What Is a Camel Ride in Dubai?
A camel ride in Dubai is a guided desert experience where you ride an Arabian dromedary camel across golden or red sand dunes. It is one of the oldest and most authentic activities available to visitors in the UAE.
Camels have been the primary mode of transport across the Arabian Peninsula for over 5,000 years. Bedouins called them ships of the desert because they could carry people and goods across harsh desert terrain without needing water for days. Today, a camel ride in the Dubai desert gives visitors a direct connection to that heritage.
At Roar Adventure Tourism, our camel rides take place at Dadabhai Camp in the Lahbab Desert, home to Dubai’s iconic red dunes. Our DTCM and DET licensed guides lead every ride and stay with you throughout. Whether you book a standalone camel ride or combine it with an evening desert safari, morning desert safari, or VIP desert safari package, the experience is relaxed, guided, and memorable.
Dubai Camel Ride at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
| Location | Dadabhai Camp, Lahbab Red Dunes, Dubai |
| Desert Type | Red sand dunes (highest dunes in Dubai) |
| Camel Type | Dromedary (Arabian camel) |
| Duration | 20 to 60 minutes depending on package |
| Best Time | Sunrise, morning, or sunset |
| Minimum Age | 5 years (with adult) |
| Weight Limit | 120 kg per rider |
| Transfers | Included from Dubai and Sharjah hotels |
| WhatsApp Booking | +971 55 605 4570 |
| License | DTCM and DET Licensed Operator |
Camel Ride Packages at Roar Adventure Tourism
We offer camel rides as part of our desert safari packages and as a standalone add-on. Below is a summary of every option that includes a camel ride.
| Package | Price (AED) | Duration | Camel Ride Included |
| Evening Desert Safari | 99 per person | 6-7 hours | Yes – shared ride at camp |
| VIP Desert Safari | 149 per person | 6-7 hours | Yes – private ride at camp |
| Premium Desert Safari | 259 per person | 6-7 hours | Yes – extended trek |
| Morning Desert Safari | 149 per person | 4-5 hours | Yes – morning camel trek |
| Overnight Desert Safari | 349 per person | Overnight | Yes – evening and morning |
| Private Desert Safari | 999 per vehicle | Flexible | Yes – private camel ride |
| Morning + Quad Bike | 249 per person | 4-5 hours | Yes – camel ride + ATV |
All prices include hotel pickup and drop-off from Dubai and Sharjah. To book or ask questions, WhatsApp Roar Adventure Tourism at +971556054570.
What Happens During a Dubai Camel Ride
Here is exactly what you can expect when you book camel ride in dubai with Roar Adventure Tourism.
Hotel Pickup
Your guide collects you from your hotel in Dubai or Sharjah in an air-conditioned 4×4 Land Cruiser. The drive to Dadabhai Camp at the Lahbab red dunes takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes depending on your location.
Arrival at Dadabhai Camp
You arrive at our Bedouin-style camp at the base of the red dunes. Our named guides Asad, Ibadat, Majid, Afzal, Shahmir, Hamid, or Adnan will welcome you, introduce you to the camels, and explain how to mount safely.
The Camel Ride
You mount the camel from the left side with the handler’s assistance. The camel rises from its knees first the back legs, then the front. Hold the saddle handle firmly during this moment. Once standing, the camel begins walking at a slow, steady pace across the red dunes. The movement is a gentle rocking side to side. Most guests find it meditative rather than bumpy. Your guide walks alongside and stops at the best spots for photos, including sunset or sunrise shots over the red dunes.
Return and Camp Activities
After the camel ride, you return to Dadabhai Camp where evening safari packages include a BBQ buffet dinner, Arabic coffee, dates, henna painting, shisha, a tanoura dance show, belly dancing, and a fire show. VIP packages offer table service and a Sufi Dance Show Roar Adventure Tourism’s signature entertainment.
