Another exciting camel riding option in Dubai is enjoying the experience of rising at sunrise in the desert. As you rock gently on the back of a camel, you’ll traverse tracks once crossed by Bedouins through the golden dunes. It’s not just about adventure and getting to know the region’s rich history and culture, for the camel ride in Dubai. If you’re looking to book a morning desert safari or an evening trek, knowing how to ride a camel safely and comfortably will make the experience all the more memorable. Here’s what you need to know before you hop on your first camel safari in Dubai.
What Makes Camel Riding Unique During a Dubai Desert Safari
Camel ride in Desert Safari is among the most signature activities you can experience during a desert safari in Dubai. Dubbed the “ship of the desert,” camels are the primary travel partners of the Bedouins, who traversed endless dunes long before the introduction of modern vehicles.
While dune bashing or quad biking may be more adrenaline-driven activities, a camel ride provides a slow, serene means to visit the desert. You will have time to appreciate the golden-tinted landscapes, drink in the silence, and feel rooted in traditional Emirati culture. Camel riding offers both adventure and a real taste of history on every Dubai desert safari.
Preparing for Your Camel Ride

Preparing for your Camel ride on a Dubai desert safari is easy, but a little planning can help make your experience more comfortable and enjoyable. Then wear loose, airy clothing; the desert can be a scorcher, even in the off-peak hours. Closed-toed shoes are a good option for keeping your feet safe from sand and sun.
And remember to pack basic items like sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat to protect yourself from the heat. Make sure you are well-hydrated before and during your camel safari as well. Following these small tips will enable you to enjoy your camel riding experience without danger while admiring the beauty of Dubai’s desert landscape.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Ride a Camel Safely
Camel ride in desert safari is one of the most desirable things to do in Dubai, but straddling a camel can be a little bit daunting, and getting off the camel safely is the priority. That said, here’s how to make sure you ride the ride comfortably:
- Mounting the Camel: When it’s time to get on, your guide will assist you onto the camel’s saddle. Stay balanced as the camel rises to its feet. You’ll feel a slight wobble when it comes up, but stabilize and hang on to the handles.
- During the Ride, to remain comfy, recline just enough to remain auburn. Use your legs to grip the saddle, but don’t tighten up. Camels move smoothly if you stay relaxed.
- Dismounting the Camel: At the end of the ride, hang on as the camel sinks. Just wait, the camel is going to sit down slowly, and just in case you can step off when it’s stable.
Camel Riding Etiquette & Cultural Insights

Camel riding has been a traditional sport in the UAE since time immemorial, and offers a splendid way to familiarize yourself with the rich cultural history of the UAE. Camel riding is not merely fun, but portrays the spirit of the United Arab Emirates. So here’s how to be respectful when around camels, without further ado. Always listen to your guide, who is an expert at handling camels and ensuring that you and your camel stay safe.
In Emirati culture, camels symbolize endurance and strength, and they have been an essential part of Bedouin life for centuries. Showing respect to your camel by avoiding sudden movements and speaking calmly will make your ride more enjoyable. Understanding this cultural significance adds depth to your desert safari experience, making it even more meaningful.
Best Time for Camel Riding in the Dubai Desert
Well, the best time in Dubai could be weather-wise for Camel Ride in Desert Safari could be around 50 degrees in summer. If you want to enjoy the desert at its best, try to ride early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
- Morning Camel Rides: Ideal for those who want to experience the desert awakening with the sunrise. The temperatures are cooler, and the desert lies silent, also perfect for photography.
- Evening Camel Rides: If you are a fan of sunsets, this is your time of year. If you want a spectacular view of the sunset over the dunes, and for the temperature to be much more tolerable than the midday heat.
In summer, avoid riding at midday as the temperatures can quickly rise to become unbearable. A morning or evening safari is the ride to enjoy.
Breakdown of Camel Rides in Dubai

We’ll also share the costs associated upfront from camel rides in Dubai as you plan for yours. Prices differ from the type of tour, length, to what’s in the package.
- Short Camel Rides: For a casual 10- 15 min ride, you’re looking at between AED 100-150. This one is the best for people who want to try camel rides without a full desert safari.
- Extended Camel Safaris: If you want a bit longer of a ride, book a longer ride of 30 minutes to an hour. These outings generally range from AED 200-400 each, and usually come with a guided tour of the desert.
- Luxury Packages: Other tours add on experiences, such as the aforementioned camel rides, dune bashing, desert dinners, and cultural performances. These packages can cost anywhere from AED 500-1,000 or higher, depending on the luxury and the facilities provided.
Safety Tips for First-Time Camel Riders
Camel riding can be a fun adventure, however, there are essential riding safety tips to follow to ensure that you are comfortable and safe for your adventure.
- Follow Your Guide’s Instructions: You will be assisted with your whole trip by your guide. Listen closely to their instructions for getting on, how to balance, and how to dismount safely.
- Stay Balanced: They were tall – camels stood taller than any of the other beasts of burden – and their gait is nothing like any other animal. Relax your body, lean back slightly to balance, and gently use your legs to grip the saddle.
- Be Aware of Camel Behavior: Camels are relatively gentle animals, but they can be erratic. Don’t panic if your camel suddenly starts to move. Your guide will control the camel, but your composure will help keep the ride smooth.
- Protect Yourself from the Sun: The desert climate can be harsh, so always make sure to use sunscreen and wear glasses and a hat to protect yourself from damaging UV radiation.
Hidden Benefits of Camel Riding
Riding a camel isn’t only enjoyable while in the desert it may also provide some unexpected health and wellness benefits.

