The minimum age to ride a quad bike in Dubai is generally 16 years old, but this can differ depending on the tour operator and the type of vehicle. We allow children as young as 5 years old to join as passengers or book kids quad bikes, while more powerful quad bikes may require drivers to be 18 or older. Anyone under 16 must always be accompanied and supervised by an adult.
One of the most exciting ways to explore this golden wilderness is by quad biking, a thrilling ride across rolling sand dunes that combines speed, adrenaline, and breathtaking scenery.
But before you gear up for your desert ride, you might be asking: “What is the age limit for quad biking in Dubai?” or “Can children join a quad biking tour?” These are important questions, especially for families traveling with kids. In this guide, ESA Quad Bike Dubai answers all your questions about quad biking age restrictions, safety requirements, licenses, and family-friendly alternatives, so you can plan your desert adventure with peace of mind.
Quad biking in Dubai is regulated by Regulation No. (4) of 2008 Concerning the Use and Licensing of Recreational Motorbikes and Quad Bikes. According to Article (5) of this law, the minimum legal age to drive a recreational quad bike in Dubai is 16 years old.
This means:
At ESA Quad Bike Dubai, we strictly follow these regulations. Our quad biking adventures are available for thrill-seekers aged 16 and above, ensuring that every rider meets the legal age requirement. Safety training, helmets, and protective gear are provided before each ride to guarantee a secure experience.
Riding a quad bike when you are younger than 16 and without supervision is considered an offense under Dubai law. The penalties include:
By booking with ESA, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that all tours comply with Dubai’s regulations while still giving you the ultimate desert adventure.
Most quad bikes are single-seater vehicles, which means there isn’t a safe space for children to sit as passengers. For this reason, children under 16 cannot ride or accompany a rider on a quad bike.
But don’t worry! If you’re traveling with kids, ESA offers family-friendly desert adventures such as:
This way, everyone in your family can enjoy the desert—whether they’re thrill-seekers or just along for the adventure.
No, You don’t need a driving license to ride a quad bike in Dubai. As long as you are 16 or older, you can join our tours.
However, keep in mind:
At ESA Quad Bike Dubai, you’ll enjoy the thrill in a safe, controlled, and licensed area of the desert.You can read full blog on quad bike driving license.
Not all desert adventures in Dubai are off-limits to children. If your kids are too young to drive a full-sized quad bike, there are still plenty of exciting options available with ESA Tours Quad Bike so the whole family can enjoy the magic of the desert together.
For younger adventurers, ESA Tours offers special mini quad bikes designed just for kids. These smaller, low-powered bikes run in a safe, enclosed area under the supervision of trained instructors. It’s the perfect way for children to experience the thrill of riding while parents can watch and capture the memories. Safety helmets and gear are always provided.
If your children aren’t ready to ride solo, dune buggies are a fantastic alternative. Teens aged 16+ can drive, while younger kids can join safely as passengers in two- or four-seater dune buggies. With seatbelts, roll cages, and guided routes, dune buggies give families the excitement of the desert with an extra layer of safety.
For an activity that everyone from toddlers to grandparents can enjoy, the desert safari is the ultimate choice. Professional drivers take you across the sand dunes in powerful 4x4s, giving your family the thrill of dune bashing without anyone needing to drive. These tours often include extras like sandboarding, falcon shows, and evening BBQ dinners at desert camps.
Step back in time with a traditional camel ride across the dunes. Camels are slow, steady, and safe for children, making this one of the most family-friendly activities in Dubai. After the trek, families can enjoy cultural activities at a Bedouin-style camp, such as henna painting, live entertainment, and Arabic food.
Quad biking is an adrenaline-pumping activity, but it also requires strength, coordination, and maturity to handle the vehicle safely on desert terrain. That’s why the minimum legal age to ride a quad bike in Dubai is 16 years. Children below this age often lack the physical ability and control to manage a heavy quad bike across shifting dunes, which can increase the risk of accidents. At ESA Quad Bike Dubai, only riders aged 16+ are allowed to drive solo, ensuring both safety and compliance with local laws.
Unlike dune buggies, most quad bikes are single-seaters and not designed to carry passengers. However, in rare cases where operators allow passengers, the minimum age usually ranges between 6 and 12 years, depending on safety standards. Every passenger must wear the correct safety gear—helmets, protective clothing, and sometimes even seatbelts on modified quads to ensure stability and minimize risks.
For families with children younger than 16, ESA offers alternatives to keep the adventure alive. Some tour providers allow kids to try mini quad bikes or electric ATVs designed specifically for their age group in a controlled, supervised environment. These smaller vehicles operate at reduced speeds, giving young riders the thrill of off-roading while keeping them safe.
Quad biking in Dubai is one of the most exciting ways to experience the desert, but it comes with strict age rules for safety. Riders must generally be 16 years or older to drive a quad bike legally, while children under this age can either enjoy kids’ quad biking on smaller, safer vehicles or join family-friendly alternatives like dune buggies, camel trekking, or desert safaris.
At ESA Quad Bike Dubai, we make sure every rider, whether a seasoned adventurer, a couple on a desert escape, or a family with kids, gets a safe, memorable, and legal experience. By following the rules, wearing proper safety gear, and choosing the right tour for your age group, you can turn your desert trip into an unforgettable adventure.
