Dubai’s desert safaris have soared in popularity in recent years. Demand grew by 34% in 2022 over the previous year. Nearly half of these visitors chose camel rides to explore the dunes. Riding a camel is a gentle, memorable way to see the desert’s vast beauty. You sit atop a calm, one‑humped dromedary camel guided by a trained professional. The ride links you to ancient Bedouin traditions while offering safety and ease for families. Along the way, guides share stories about desert wildlife, plants, and local culture. Some tours even include a visit to a camel farm to learn how these animals are fed and cared for . Camel rides are slow and steady, making them perfect for children and older adults alike. In this guide, we’ll explain what a camel ride involves, why families love it, and how to choose the best tour operator. By the end, you will know exactly how to plan an unforgettable family adventure in Dubai’s golden dunes.
What Is a Camel Ride?
A camel ride in Dubai lets you sit comfortably on a saddle placed over a one‑humped dromedary camel. These camels are specially bred for desert travel. They have bushy eyebrows and double lashes to shield their eyes from sand. They can close their nostrils to prevent sand entry and have wide, padded feet to walk on soft dunes .
Before the ride, you’ll meet your guide at a desert camp. The guide helps you mount the camel using a low platform. The saddle is often padded and may have side handles for extra grip. Once seated, the camel stands up with a gentle rocking motion—hold the handle firmly to stay balanced.
Camels can drink up to 32 gallons of water in under 15 minutes and then journey for days without water. Their humps store fat, not water, giving them energy when food is scarce. This allows camels to survive a week without drinking and several months without eating .
Why Families Love Camel Rides
Camel rides are a top choice for families visiting Dubai. Here’s why:
- Safety First: Each ride is led by a professional guide who knows camel behavior and desert terrain. This keeps the entire group safe, even on shifting sands .
- Educational Value: At the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, families can spot wildlife and learn about desert ecology while on camel rides . Guides point out native plants and animals, making the trip both fun and informative.
- Gentle Experience: Camels walk at a steady pace. This calm motion is perfect for young children and older adults. It allows everyone to relax and enjoy the view.
- Affordable Fun: Child tickets range from $30 to $80. Adults pay a modest fee, making camel rides accessible for most budgets .
- Memorable Photos: The sweeping dunes and glowing sunrise or sunset create a perfect backdrop for family photos.
Families often pair camel rides with other desert activities. No one in the family feels left out—everyone finds a part they love.
What to Expect on Your Camel Ride
Most camel ride tours include hotel pickup, desert camp activities, and return transfer. Here’s a typical flow:
- Pickup: A comfortable vehicle collects you from your hotel. Travel time to the camp is about 45 minutes.
- Welcome Reception: Enjoy a welcome drink like Arabic tea or coffee and light snacks. Short safety briefing follows.
- Camel Farm Visit: Some tours start with a camel farm visit. Kids can feed camels and learn about their care .
- Camel Ride: Learn to mount and hold on. Enjoy a 15–30 minute ride through rolling dunes. Guides often stop for photos.
- Desert Activities: After the ride, you may try sandboarding, henna painting, or falconry demonstrations.
- Refreshments: Sample dates, Arabic sweets, and cold water at the camp.
- Return: Head back to your hotel at sunset, arriving refreshed and full of memories.
Tours typically cost AED130 for adults and AED100 for children . Duration can range from 2 to 6 hours, depending on added activities.
Combine Camel Ride with Other Desert Fun
Camel rides are often one highlight in a full desert safari. You can combine them with:
- Dune Bashing: A thrilling 4×4 ride up and down steep dunes. Family‑friendly options are available.
- Quad Biking: Safe off‑road vehicles with guides to handle younger riders.
- Dune Buggy: Small, open vehicles for two or four people, complete with roll cages.
- Sandboarding: Slide down dunes on a board—kids love the challenge of standing up!
- Cultural Shows: Enjoy belly dancing, tanoura spin performances, and live music.
- Stargazing & Dinner: End the day with a barbecue under the stars, followed by tea and desserts in a Bedouin‑style camp.
Dream Destiny Tourism | Desert Quad Safari & Dune Buggy Dubai offers all these options. Their vehicles feature roll cages, race harnesses, and secure doors. Every tour includes a professional guide and safety briefing . Their “Book Now, Pay Later” policy makes planning easy.
Safety and Comfort Tips
Follow these tips to have a smooth, safe, and fun ride:
- Sun Protection: Apply sunscreen, wear a hat, and use sunglasses.
- Closed Shoes: Protect your feet from hot sand and small rocks.
- Dress in Layers: Desert temperatures can vary by 30 °F between day and night.
- Stay Hydrated: Sip water before and after the ride.
- Hold the Saddle: Keep both hands on the saddle handle when the camel stands or sits.
- Listen to Guides: They know how to mount, ride, and dismount safely.
- Age Rules: Most operators recommend camel rides for children aged five and older .
Carry a small backpack with water, snacks, and a light jacket. If anyone in your group has special needs, inform the operator when you book.
Tips for Choosing the Right Tour
With many operators in Dubai, here’s how to pick the best:
- Check Reviews: Look at sites like TripAdvisor to see real guest feedback.
- Compare Prices: Make sure the price includes transfers, refreshments, and insurance.
- Safety Standards: Ask about vehicle features, guide training, and emergency protocols.
- Group Size: Smaller groups often mean more personalized service.
- Booking Flexibility: Choose tours with easy rescheduling or cancellation policies.
- Language & Guide Skills: Ensure the guide speaks your language and has local knowledge.
By doing a bit of homework, you can find a tour that matches your family’s needs and budget. Check out the full list of all tours and services to find the perfect option for your family adventure!
Conclusion
A camel ride in Dubai offers a unique blend of culture, nature, and family fun. It is a safe, gentle way for children and adults to experience the desert’s beauty. With a trained guide and simple safety rules, you can relax and enjoy the ride.
Quality service is key. Dream Destiny Tourism | Desert Quad Safari & Dune Buggy Dubai employs well‑trained staff and uses top‑quality equipment. They ensure each tour runs safely and smoothly. While they are not our company, we proudly recommend them to our visitors for their focus on safety and guest satisfaction.
Contact us today to learn more and book your desert adventure. Create memories that your family will cherish forever in Dubai’s golden dunes.
