Camel Ride Dubai — Short Rides, Sunset Treks & Bedouin Experiences

What a camel ride in Dubai actually feels like

A camel kneels to let you climb on, then rises back legs first, which tips you forward for a second before you settle. From the saddle you sit roughly two and a half metres above the sand, high enough to see over the first ridge of the Lahbab dunes. The walk is slow and rolling rather than bumpy, so most guests relax within the first minute. Handlers keep each camel on a lead rope and walk beside you the whole way, and we run the treks in single-file caravans of four to eight animals so nobody is left behind for photographs.

• Camels rise back-legs-first, so lean back slightly
• Hold the front saddle horn, not the rope
• Rolling gait, not a jolt, so it suits nervous first-timers
• Handlers walk beside every camel on a lead
• Caravans of four to eight animals keep the group together

How we look after our camels

Our camels belong to two families we have worked with since 2014, and their welfare decides our schedule more than our bookings do. Rides run in the first two hours after sunrise and the last two before sunset, never in the middle of the day. Each animal works a maximum of four short shifts before resting, carries one adult or one adult with a small child, and is checked by a visiting vet on a fixed rotation. Water troughs sit at both ends of the trek route. If a camel is off its feed or its pads look worn, it stays in the pen and we move the guest to another animal or refund the add-on.

Best time of day and year for camel riding

October to April is the comfortable season, with morning air around 20 to 25C and evening light that turns the red sand copper about forty minutes before sunset. That last window is the one photographers ask for. From June to September we only run sunrise treks, starting around 5:45 AM, because surface sand can pass 60C by mid-morning. Ramadan timings shift later in the evening; tell us your travel dates and we will place you in the right slot rather than the first one on the calendar.

Types of camel ride experiences in Dubai

From a quick 10-minute photo ride to a full sunset trek — pick the camel ride that suits your schedule and appetite for adventure.

• 10–15 min camel ride (included in most safaris)
• 45-min sunset camel trek with Bedouin guide
• Premium camel caravan experience with tea break
• Free professional photos & GoPro rental
• Ethical camels: rested, hydrated & vet-checked
• Free hotel pickup and drop-off

Camel ride Dubai — what to wear

Loose, breathable clothes work best. Long trousers protect your legs on the saddle, and closed shoes make mounting easier. Bring a scarf or hat for the sun.