- Physical Health: Riding a camel requires you to balance, which engages your core muscles. It promotes better posture, too, and strengthens your back. The quiet sway of a camel can also aid in providing relaxation and relieving stress.
- Mental Relaxation: The movement of the camel in a gentle pace reflects a meditation and that peace of mind approach. This is an ideal opportunity to, as we say, blow your head – in a good way, this means to clear your mind and get some quiet time out of the hustle and bustle of city life.
- Connection to Nature: You will feel more connected to the natural world as you ride through the desert. The quiet, the soft dunes, and the warm breath of the desert create a surreal experience.
Photogenic Moments: How to Capture the Best Shots
The desert of Dubai has such great sights to offer while you take pictures, but riding a camel is probably one of the best sights you can have. Here’s how to best document your camel ride:
- Golden Hour Magic: Sunrise or sunset is the best time for photographs, when the golden light washes the desert. Request your guide to pause at picturesque points to get the perfect shot.
- Camel Rider Poses: Stand up straight or lean a little forward for a classic “rider on the camel” pose. As you pose with the saddle, try to look relaxed and natural. Nothing will pop your photos quite like a smile.
- Capture the Landscape: The expansive desert stretches as far as the eye can see, so be sure to get wide shots to capture the majesty of the dunes around you. A long-distance shot of your camel against the desert landscape is always a winner.
- Use the Right Camera Settings: Use the “portrait” function on your phone, if you have one, for clear photos. If you’re shooting with a professional camera, you want to set an aperture for a nice soft background and sharp focus on your face.
Alternative Desert Activities
For the less adventurous, not everyone is up for camel riding, but don’t panic, there is no shortage of other thrilling ways to take in the sights of the Dubai desert. If camel riding isn’t for you, there are some things you can do:

- Dune Bashing: For an adventure, go dune bashing (driving over dunes) in a 4×4. This exhilarating excursion through the sandy dunes will have your heart racing as you navigate natural obstacles in the desert.
- Sandboarding: If you love snowboarding, then you will love sandboarding! Knight it up with a mountain berm, show up and ride them down on a board.
- Desert Camping: Stay overnight in a traditional Bedouin-style tent under the stars. You get to savor a scrumptious BBQ dinner, admire cultural performances
- Falconry: Explore the ancient sport of falconry and enjoy aerial feats courtesy of these majestic birds. It’s an exclusive experience that highlights the region’s cultural heritage.
Conclusion
Considered an experience like no other, riding a camel in the Dubai desert. It’s not just a ride, it’s an immersion in the beauty of the desert, an opportunity to learn about its history, and an opportunity to make memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you’re riding a sunset camel and snapping the perfect shot or checking out other desert activities, you’re sure to have an unforgettable adventure.
The secret to a successful camel ride is preparation, treating the animals with respect, and immersing yourself in the fantasy of the desert landscape. Forget your sunscreen, saddle a came,l and prepare for an unforgettable experience in the middle of Dubai’s gorgeous desert.
Also Read:
- Top Reasons to Choose a Morning Desert Safari in Dubai: Unveiling the Magic
- Why Dune Bashing is the Heart of Every Desert Safari Adventure
- How to Choose the Best Dubai Desert Safari in 2025: Tips for Tourists
FAQs:
Is it safe for beginners to ride camels? Your guide will explain everything to you and make sure you’re comfortable during the ride. Camels are placid, docile animals, and well-trained ones at that.
The camel ride duration will depend on the tour package that you choose, anywhere between 15 minutes to 1 hour. Longer rides tub different scenic exploration of the desert.
A good idea is to wear light, breathable clothing and closed shoes to protect your feet from the sand. A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen will also help protect you from the sun.
Yes. You can still take a lovely shot of the desert. Just be sure to follow your guide’s direction, and keep your camera or phone safe while riding.
Camel rides are best done in the early mornings and late afternoons. Temperatures are cooler, and the lighting is just perfect for shooting photos throughout sunrise or sunset.