Have you ever wanted to ride a camel across the golden sand dunes of Dubai? For many visitors, camel riding is a memorable way to experience the Arabian desert. It offers a slower, more traditional experience than driving across the dunes in a 4×4 vehicle.
If you have never ridden a camel before, you may have a few questions. Is it difficult to get on a camel? Does the ride feel uncomfortable? How long does it last? And what should you expect when the camel stands up for the first time?
The good news is that most tourist camel rides are suitable for beginners who can follow the guide’s instructions. You do not need previous riding experience, although you should check the operator’s safety requirements before booking.
In this guide, we explain what happens during your first camel ride in Dubai, from arriving at the desert and meeting the camel to enjoying the ride, taking photos, and getting off safely.
What Is Camel Riding in Dubai Like?
Camel riding in Dubai gives you a chance to experience the desert at a relaxed pace while learning about an animal that has played an important role in Arabian life for centuries.
Unlike dune bashing or dune buggy driving, camel riding is not about speed. The camel walks steadily along a designated route while you sit on a saddle and enjoy the surrounding landscape.
The exact experience depends on your tour package and location. Some visitors enjoy a short camel ride as part of a desert safari, while others choose a longer experience to spend more time riding through the sand.
A typical guided ride includes assistance with mounting and dismounting, basic safety instructions, and a guide who leads the camel along the planned route. Depending on your package, you may also have time to take photographs or enjoy other desert activities.
What to Expect on Your First Camel Ride in Dubai
1. Arriving at the Desert
Your experience begins when you reach the desert meeting point or arrive as part of your booked desert safari. If your package includes hotel pickup, your driver will collect you at the agreed time and take you to the activity location.
Once you arrive, you may have time to look around, take photographs, and enjoy the desert scenery before the ride begins. Camel riding may take place near a desert camp or at a designated area among the dunes.
Your guide will explain where to wait and when it is your turn. If you are travelling with family or friends, you can ask how the activity will be arranged for your group.
First-time tip: Listen to the guide’s instructions before approaching the camel. Avoid sudden movements, and do not try to touch or feed the animal without permission.
2. Meeting the Camel
Seeing a camel up close can be exciting, especially if this is your first visit to the desert. Camels are large animals with long legs, strong bodies, and a distinctive way of moving.
Your guide will show you how to approach the animal safely and where to stand while preparing for the ride. You may notice the camel moving its head, making sounds, or shifting its weight. Avoid standing too close to its legs or moving behind it without guidance.
If you feel nervous, tell your guide before getting on. There is no need to rush. Take a moment to become comfortable and ask questions if you are unsure about anything.
Remember that a camel is a living animal, not a ride that you control yourself. Follow the handler’s instructions throughout the experience.
3. Getting on the Camel
Getting on a camel is often the part that first-time riders worry about most. The process is easier when you know what to expect.
For a typical tourist ride, the camel lowers its body so that you can climb onto the saddle. Your guide will show you where to sit and may assist you as you get into position.
Once seated, hold the provided handle or another designated support point as instructed. Make sure you feel balanced before the camel starts moving.
Do not try to climb onto a standing camel unless your guide specifically directs you to do so. Avoid pulling on the animal’s neck or reins, and never attempt to control the camel yourself.
Important: Wait for your guide’s signal before the camel stands up. Its movement can shift your balance, so keep a secure hold and follow the instructions you have been given.
4. When the Camel Stands Up
This is often the most surprising moment of a first camel ride.
A camel typically stands by lifting its rear legs and then its front legs. This causes your body to tilt forward and backward, which can feel sudden if you are not expecting it.
Stay seated, keep your balance, and hold the designated support. Avoid leaning too far forward or backward in an attempt to counter the movement. Follow your guide’s instructions instead.
The same principle applies when the camel kneels at the end of the ride. Your body may shift as the animal lowers itself, so keep holding on until the camel is fully settled and the guide tells you it is safe to get off.
Once you understand these movements, the experience may feel less unfamiliar. It is perfectly normal to feel a little nervous at first.
5. Riding Across the Sand
Once the camel is standing, your guide will lead it along the planned route. You can then enjoy the scenery, look across the dunes, and experience the desert at a relaxed pace.
A camel’s walking motion feels different from sitting in a car or walking on your own. You may notice a gentle swaying movement as the animal moves its legs. It can feel unusual at first, but many riders become more comfortable as the journey continues.
Try to sit upright without becoming stiff. Keep your feet in the intended position and use the provided support as needed. Avoid sudden movements, leaning too far to one side, or reaching towards the camel while it is walking.
The ride is not a race. Take your time, enjoy the landscape, and follow the guide’s instructions. If you feel uncomfortable or need assistance, let the guide know.
