Location: Lahbab Desert (Big Red) / Al Aweer Desert, Dubai Duration: 15 Minutes / 30 Minutes / 1 Hour Available: Daily, Morning & Evening Price: From AED 150 per person
Camels were the original desert transport navigating the same dunes that quad bikes and buggies tackle today, doing it for thousands of years before any of that existed. A camel ride in Dubai is a different kind of desert experience slow, elevated, rhythmic, and genuinely unlike anything else. You sit nearly two metres above the ground, the camel moves at its own pace through the dunes, and the desert looks completely different from up there. It is peaceful in a way that sandboarding and dune bashing are not. Suitable for all ages, no experience needed, and one of the most memorable things to do in the Dubai desert whether you are a first-time visitor or have been before.
Book on WhatsAppCamel Ride Options & Prices
15-Minute Camel Ride Dubai
A short introductory ride enough to experience the motion, the height, and the desert landscape from camel-back. The most popular option as part of an evening desert safari or as an add-on to another activity. Good for children and those who are not sure how they will find the movement.
Price: AED 150 per person Best for: First-timers, children, safari add-on
Book on WhatsApp30-Minute Camel Ride Dubai
Enough time to ride deeper into the dunes away from the main camp area, take in the wider desert landscape, and get proper photos from camel-back without feeling rushed. A comfortable amount of time for most riders.
Price: From AED 200 per person Best for: Couples, photographers, anyone who wants more than a quick loop
Book on WhatsApp1-Hour Camel Ride Dubai Deep Desert Caravan
The full camel safari experience. A guided caravan ride of one hour into the deeper dunes the further you go from the camp, the more the desert opens up and the more the city completely disappears behind you. Riders travel in a caravan with a lead guide managing the group. The most immersive standalone camel experience available in Dubai.
Price: From AED 300 per person Pickup: Hotel pickup available Departure: From 8:00 AM daily
Book on WhatsAppCamel Ride as Part of Desert Safari
The most popular way to experience a camel ride in Dubai as one element of a full evening desert safari. Included in most standard and premium desert safari packages alongside dune bashing, sandboarding, BBQ dinner, and live entertainment.
- Price: From AED 150 as part of an evening safari package Duration of camel ride: 15 to 30 minutes within the safari
- See Desert Safari Dubai
What to Expect on a Camel Ride in Dubai
Meeting the Camel
Your camel is already waiting at the camp when you arrive trained, calm, and fully accustomed to riders. A guide will introduce you to the animal and show you how to position yourself in the saddle before the ride begins.
Mounting and Dismounting
This is the part that surprises first-timers. Camels fold their legs to allow you to mount from the side, then stand up front legs first this creates a forward lurch then back legs, which creates a backward lurch. The guide supports you throughout. Once standing, the camel is stable and calm.
The Ride
Camels move at a natural walking pace a gentle swaying motion from side to side as they walk through the dunes. The elevation from camel-back is higher than you expect around 1.8 to 2 metres from the ground and gives you a completely different perspective on the desert landscape. Your guide walks alongside or leads from the front.
Photo Stops
The guide will pause at the best desert viewpoints for photographs. Sunset rides in particular give outstanding light from camel-back the elevated position catches the full sweep of the dunes and sky in a single frame.
About Camels in the UAE
The dromedary camel single-humped is native to the Arabian Peninsula and has been central to Emirati culture for centuries. The camel's ability to survive extreme heat and travel vast distances without water made it indispensable for trade, transport, and desert survival long before the UAE existed in its current form.
Camel racing is still a major sport in the UAE the Lahbab area near where most camel rides take place is close to several active camel racing tracks used by Emirati owners year-round. The camels used for tourist rides are a different category bred and trained specifically for carrying passengers, calm by temperament, and handled by experienced guides.
Location
Lahbab Desert (Big Red) Approximately 45 minutes from central Dubai along the Al Ain Road (E66). The most popular location for camel rides in Dubai the deep red sand and taller dunes make for the most dramatic desert backdrop.
Al Aweer Desert Closer to Dubai, approximately 35 minutes from central Dubai. Used for early morning caravan rides and standalone camel safari experiences.
Hotel pickup available from anywhere in Dubai for the 1-hour camel safari. Self-drive to the camp for shorter ride options. Confirm at booking.
Best Time for a Camel Ride in Dubai
Sunrise (6:00 AM – 8:00 AM) The coolest part of the day. The desert is quiet, the light is soft, and the camels are fresh. Best for the standalone 1-hour caravan experience.
Late Afternoon to Sunset (4:00 PM – 6:30 PM) The most popular slot. Golden light across the dunes makes this the best time for photography. Usually offered as part of the evening desert safari.
Avoid: 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM from May to September extreme heat. Morning rides are fine year-round; midday should be avoided from late spring through early autumn.
Good to Know Before You Book
No prior experience is needed. The guide manages the camel throughout.
Children of all ages can ride with an accompanying adult.
Wear comfortable, covered clothing long trousers and closed shoes recommended.
A loose headscarf or hat provides good sun protection on open rides.
The swaying motion of a camel may cause mild discomfort for those prone to motion sickness on longer rides the 15 or 30-minute option is better suited.
Not recommended for people with serious back or spinal conditions.
Pregnant women are advised to choose a shorter ride duration only confirm with your doctor beforehand.
Photography is permitted throughout the guide will assist with shots.
Camels can spit and may make unexpected sounds stay calm and follow your guide's instructions.
Combine with Other Desert Activities
A camel ride pairs naturally with:
Desert Safari the most popular combination. Camel ride is included in most packages.
Hot Air Balloon camel ride at the landing camp is included in Deluxe balloon packages.
Sandboarding popular combination for a morning desert visit.
Quad Bike ride modern and traditional desert transport in the same session.
Build Your Desert Day on WhatsApp: +971 523 986 622
