Enduro Dubaiwith theMX-Academy

Enduro Dubai takes you from the airport to the dunes within a few days: a short block of sand training at Jebel Ali, then guided rides through the desert with riders who know it, and time for the city in between.

Around 6 hrs' flight from SwitzerlandSand training before the desertRides: a few hours to almost a dayRacing week: 3 lessons + desert ride

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Enduro Dubai: a rider stands on the pegs between red dunes and green shrubs, a rocky peak rising behind

Why enduro riders put Dubai on their list

Abroad, enduro riders usually look for terrain they cannot find at home. Around Dubai that means soft sand, long dune ridges and rocky hills, only around six hours by air from Switzerland rather than a long expedition. The MX-Academy Dubai rides there almost every day in the season, on the track and in the desert, and plans the riding days around your level.

For travellers the big advantage is how close the city and the desert are. You can ride in the morning and be at the beach by the afternoon, so partners or friends who do not ride still enjoy the trip. On a longer stay, an overnight tour in the desert with a night under the open sky adds a memory that lasts.

Getting there and how many days to plan

Dubai stays on UTC+4 all year. As a result the clocks there show two hours more than in Switzerland in summer and three hours more in winter. Before the desert you need sand skills: newcomers should allow around three training days, and anyone who already rides needs no less than one day of training in sand.

If you prefer a ready-made plan, ask for the racing week: your riding is spread over several days, with three track lessons before a desert ride at the end. You choose when you travel, and the riding days are arranged around your dates. A stay of several days also leaves room for a rest day, which your arms and legs will appreciate after the sand.

Enduro in Dubai: a rider in blue Red Bull gear waits on an orange bike, a stony plain and mountains behind

Sand technique: what changes compared with home

Sand behaves differently from forest trails, gravel or hard-packed tracks, and speed, body position and a steady throttle matter more than ever. On the track at Jebel Ali, which includes a beginners' track, the coaches work on standing position, weight on the footpegs, braking, throttle control and where you look. Then you switch to a gentler area where the sand is not as deep, and only after that to the real dunes.

Which bike suits the desert? A light competition bike such as the Honda CRF250, around 110 kg, is easier to manage in soft sand than a heavy travel enduro, and exactly that type of bike is available to rent on site, along with modern protective gear for every size. If you would rather bring your own enduro, you are welcome to ride it.

Enduro riding in Dubai: two riders dig into a dune slope, sand flying, the desert stretching to the horizon

Guided rides through dunes and rocky desert

Leading the rides are desert specialists such as Mohammed Jaffar and Mohammed Al Balooshi, who rode the 2012 Dakar Rally as the first Emirati in the motorcycle class. Groups are formed by skill and fitness, and a ride can be a short outing of a few hours or last almost the whole day. On the way the guides explain how to judge the terrain, choose a route and ride the dunes, and nobody heads out without preparation.

MX-Academy Dubai belongs to Chris Möckli, founder and owner and two-time European champion (IMBA Openclass 2004 and 2005), and Mohammed Al Balooshi. Bikes and gear for the ride can be rented, and the date is up to you. Overnight tours are possible as well, if you want to see the desert after dark. On site, prices are charged in AED, for example AED 1,100 for a private hour or AED 200 for a full set of protective gear.

Enduro desert tour Dubai: a group of riders and bikes rests on the sand below a dark rock massif

Planning your enduro trip from home

Send the team your dates, the number of riders, your level of experience and whether bikes and gear are needed, in English or Arabic, by email to info@mx-academy.ch or through the booking page. Flights and hotel can be part of an MX package with travel planning, or you organise them yourself and simply add the riding days. Still comparing destinations? Our overview of enduro holidays looks at Dubai and Switzerland side by side.

Travelling with friends who ride at different levels is no problem. In the desert the groups are split by skill and fitness, so the fast riders get their dunes and the newcomers ride at their own pace. Families can come along too: kids from four ride the smallest rental bikes, such as a Yamaha PW50 or a Torrot, with gear to match.

FAQ: Enduro Dubai

How many days should I plan for an enduro trip to Dubai?

Newcomers need around three training days before the desert, riders with experience no less than one sand day. The racing week combines three track lessons with a desert ride over several days.

Should I bring my own enduro to Dubai?

You may, but you do not have to: light competition bikes and modern protective gear for every size are available to rent on site.

What time difference should enduro riders from Switzerland expect?

Dubai is two hours ahead during Swiss summer time and three hours ahead in winter, as it does not change its clocks.

Are overnight enduro tours in the Dubai desert possible?

Yes, overnight tours can be arranged. Day rides vary from a few hours to almost the whole day, depending on the group.

Will non-riding partners enjoy an enduro trip to Dubai?

Yes. City and desert lie close together, so a partner can enjoy the beach or the city while you ride and join you again in the afternoon.