Best Time for a Camel Ride in Dubai
The time of day affects the temperature, the quality of light for photographs, and the overall atmosphere of the experience.
| Time | Conditions | Best For |
| Sunrise (6-8 AM) | Cool, soft golden light, quiet dunes | Photography, solitude, couples |
| Morning (8-11 AM) | Warm but manageable, great visibility | Families, first-timers, quad bike combos |
| Sunset (4-7 PM) | Rich amber light, cooler air | Romantic rides, sunset photography, full safari packages |
| Night (after 7 PM) | Cool and atmospheric | Overnight safari guests, stargazing combinations |
The best months for a camel ride in Dubai are October through April when daytime temperatures stay below 35C. Summer rides are available but should be booked as early morning experiences only.
What to Wear on a Camel Ride in Dubai
The right clothing makes a significant difference to your comfort during the ride and protects you from the desert sun and sand.
- Long, loose-fitting trousers or cargo pants to prevent chafing against the saddle
- Lightweight long-sleeved top made from breathable cotton or linen
- Closed-toe shoes with a firm sole sandals and flip-flops are not suitable as desert sand becomes extremely hot
- Wide-brimmed hat or cap to protect from direct sun
- Sunglasses polarised lenses are recommended for the bright desert light
- Light jacket or layer for October to March when desert evenings turn cold
- Sunscreen SPF 50+ applied before departure
Avoid black clothing as it absorbs heat. Light colours white, beige, sand, and cream tones are far more comfortable and photograph well against the red dunes.
Women do not need to wear an abaya for a desert safari, but modest dress covering shoulders and knees is appreciated as a mark of cultural respect and also provides practical sun protection.
Camel Ride Safety in Dubai
Camel riding in Dubai is a safe activity when conducted by a licensed operator with trained handlers. Here is what Roar Adventure Tourism does to ensure every guest rides safely.
- Every camel has a dedicated handler who walks alongside throughout the ride
- Guides demonstrate mounting and dismounting technique before the ride begins
- Saddles are padded and fitted with secure handles for balance
- Riders are briefed on how to hold on during the camel’s standing and kneeling movements
- All camel rides follow DTCM tourism regulation guidelines
- Group sizes are controlled to ensure each rider receives attention from the guide
Who Should Not Ride a Camel in Dubai
- Pregnant women, particularly in the second and third trimester
- Guests with serious back, spinal, or neck conditions
- Guests recovering from recent surgery or with significant mobility limitations
- Children under 5 years of age
- Guests with severe motion sickness or vertigo
- Guests with balance conditions that prevent them from sitting steadily
Guests over 70 can participate provided they are physically mobile and have no balance or cardiac conditions. If you have any concerns, contact Roar Adventure Tourism before booking on WhatsApp +971 55 605 4570 and our team will advise the most suitable option for you.
Camel Rides for Kids and Families in Dubai
A camel ride in Dubai is one of the most popular family activities in the desert. Here is what parents need to know before booking.
| Question | Answer |
| Minimum age | 5 years old with adult supervision |
| Under 5s | Cannot ride but can meet, feed, and photograph camels at the camp |
| Seating | Children share a camel with a parent or guardian |
| What children wear | Same as adults long trousers, closed shoes, hat, sunscreen |
| Duration for kids | Short 20-minute rides are available and recommended for younger children |
| Other activities for kids | Sandboarding, henna painting, quad biking for over-12s, tanoura show, falconry photo opportunity |
Roar Adventure Tourism’s evening and morning desert safari packages are designed for families. Our guides are experienced at making children feel confident and safe on the camel before the ride begins.
Where Is the Camel Ride Located in Dubai?
Roar Adventure Tourism operates all camel rides from Dadabhai Camp in the Lahbab Desert, approximately 55 km southeast of Dubai city centre. Lahbab is famous for its red sand dunes the highest and most dramatic dunes in the Dubai emirate.
| Desert Area | Dune Type | Character |
| Lahbab (Roar base camp) | Red sand highest dunes in Dubai | Dramatic, photogenic, ideal for sunset shots |
| Al Avir Desert | Golden sand flatter terrain | Calm, relaxed, easier access |
| Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve | Protected golden sand | Wildlife sightings, oryx, birds |
| JBR Beach (city-side only) | No dunes | Short tourist ride, no transfer required |
The Lahbab red dunes at Dadabhai Camp give the best backdrop for camel ride photography in Dubai. The red sand against the camel and the setting sun creates images that stand out completely from the standard golden dune shots.
