Everything to Know Before Trying Camel Riding in Dubai

Not every desert activity needs an engine. After a morning of quad bikes and dune buggies, a lot of our guests actually ask for something slower, and that’s usually when we point them toward the camels. Camel riding Dubai has been part of desert life here for centuries, long before dirt bikes and buggies ever showed up on the dunes, and it still remains one of the most requested activities for anyone who wants a calmer side of the desert.

If you’re wondering whether it’s worth adding to your trip, here’s what actually happens on a ride and why so many visitors end up loving it.

Why Camel Riding Still Matters

Camels were the original way to cross this landscape, and riding one gives you a real sense of how people navigated these dunes long before vehicles existed. Unlike the speed and noise of dune bashing or quad biking, a camel ride moves at a walking pace, which means you actually get time to look around, take in the scenery, and appreciate the desert instead of racing through it.

For that reason, camel riding Dubai tours tend to attract a different crowd than the high adrenaline activities. Families, older travellers, couples looking for a quiet moment, and photographers all gravitate toward this one.

What to Expect on a Camel Ride

Most rides begin with a short introduction to the camel and a quick briefing on how to sit and hold on comfortably. Camels kneel down so riders can mount safely, then rise in two stages, first the back legs, then the front, which can catch first timers off guard the first time it happens. Once you’re up, a handler usually leads the camel along a set route, so there’s no steering involved on your part.

Sessions typically run for 15 to 30 minutes, often as part of a longer desert safari package rather than a standalone activity. Along the way, guides usually stop for photos, since the view from camel height, with the dunes stretching out around you, makes for some of the better desert shots you’ll get on the whole trip.

The History Behind Camel Riding in the Desert

Before cars and off-road vehicles ever reached this part of the world, camels were the main way people and goods moved across the sand. Bedouin communities relied on them for transport, trade, and survival in a landscape with almost no water for miles. That history is part of what makes this ride feel different from the other activities on offer, since you’re not just doing something for the thrill of it, you’re taking part in something that’s been happening here for generations.

Is It Family Friendly?

Yes, and this is actually one of the biggest draws of camel riding Dubai experiences. Unlike quad bikes or dirt bikes, there’s no minimum riding skill required, and young children can usually ride alongside a parent or guardian. It’s a good option for grandparents, younger kids, or anyone in the group who’d rather skip the higher intensity activities but still wants to be part of the desert experience.

Camel Riding vs Other Desert Activities

People often ask how a camel ride compares to the more active options we run, so here’s a quick side by side:

• Camel riding: Slow paced, guided, no experience needed, best for scenery and photos.
• Quad biking: Self drive, moderate speed, good for riders who want more control.
• Dune buggy rides: Self drive, faster paced, built for a stronger adrenaline hit.
• Desert sand bashing: Passenger ride in an SUV, high intensity, no driving skill required.

Many guests actually combine a camel ride with one of the faster activities above, using it as a calmer bookend to a more intense day out.

Best Time for Camel Riding Dubai Tours

Early morning and evening sessions are the most popular, mainly because the temperature is far more comfortable for both riders and the camels themselves. Sunset rides in particular tend to be the most photographed part of any desert trip, since the light across the dunes at that hour is hard to beat.

What to Wear and Bring

Loose, breathable clothing works best, along with closed toe shoes if you’re combining the ride with other desert activities that day. A hat and sunglasses help during daytime sessions, and it’s worth bringing a camera or phone with enough storage, since most guests end up taking more photos than they expected.

Making It Part of a Full Desert Day

Camel riding rarely stands alone on an itinerary. Most guests add it to a full desert safari package that includes dinner, cultural entertainment, and an evening at a desert camp. It also pairs naturally with a dirt bike session earlier in the day, letting you mix a high energy ride with a slower, more traditional one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need any experience to ride a camel?
No. A handler leads the camel for you, so there’s nothing to learn beforehand.

Is it safe for children?
Generally yes, and young children can usually ride with an adult. It’s worth checking age requirements with your operator beforehand.

How long does a camel ride last?
Most sessions run 15 to 30 minutes, often as part of a larger desert safari itinerary.

Can I combine it with other activities?
Yes, camel riding is commonly paired with sand bashing, quad biking, or a full evening desert safari.

What should I wear?
Loose, breathable clothing and closed toe shoes if you’re doing other activities the same day.

Book Your Camel Ride

If you’re planning a camel riding Dubai experience as part of your trip, Desert Storm Adventure can help you build it into a full day or evening package. Check our FAQs for more details, or contact us directly and we’ll help you plan the right mix of activities.

Sometimes the best way to see the desert isn’t the fastest one.