The route and riding duration vary between packages, so check these details before booking if you want to spend more time exploring the desert on a camel.
6. Taking Photos During Your Camel Ride
Photographs are an important part of the experience for many visitors. The open desert provides a beautiful setting, with rolling dunes and wide views of the sand.
You can take pictures before mounting, during a planned stop, or after the ride. A photograph of you sitting on the camel with the dunes behind you is a popular choice.
Safety should always come first. Do not try to use your phone or camera while mounting, dismounting, or holding an unstable position. Ask your guide when it is safe to take photographs.
You can also ask whether your tour includes a suitable stop for pictures. Not every package follows the same route or offers the same photography opportunities.
If taking photographs is important to you, mention this before booking so you can choose a package that suits your expectations.
7. Getting Off the Camel
At the end of the ride, your guide will bring the camel to a suitable stopping point and tell you when to prepare for dismounting.
The camel will normally kneel so you can get off the saddle. As with standing up, the movement can shift your balance. Keep holding the designated support and follow the guide’s instructions.
Wait until the camel has fully lowered its body before attempting to get down. Do not jump off or rush the process.
Once you are safely on the ground, move away from the camel as directed by your guide. You may then have time to take more photographs, explore the designated area, or continue with other activities included in your package.
If your camel ride is part of a desert safari, the experience may continue with activities such as sandboarding, dune bashing, refreshments, or a desert camp visit, depending on the package you booked.
How Long Does a Camel Ride in Dubai Last?
The duration varies from one tour to another. Some desert safari packages include a short introductory ride, while other experiences offer a longer journey across the sand.
It is important to check the actual riding time rather than relying only on the total tour duration. A package advertised as a half-day desert safari may include transport, waiting time, photographs, and several other activities. The camel ride itself may be much shorter.
Before booking, ask your tour provider these questions:
- How many minutes will I actually spend riding the camel?
- Is the ride included in the package price?
- Can I arrange a longer ride if I want more time on the camel?
- Will the ride follow a route through the dunes or stay near the camp?
- Is the activity suitable for my age and physical comfort?
If camel riding is the main reason for your visit, choose a package that clearly explains the riding duration. This will help you understand what you are paying for and avoid disappointment.
Is Camel Riding in Dubai Difficult for Beginners?
For most visitors who are comfortable sitting on a moving animal and can follow basic instructions, a guided camel ride is manageable without previous experience.
You do not need to learn complicated riding techniques. Your guide will explain how to mount, where to sit, what to hold, and when to get on or off.
The two moments that may feel unusual are when the camel stands up and when it kneels again. Both movements can shift your balance, but knowing what to expect can make them less surprising.
During the ride, try to remain relaxed and follow the guide’s instructions. If you experience discomfort or feel unable to continue, tell the guide rather than forcing yourself to finish.
Camel riding may not suit everyone. People with balance difficulties, mobility limitations, or conditions that make sudden body movements uncomfortable should speak with the tour provider before booking. If you are unsure whether the activity is suitable for you, seek appropriate medical advice.
What Should You Wear for Camel Riding?
Choose comfortable clothing that allows you to sit and move easily. Secure footwear is a sensible choice, and sun protection is important because much of the desert offers little shade.
Your clothing should also suit the weather. Temperatures can be high during warmer months, while desert evenings and early mornings can feel cooler, especially in winter.
For detailed advice about suitable outfits, footwear, and photo-friendly clothing, read our guide to what to wear for a camel ride in Dubai.
It is also a good idea to bring water when permitted by your tour provider and apply sunscreen before spending time outdoors. Follow any instructions about personal belongings, bags, and cameras during the ride.
Can Children Ride Camels in Dubai?
Many families include camel riding in their Dubai holiday, but age requirements and arrangements vary between operators.
Some packages may allow children to ride with an adult or under specific supervision arrangements, while others may have minimum age or safety requirements. Do not assume that every child can ride independently.
Before booking, confirm the rules for your child’s age and ask whether the operator offers an arrangement suitable for your family.
Parents should listen to the guide’s instructions and help children remain calm around the camel. Children should not approach, feed, or touch the animal without permission.
If your child feels frightened, do not force them to participate. Watching the camel from a safe distance may be a better choice until they feel comfortable.
Checking these details in advance helps families choose an experience that suits their needs.
Is Camel Riding Included in a Dubai Desert Safari?
Camel riding is included in many Dubai desert safari packages, but the exact arrangement depends on the tour you choose.
A standard safari may include a short camel ride alongside other activities. Some packages offer the option to arrange a longer ride for visitors who want more time on the camel.