Are Camel Rides in Dubai Ethical?
This is one of the most commonly asked questions about Dubai camel rides and it deserves a direct answer.
Camels are domesticated animals. They have been working alongside humans in Arabia for over 5,000 years. Unlike elephants, which are wild animals trained by force, dromedary camels are naturally calm and have lived alongside Bedouin communities as working animals throughout their evolutionary history. This makes the ethical question different to wildlife riding.
The key factors that determine whether a camel ride is ethical are the quality of care the operator provides, how many hours the camel works per day, and the physical condition of the animals.
What to Look for in an Ethical Camel Ride Operator
- Camels are calm and alert not lethargic, underweight, or showing signs of stress
- Clear eyes and skin free from saddle sores
- Padded saddles fitted correctly with strict weight limits enforced (120 kg maximum per rider)
- Camels work limited hours per day with regular rest days
- Animals have access to water, food, and shade between rides
- Handler stays with the camel throughout every ride no unsupervised riding
- Operator holds a DTCM license, which requires adherence to UAE tourism welfare standards
Roar Adventure Tourism operates under DTCM and DET licensing. Our camels are managed by experienced handlers and are not overworked. If you see any sign of distress in an animal at any operator’s camp, raise it with the guide or report it to the Dubai Tourism authority.
Camels in UAE Culture and Heritage
Understanding the cultural significance of camels in the UAE makes the experience richer. Here is the essential context.
- The word jamal (camel) in Arabic shares its root with the word for beauty jamaal reflecting how central the camel is to Arabian aesthetics and identity
- Camels were used by Bedouins for transport across the desert, as a source of milk, meat, and leather, and as a measure of wealth and social status
- Camel racing is a national sport in the UAE today. Modern races use robotic jockeys operated by remote control a technology the UAE pioneered
- Camel milk is produced commercially in the UAE and sold in supermarkets. It contains more vitamin C and iron than cow’s milk and is lower in fat
- Camel beauty pageants are held annually across the UAE and Saudi Arabia, with prize money reaching millions of dirhams
- The UAE government has invested heavily in camel research, including a dedicated Camel Research Centre in Abu Dhabi
At Dadabhai Camp, Roar Adventure Tourism’s guides share stories about Bedouin desert life, camel heritage, and the significance of the Lahbab dunes. A camel ride is not just an adventure activity it is a doorway into one of the world’s oldest desert civilisations.
Combine Your Camel Ride With These Desert Activities
A camel ride on its own lasts between 20 and 45 minutes. Most guests book it as part of a larger desert safari package that includes several activities. Here is what you can combine it with at Roar Adventure Tourism.
| Activity | Description | Available With |
| Dune Bashing | 4×4 Land Cruiser driven across steep red dunes at speed | All safari packages |
| Sandboarding | Slide down a red dune on a board free of charge | All safari packages |
| Quad Biking (ATV) | Solo or tandem quad bike across the dunes AED 100 to 250 add-on | All packages |
| Can-Am Dune Buggy | Two-seat off-road dune buggy AED 365 per vehicle | All packages |
| BBQ Dinner | Buffet with salads, grills, and desserts at Dadabhai Camp | Evening and VIP packages |
| Sufi Dance Show | Roar’s signature entertainment exclusive to VIP packages | VIP and Private packages |
| Henna Painting | Traditional mehndi design applied by an artist | Evening packages |
| Falconry Display | Live falcon demonstration photo opportunity included | Select packages |
| Tanoura Dance | Whirling Sufi-inspired performance with colourful skirts | Evening and VIP packages |
| Stargazing | Open sky at Dadabhai Camp with clear desert horizon | Overnight package |
Dubai Camel Ride Frequently Asked Questions
These are the most common questions we receive about camel riding in Dubai. Every answer is based on how Roar Adventure Tourism operates at Dadabhai Camp, Lahbab Desert.
