A Dubai camel ride is one of the oldest ways to see the desert, and one of the slowest, in the best sense. Where dune bashing and buggy tours move fast over the sand, a camel ride moves at the animal’s own steady, rocking pace, the same way desert travel worked for centuries before engines arrived. It’s a short, guided trek across the dunes, led by a handler, with time built in to actually look around rather than hold on.
Why Ride a Camel in Dubai?
Camels carried people, goods and trade across the Arabian Peninsula for centuries, long before paved roads or 4x4s. Riding one today is a small, direct link to that history, guided by handlers who know the animals well. It’s also simply a different pace: slower than dune bashing, quieter than a buggy, and closer to the ground than a hot air balloon, good for anyone who wants a calmer, more reflective few minutes in the desert.
What Happens Step by Step
1. Arrival & Introduction
You’re introduced to your camel and given a short briefing on mounting, riding position and safety, along with some background on the animal’s place in traditional Emirati life.
2. Mounting Up
With help from an experienced handler, you settle into the saddle as the camel rises. This is often the most surprising part: camels stand rear-legs-first, tipping you forward briefly before levelling out.
3. The Ride
Led by a handler, your camel moves across the sand at an easy, steady pace, giving you time to take in the dunes and the quiet of the desert.
4. Photo Opportunities
Handlers typically pause at scenic points along the route, a chance to get photos from camelback against the dunes.
5. Dismounting
At the end of the ride, handlers help you dismount safely before you carry on with the rest of your day.
What’s Included
- Guided camel ride across the desert
- Assistance mounting and dismounting
- Photo opportunities along the route
What to Wear and Bring
- Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing
- Closed-toe shoes recommended
- A camera or phone for photos from camelback
Who This Tour Is For
A relaxed, family-friendly activity that suits most ages, and a nice add-on to a desert camp visit if you want a gentler taste of traditional desert life. If you’re already booked on our Evening Desert Safari, a short camel ride is included at the camp; this standalone tour is for a longer, dedicated ride, or for pairing with a tour that doesn’t include one, like our Dune Buggy Tour, Morning Desert Safari or Hot Air Balloon Ride.
Good to Know
- Available as a shorter ride (around 30 minutes) or a longer one, depending on the package
- Pairs well with a desert safari, or can be booked as a standalone activity
- Comfortable, loose clothing is recommended
- Most camel tours don’t recommend riding for pregnant guests
