Camel riding in Dubai

The emirate of Dubai is perceived as an urban space, full of glittering skyscrapers and larger than life buildings. Sometimes, it’s hard to think of the city as a desert!  But the view and experience you have on the back of a camel make you see it in a new light. The authenticity and uniqueness of the experience is one reason why camel riding in Dubai is often on every tourist’s travel bucket list. 

Camels are revered in Emirati culture and were the prime mode of transport back in the day. In addition to their utilitarian benefits, Bedouin tribes in the UAE forged an indelible bond with the animal — a bond that has persisted to this day. 

And the best way to partake in this tradition is with a camel ride in Dubai. Depending on personal requirements, tourists may opt for desert safari companies that offer camel rides as part of their service packages or those who offer the service exclusively. Here they are in more detail: 

Where to ride camels in Dubai?

Alsafa Tours

Relax and take in the view of the stunning landscape as your camel walks across the Arabian Desert. A riding tour from Al Safa Tours is a journey that lasts for 1-2 hours on a traditional camel convoy through the desert. Depending on your requirements, guests may go for the extended Camel Trekking Safari or a shorter Camel Ride Tour. Each rider is accompanied by expert handlers. For a more wholesome experience, there is the 1-hour ride with Shisha, Tanoura dancing and belly dancing. Alsafa Tours also offers visits to camel farms where visitors can interact with the gentle giants, learn more about them and even observe how they are milked. 

Of course, you can also opt for the full-package tour. The cheapest tour includes a ride, Quad bikes, and a desert safari with a barbecue dinner. Its AED 325 per person for one camel and quad bike. Additional activities in the tour include dune bashing, shisha, music system, henna application and more. 

• Camel tour location: Next to Aweer Road, Dubai 
• Contact: +971-50-598-9752
• Email: info@tourpackagedubai.com

Al Khayma Camp 

The exclusive Bedouin setting of the Al Khayma Desert Camp gives visitors a rare glimpse into primitive desert life — and is, therefore, one of our top picks for places offering camel riding in Dubai. All of the camels here are healthy and well trained to carry their charges across a relaxing trek through the desert. In addition to camel rides, the camp also treats visitors to dune bashing, shisha, falconry, henna application, sandboarding, belly and tanoura dancing. 

• Contact: +971-56-702-7169
• Location: Al Awir – Dubai

Arabian Desert Safari

A camel ride in Dubai can be part of your service package at Arabian Desert Safari. Visitors have the option of choosing between the Morning, Evening, Overnight, Dune Buggy Safari and other packages; each of which features camel riding. 

Their most popular tour is also the cheapest at AED 150 per person (discounted from AED 175) and starts in the afternoon towards its first destination —a camel farm. After arriving at the Arabian Desert Safari campsite, guests can opt for camel rides. Other perks include live BBQ dinners, henna applications, belly dancing and more. 

• Contact: +971-54-474-7041
• Location: 215 Al Qusais Plaza, Dubai

Al Dhabi Horse and Camel Rental 

Part of the Al Dhabi group, the Dubai City Stable offers desert safaris on horse and camelback in addition to overnight camping and BBQ perks. You can opt for the one or two-hour Dubai desert camel ride experience with each ride stopping at specific scenic vantage points for photo opportunities. 

• Contact: +971-50-568-0080 | +971-56-948-6486
• Location: Al Safa 2

The Desert Safari 

Whether you want a solo camel ride or wish to couple your experience with dune bashing, an overnight stay or by watching the sunrise over the desert, The Desert Safari has you covered. Camel tours from the company start in the morning which includes a pick and drop service, 30-minute rides, 30 to 45 minutes of dune bashing, free sandboarding and unlimited water. The pick and drop off for camel rides are any time between 5:00 am to 10:00 am. At the end of their rides, tourists are dropped off at a desert camp where a hospitable staff awaits with cups of Gahwa and sweet dates. 

• Contact: +971-50-291-5301
• Location: The Iridium, Building, Umm Suqeim Road

Desert safari rides 

Book exclusive camel rides from Desert Safari Rides. A ride here lasts 45 minutes and ends in a traditional Bedouin camp. For AED 249 you can opt for a morning or evening session. Riders are accompanied by camel handlers who help them mount and dismount the animals safely. Visitors are also encouraged to take pictures of their desert experiences either mounted or by asking someone to take their pictures from the ground. 

• Contact: +971-50-832-2835
• Location: Damascus Street, Al Qusais Plaza. Office No. A 204A

Dubai Desert Safari Tours 

Dubai Desert Safari Tours is another service one may contact for a Dubai desert safari camel ride. One of these tours takes place on the Al Hebab red dune desert. Lasting for 5 to 6 hours, the tour starts by picking customers from their residence. Other perks include sand surfing, a BBQ lunch or dinner with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.  

• Contact: +971-55-601-7788 | +971-4-392-5739
• Location: Room #409 A, 4th floor, Al Firoshi Building, Salahuddin Road – Al Quoz 1

Platinum Heritage 

The Camel Desert Safari from Platinum Heritage comes complete with a falcon show, 4-course dinner, wildlife tours, and cultural entertainment. Each tour starts with a 45-minute camel ride where riders can take in the scenic beauty of the sandy terrain and stop for photo shoots amongst the dunes. The ride ends at a Bedouin camp where guests can watch live demonstrations of Arabic coffee making, traditional performances and an Emirati dinner. 

For the price of AED 240 for adults and AED 200 for children, you can enjoy the whole experience for 7 hours long, lasting from afternoon to the evening.

• Contact: +971-4-440-9827
• Location: Office 1303, Control Tower, Motor City, Dubai

Dubai Private Adventure 

Wrapping up our list of places for camel riding in Dubai is Dubai Private Adventure. For a family of 4, we recommend the Hummer Desert Safari where guests are entertained with camel rides and live performances after an adrenaline-pumping run on the dunes in a powerful Hummer. Taking the authentic Arabic experience to the next level are Arabic costumes which guests can adorn themselves with and take pictures to take back home.

The tour operator also offers short camel rides in Dubai since a ride can be shortened or extended according to requirements. Those wishing to book their adventures may contact Dubai Private Adventure or by filling a form on their website. 

• Contact: +971-50-414-8159
• Location: Sheikh Zayed Road – Dubai

In addition to desert camps and tour operators, camel rides in Dubai are also available at Jumeirah Beach Hotel. Available every Friday and Saturday, each ride is accompanied by a professional trainer. Thee are also similar rides offered at JBR beach where you will be accompanied by expert trainers. 

What to wear on a camel ride in Dubai?

When it comes to apparel for camel rides, long pants and socks work best. Also, considering that most camel rides in Dubai are carried out in the desert, wearing sandals, as opposed to shoes is a good idea. 

That’s a wrap of the best services for camel riding in Dubai. Have you tried camel rides in the emirate? Tell us about your experience in the comments below.

Till then, our list of desert safaris in Dubai will help you make the most of your travel plans to the emirate. Looking to enhance your riding experience?  Check out our recommendations for horse riding in Dubai. Of course, there is more to the emirate than desert safaris. To find out, check out our recommendations for adventures in Dubai. To make the most of your trip, check out our ultimate list of things to do in Dubai too. 

For more information regarding tours in Dubai, stay tuned to MyBayut.