How much does a camel ride cost in Dubai?
At Roar Adventure Tourism, a camel ride is included in all desert safari packages. The Evening Desert Safari starts at AED 99 per person. Standalone camel ride experiences with hotel transfer start from AED 150 per person. VIP and private packages with extended camel treks range from AED 149 to AED 999.
Is a camel ride included in the desert safari price?
Yes. All Roar Adventure Tourism desert safari packages include a camel ride at no extra charge. Evening, VIP, Morning, Overnight, and Private safari packages all include a guided camel ride at Dadabhai Camp.
Does the camel ride cost extra on top of the safari?
No. The camel ride is part of your safari package. Optional upgrades that cost extra include quad biking (AED 100 to 250), Can-Am dune buggy (AED 365 per vehicle), and private VIP seating arrangements.
Are there group discounts for camel rides in Dubai?
Yes. Groups of 6 or more receive discounted pricing. Contact Roar Adventure Tourism on WhatsApp +971 55 605 4570 for a group quote.
How do I book a camel ride in Dubai?
The fastest way to book is via WhatsApp at +971 55 605 4570. You can also book online at roaradventuretourism.com. Same-day and last-minute bookings are accepted subject to availability.
Do I need to book a camel ride in Dubai in advance?
We recommend booking at least 24 hours in advance, especially during peak season from October to March and around UAE national holidays. Last-minute bookings on the same day are possible but availability cannot be guaranteed.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellations made more than 24 hours before the tour receive a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are subject to a fee. Contact us on WhatsApp for specific terms related to your booking.
What does a camel ride in Dubai feel like?
The movement is a slow, rhythmic side-to-side rock as the camel walks. Most guests find it relaxing and meditative rather than bumpy. Camels walk at approximately 5 km per hour, which is a gentle walking pace. The height around 2 metres when the camel is standing gives a different perspective on the desert landscape.
How long is a camel ride in Dubai?
The standard camel ride included in most desert safari packages lasts 20 to 30 minutes. Standalone camel trekking experiences can last 45 minutes to 1 hour. Extended camel caravan tours and overnight safari camel treks cover longer distances.
Can I take photos during the camel ride?
Yes. Our guides make dedicated photography stops at the best viewpoints on the red dunes. Sunset and sunrise rides are particularly popular for photography. Keep your phone or camera secured in one hand and hold the saddle handle with the other while moving over uneven terrain.
Will the guide take photos of me on the camel?
A: Yes. Roar Adventure Tourism guides are experienced at taking photos of guests on the camel. Hand your phone to the guide at photography stops for wide-angle dune shots. Some VIP packages include a dedicated photographer.
How many people can ride one camel?
Two average-sized adults can ride one camel simultaneously, seated side by side on the same padded saddle. Children share a camel with a parent. Guests who prefer more personal space, or who are above average weight, can request a solo ride.
Is the camel ride part of the full safari or a separate activity?
The camel ride is one activity within the broader desert safari programme. Most evening and morning safari packages run 5 to 7 hours in total, during which the camel ride is one of several activities including dune bashing, sandboarding, BBQ dinner, and live entertainment at camp.
What is the best time of day for a camel ride in Dubai?
Sunrise and sunset are the best times for light quality, temperature, and photography. Sunrise rides offer golden hour light and complete solitude on the dunes. Sunset rides, which are included in evening desert safari packages, give dramatic amber and red tones across the Lahbab dunes.
Is camel riding available in summer in Dubai?
Yes, but summer rides must be booked as early morning experiences before 9 AM when temperatures are still manageable. Between June and September, afternoon and evening temperatures regularly exceed 40C. We do not recommend summer camel rides outside of early morning slots.
Is a camel ride available during Ramadan in Dubai?
A: Yes. Desert safaris and camel rides operate during Ramadan, but the timing changes. Evening entertainment at camp is modified to respect the holy month. Contact us to confirm current Ramadan programme availability.
Is camel riding safe in Dubai?