A desert safari may also include 4×4 dune bashing, sandboarding, refreshments, or a visit to a traditional-style desert camp. Evening packages may include dinner and live entertainment, while morning packages often focus on outdoor activities.
Do not assume that every activity is included in every package. Check the inclusions, pickup arrangements, ride duration, and any extra charges before confirming your booking.
If you mainly want to experience camel riding, look for a tour that gives clear information about the ride rather than choosing a package based only on the number of activities advertised.
How to Choose the Right Camel Riding Tour in Dubai
Not all camel riding packages provide the same experience. Before you book, think about what matters most to you.
Check the ride duration. If you want more than a quick introduction, confirm how long you will actually be on the camel.
Ask about the location. Find out whether the ride takes place among the dunes, near a camp, or along another designated route.
Confirm what is included. Check whether the price covers the camel ride, transport, other activities, refreshments, and any optional extras you want.
Review the safety arrangements. Ask how guides assist with mounting and dismounting and whether the package suits your age and physical needs.
Understand the pickup details. If transport is included, confirm the pickup area, meeting time, and return arrangements.
Check the booking conditions. Review the cancellation policy, payment terms, and any age or participation requirements before paying.
Reading the package details carefully can help you find a camel riding experience that suits your expectations without paying for activities you do not need.
Frequently Asked Questions About First-Time Camel Riding in Dubai
1. Do I need previous experience to ride a camel in Dubai?
No. Most tourist camel rides are designed for beginners. Your guide will explain how to mount, sit safely, and dismount. Follow the instructions carefully, especially when the camel stands up or kneels.
2. Is camel riding scary for first-time visitors?
It can feel surprising at first, particularly when the camel stands up. Knowing what to expect and following your guide’s instructions can help you feel more comfortable. If you are nervous, let the guide know before the ride begins.
3. Is camel riding in Dubai uncomfortable?
The camel’s walking motion can feel unusual because your body moves with the animal. Comfort depends on the rider, the saddle, and the length of the ride. Ask about the duration before booking, and tell your guide if you feel uncomfortable.
4. How long does a camel ride in Dubai take?
It depends on the package. Some rides are short activities included in a desert safari, while others provide more time on the camel. Confirm the actual riding time with your tour provider before booking.
5. Can I take photos while riding a camel?
You can usually take photos before or after the ride and during suitable stops. For safety, avoid handling your phone or camera while mounting, dismounting, or when you need both hands to stay balanced. Follow your guide’s instructions.
6. Can two people ride one camel together?
This depends on the operator’s rules, the camel, the saddle arrangement, and the riders’ combined weight. Never assume that sharing a camel is permitted. Ask the tour provider before booking.
7. Can children ride a camel in Dubai?
Many operators welcome families, but children’s age requirements and riding arrangements vary. Confirm the minimum age, supervision rules, and whether your child can ride independently or needs a different arrangement.
8. What happens if I am afraid to get on the camel?
Tell your guide before the activity begins. They can explain the process and help you understand what to expect. You should never feel pressured to ride if you are uncomfortable or unable to follow the safety instructions.
9. Is camel riding available throughout the year in Dubai?
Camel riding is offered during much of the year, but availability, timing, and comfort depend on the weather and the tour operator. Confirm the schedule for your travel date before booking.
10. Can I combine camel riding with other desert activities?
Yes. Many desert safari packages combine camel riding with activities such as dune bashing, sandboarding, and desert camp visits. The available activities depend on the package, so check the inclusions before booking.
11. What should I bring for a camel ride in Dubai?
Bring sun protection, suitable clothing, and a camera or phone for photographs when it is safe to use one. Water is useful for outdoor activities, subject to your tour provider’s arrangements. Check your booking details for any other recommendations.
12. Should I book a camel ride separately or as part of a desert safari?
Choose a separate camel riding experience if you mainly want to focus on the ride or want a particular duration. A desert safari package may be better if you also want activities such as dune bashing, sandboarding, or a camp visit. Compare the actual riding time and inclusions before deciding.
Enjoy Your First Camel Ride in Dubai
Your first camel ride can be a memorable part of your Dubai holiday. It gives you time to appreciate the desert scenery, experience a traditional way of travelling, and take photographs away from the busy city.
The key is to choose a suitable tour, understand what is included, and listen to your guide throughout the experience. Knowing how the camel stands up, walks, and kneels can also help you feel more prepared before you begin.
Whether you choose a short ride as part of a desert safari or a longer experience, take your time and enjoy the journey.
Before booking, compare the available camel riding packages, confirm the ride duration, and choose an option that matches your travel plans. With the right preparation, you can approach your first camel ride with greater confidence and enjoy a different side of Dubai’s desert.