any children's ages and whether you need bikes and gear. You can book an MX package including travel planning, or arrange flights and hotel yourself and book only the riding. Answers are also available in Arabic.

Videos

Dirt bike Dubai video: rider lifting the front wheel of his bike in front of sand dunes

Dirt bike Dubai with the MX-AcademyVideo on YouTube

FAQ: Dirt Bike Dubai

How long is the flight for a dirt biking trip to Dubai?

From Switzerland around six hours. The time difference is two hours in the Swiss summer and three in winter.

Do I have to bring a bike or gear to Dubai?

No. At Jebel Ali you can hire competition bikes and complete protective gear for every size; bringing your own kit is optional.

Can beginners go dirt biking in Dubai on holiday?

Yes. Many guests ride for the first time. The desert comes after training: around three days for newcomers, one sand day or more for experienced riders.

Is the riding in Dubai or in Abu Dhabi?

In Dubai. The base is at Mina Jebel Ali, at the south-western end of Dubai towards the border with Abu Dhabi.

Can I book only the dirt biking and organise flights myself?

Yes. You can book an MX package with travel planning, or arrange flight and hotel yourself and book just the riding days on a date of your choice.