Yes, for the vast majority of guests. Camels are calm, domesticated animals. At Roar Adventure Tourism, a trained handler stays with the camel throughout the entire ride, guides explain the mounting and dismounting process in detail, and all saddles are padded with secure handles. We operate under DTCM and DET licensing which requires adherence to safety standards.
What is the weight limit for a camel ride in Dubai?
The maximum weight per rider is 120 kg. This limit exists to protect the animal’s wellbeing. Guests above 120 kg will not be able to participate in the camel ride.
Can pregnant women do a camel ride in Dubai?
No. Camel rides are not recommended for pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy. The mounting and dismounting process and the movement of the camel carry risk of discomfort and injury. Pregnant guests are warmly welcome on all desert safari packages and can fully enjoy all other activities at camp.
Is camel riding safe for people with back problems?
Guests with serious back, spinal, or neck conditions should not ride. The rocking motion and the significant height change when the camel stands and kneels can aggravate existing injuries. If you have a mild back condition and are unsure, consult your doctor before booking.
What is the minimum age for a camel ride in Dubai?
Children aged 5 and above can ride with an adult. Children under 5 cannot ride for safety reasons but can interact with the camels at the camp meeting, feeding, and photographing them alongside a handler.
Is a camel ride in Dubai good for families?
It is one of the most popular family activities in the Dubai desert. Children consistently rate the camel ride as one of their highlights. The rest of the safari dune bashing, sandboarding, henna, tanoura dance, and the BBQ dinner keeps the whole family engaged for the full duration.
Does the camel ride include hotel pickup in Dubai?
Yes. All Roar Adventure Tourism desert safari packages include complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off from hotels and residences across Dubai and Sharjah. Pickup from select locations including Jebel Ali, Investment City, and Discovery Garden is available for an additional fee.
Can I book a camel ride during a Dubai flight layover?
Yes. We offer customised pickup and drop-off timing for guests with Dubai Airport layovers. Contact us on WhatsApp +971 55 605 4570 with your flight details and we will build an itinerary that works within your layover window.
Camel Ride vs Other Dubai Desert Activities
Not every guest is sure whether to book a camel ride or a different activity. This comparison helps you decide.
| Factor | Camel Ride | Dune Bashing | Quad Bike | Sandboarding | Hot Air Balloon |
| Pace | Slow | Fast | Fast | Fast | Slow |
| Cultural value | Very high | Low | Low | Low | Medium |
| Photo quality | Excellent | Good | Good | Good | Excellent |
| Suitable for kids 5+ | Yes | Yes | 12+ only | Yes | 5+ (with adult) |
| Suitable for elderly | Often yes | No | No | No | Yes |
| Suitable for pregnant | No | No | No | No | No |
| Typical price (AED) | Included in safari | Included in safari | 100-250 add-on | Free | 750-1,000+ |
About Roar Adventure Tourism
Roar Adventure Tourism is a Dubai-based desert safari and city tour operator established in 2016. We are licensed by both DTCM (Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing) and DET (Department of Economy and Tourism), making us a fully authorised tour operator in the UAE.
Our base of operations is Dadabhai Camp at the Lahbab red dunes one of the most photographically spectacular desert locations in the UAE. All our desert activities including camel rides, dune bashing, sandboarding, quad biking, and dune buggy rides operate from this camp.
Our Team
Every camel ride at Roar Adventure Tourism is led by one of our named, experienced desert guides: Asad Ullah Jan, Ibadat, Majid, Afzal, Shahmir, Hamid, and Adnan. Our guides are English-speaking, desert safari licensed, and have extensive knowledge of the Lahbab terrain, camel handling, and Emirati culture.
Contact and Booking
- WhatsApp: +971 55 605 4570
- Website: roaradventuretourism.com
- Location: Dubai World Trade Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai
- Camp: Dadabhai Camp, Lahbab Red Dunes, Dubai
To book a camel ride or any desert safari package with Roar Adventure Tourism, WhatsApp us at +971 55 605 4570. Same-day bookings accepted. Instant confirmation provided.
