Imagine flying over Dubai's golden sandy dunes, engine of your buggy roaring, wind in your hair, and adrenaline rushing as sand is sprayed behind you. Before pedalling fast, however, there is something important you need to know: there is an age restriction on buggy rental, and while this might feel disappointing, it is very important for your safety.
When you book your buggy tour with friends, children, or teenagers or want to drive yourself, knowing Dubai's buggy rental age restrictions will make it easy to plan your trip. From driver and passenger limits to licence requirements and provider variations, this guide breaks it all down. We’ll also explain why these rules exist, how they differ across operators, and where Beno fits in to make your off-road adventure smooth, safe, and unforgettable.
Understanding Age & Licence Rules for Buggy Rentals in Dubai
Dune buggies aren't your average weekend vehicle; they're high-performance, special-use vehicles for harsh desert environments. And while there are many fun reasons to rent a buggy in Dubai, especially for the thrill seekers, but because of their horsepower and the harshness of sand, buggy rental companies have strict safety and age policies in place to make sure every rider is secure.
Some important pointers are:
The majority of operators maintain a minimum age to drive an ATV or buggy of 16 years.
A few companies, though, raise this to 18 years for full desert or high-speed adventures.
Meanwhile, the minimum driving age is generally much lower. Some carriers permit riders between 6 to 10 years old if an adult is at the controls.
Why the difference? Two major reasons are:
Physical and mental maturity - Dune riding requires quick reflexes, physical strength, and speed of mind, all of which increase with age.
Insurance and operator policy - Operators will set their own age requirements for buggy rentals based on the engine size of the buggy, terrain type, and risk level.
Others place these restrictions by buggy type, i.e., one-seater buggy types will have older drivers, whereas two, or four-seater buggies will be permitted to carry a combination of adults and children. Led tours will also have more relaxed restrictions than self-drive tours, as a lead vehicle can provide security.
So, if you are to drive, you will have to be 18 or 16 years old, as required by the agency. If you are to come along for the ride, children over the age of 10 can travel in comfort. Either way, pre-confirmation avoids disappointment on the day of the ride.
Bottom line - Double-check age and ID requirements when booking your Dubai buggy ride. Some tours permit 16-year-olds to drive unlicensed, while others require a UAE or foreign driving licence to be present for insurance purposes.
Why These Age Rules Matter?
The desert landscape of Dubai is breathtaking, but it also could be dangerous if underestimated. Rolling dunes, soft sand, and sudden slopes demand flawless situational judgment and handling. It's for this reason that buggy rental age restrictions are subject to a minimum age restriction by the UAE safety and tourism authorities to whom tour operators are required to apply it.
These are rules that prevent unwanted situations, and operationally, the regulations also reduce insurance risks and slow down accidents. They also safeguard junior passengers from rough roads and make everyone involved, drivers and passengers, all set and well-informed. It's not bureaucracy; it's about making your desert adventure fun and secure.
In Brief - Knowing how old do you need to be to rent a buggy in advance helps you plan that much better and ensures your dune-buggy experience stays flawless, no nasty surprise on the rules or experience reduction at the end.
Tips for Choosing the Right Buggy Experience
Getting the correct buggy tour is not merely about reserving a time slot. Take a look at these items while reading the instructions before making the reservation:
- Minimum driver and passengers' age - Check before the reservation.
- Licence requirement - Some tours don’t ask car licence but insist on ID or age proof.
- Self-drive vs guided - Guided tours are more likely to accommodate younger drivers in more supervised situations.
- Machine type - Ensure it's a 1-, 2-, or 4-seater model; multiples are better for family situations.
- Terrain level - Check if the trail includes steep dunes, level plains, or a mix.
- Safety gear - Helmets, goggles, and harnesses are required; avoid tour operators that forego them.
- Fitness level - Driving through dunes requires stamina; make sure you’re up for the challenge.
By checking these points, you’ll avoid unexpected restrictions and ensure everyone in your group has the right level of fun and safety.
What BENO Offers for Buggy Adventures
For travellers who value both thrill and safety, Beno makes desert adventures in Dubai effortless. Beno’s buggy fleet includes flexible models, from 1-seater solo rides to 4-seater family expeditions, allowing everyone from adventurous teens to parents with young kids to join in.
Here’s a glimpse of Beno’s current lineup:
- 1-Seater Quad Bike Ride – AED 450/hour
- 1-Seater KTM Motocross Dirt Bike Experience – AED 500/hour
- 2-Seater Polaris Buggy Ride – AED 750/hour
- 1-Seater Solo Rush Buggy – AED 750/hour
- 4-Seater Polaris Expedition – AED 1,200/hour
- 2-Seater Can-Am Buggy Ride – AED 1,200/hour
- 4-Seater Can-Am Adventure – AED 1,400/hour
What makes Beno stand out is attention to detail. Organising a sunset dune bash or family tour, Beno makes sure every participant's buggy rental age restrictions are cleared, and the minimum age and safety criteria are met before the departure of the tour. Our crew assist in coordinating your group with the ideal vehicle type and level of intensity, so your adventure remains flawless.
FAQs
- How old must I be to drive a buggy in Dubai?
The minimum age of the driver for the majority of the companies is 16 years. A few companies ask for 18 years for hard or long-touring.
- Minimum age of passengers?
For passengers, usually they take children who are between 6–10 years, with an adult driver.
- Must I have a driving licence to rent out a buggy?
Not necessarily. Off-road trips are not always compulsory to have a driving license for a vehicle, but there are certain operators who do require identification or proof of age.
- Suppose we have an underage tourist in our group?
You may have to switch drivers or travel as a passenger. Some operators may request a cancellation charge or deposit.
- Are the age limits the same for all operators?
No. Every operator has their own age limit, uses their own depending on insurance, vehicle capacity, and terrain type.
Or drop us a mail at help@beno.com
