Camel Ride Dubai: What to Expect on Your Desert Safari

A camel ride is the quietest moment of a Dubai desert safari — and often the most memorable. After the rush of dune bashing, you climb onto a camel, the handler leads you out onto the sand, and for a few minutes the desert slows right down. If you have never ridden a camel before, it is natural to wonder what it feels like, whether it is comfortable, and whether it is right for you. This guide answers all of that, so you know exactly what to expect from a camel ride Dubai desert safari before you book.

Camels have carried people across the Arabian desert for centuries, and a short ride is now a standard part of most evening safaris. It is not a trek and it is not a race — just a gentle, guided experience, usually close to the camp, that suits most travellers, including many who would never consider a quad bike or a dune buggy.

What a Camel Ride Dubai Desert Safari Is Actually Like

Your camel will already be kneeling when you arrive at the riding area, with a handler standing beside it. You sit on a padded saddle, hold onto the frame in front of you, and the camel rises — back legs first, then front legs. That first lift is the part that surprises most people: it feels like a slow rocking motion, and holding on firmly makes all the difference.

Once you are up, the ride itself is slow and steady. The camel walks at a relaxed pace, guided by the handler walking alongside, and you get a high, open view across the dunes. Most riders say the gentle swaying takes a minute to get used to, then feels perfectly comfortable. Keep your phone or camera secured — a strap around your wrist is a good idea.

The ride usually takes place near the camp, on flat ground, with the handler beside you throughout. You are not steering the camel yourself. If you feel nervous, tell the handler: they can stop, steady the camel, and help you down.

How Long Is the Ride, and What Does It Cost?

This is the question every traveller asks, and the honest answer is that it varies by package. On many evening safaris, a short camel ride is included in the standard itinerary. On others, it may be listed separately or offered as an add-on. The length of the ride, and whether it is included in the price you pay, depends on the package you choose — so check the inclusions on the tour page before you book rather than assuming.

That matters, because “camel ride included” can mean different things on different tours. The desert safari page lists what each option includes, so check it before you book — and if you are unsure, ask the operator exactly what the ride involves. For general background, Visit Dubai’s desert adventures guide is a useful starting point. Whatever the package, expect a short, scenic experience on your camel ride Dubai desert safari, not a long desert crossing: travellers who expect a relaxed few minutes on a camel, with time for photos, come away delighted.

Is Camel Riding Comfortable?

For most people, a camel ride Dubai desert safari is comfortable — with a couple of honest caveats. The saddle is padded, but you sit higher and wider than you might expect, and the camel’s walk has a rolling rhythm. A few tips help:

• Wear trousers. Shorts can chafe against the saddle; loose, lightweight trousers are far more comfortable.
• Wear closed shoes. Trainers give you better footing on sand and when mounting and dismounting.
• Hold on during the rise and the kneel. The camel stands and sits in two stages — grip the saddle frame, lean back slightly, and let the handler guide you.
• Relax your legs. Gripping with your knees tires you out; let the saddle do the work.

Children often love camel rides — no engine noise, no speed, and a handler in control throughout. Check the age guidance on your tour page, and read our family guide for how the day works with children. If you have a bad back, note that the rocking motion and the climb on and off can be awkward, so ask the operator before booking if you are unsure.

Camel Ride Dubai Desert Safari: What to Wear and Bring

What you wear matters more than most first-timers expect on a camel ride Dubai desert safari, and the advice is simple: dress for sand, sun, and a saddle.

Avoid long, flowing skirts or dresses that can catch on the saddle, and leave anything you cannot afford to drop in the vehicle or at camp. Our full what to wear guide covers the whole safari day, from dune bashing to the evening camp.

Getting the Best Photos on Your Camel Ride

A camel at sunset, with dunes behind you, is one of the most photographed moments in Dubai. Sort your camera before you mount — the ride is short, and fumbling with settings while the camel moves wastes it. Keep your phone in your hand with a wrist strap, not in a pocket.

Ask the handler for a photo stop: they will usually pause the camel so you can pose, and a still photo with the dunes behind you is sharper than anything taken mid-walk. If someone in your group is not riding, ask them to shoot from the ground — photos taken from sand level, looking up at the rider, are often the best of the day. Late afternoon light is warm and soft, which is why the evening safari is the classic choice for photography on a camel ride Dubai desert safari. Take a short video too: a clip of the camel rising captures the feeling of the ride in a way a photo cannot.

Who Is a Camel Ride Suitable For?

Most travellers can enjoy a camel ride, but it is not for everyone, and being honest about that helps you plan a better day.

It suits first-time visitors who want a traditional desert experience without speed or engines, families with children, older travellers who prefer gentle activities, and anyone who wants a calm break between dune bashing and the evening camp. It is also a good option if you are skipping dune bashing for health reasons — you can still enjoy the desert at a slow pace.

It may not suit you if you have a serious back or hip problem, if you are pregnant, or if you have difficulty climbing or balancing. Mounting and dismounting involve a step up and a rocking motion, and while handlers help throughout, it is worth raising any concern with the operator before booking rather than at the dunes. Our safety guide covers health considerations across all safari activities. If you decide not to ride, you will not be left out: the camp has plenty to enjoy while the rest of your group rides.

Camel Riding and the Rest of Your Safari Day

A camel ride is one part of a much bigger day. On a typical evening safari, the order runs roughly like this: pickup and the drive out, dune bashing, a sunset photo stop, then arrival at the camp — where the camel ride usually happens — followed by dinner and the evening shows. On a morning safari, the ride is usually shorter and the day ends by lunchtime, without the camp evening.

The camel ride is rarely the reason to choose one safari over another, but it is often the moment people remember most. If riding matters to you, confirm it is included when you book, using our booking checklist so nothing is left to chance, and read our morning vs evening comparison to pick the format that fits your day. One last note: camels may grunt, shift their weight, or kneel without much warning — that is normal. Listen to the handler, stay calm, and keep your hands on the saddle frame.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a camel ride included in a Dubai desert safari?

Often, yes — a short ride is included in many evening safari packages. But it varies by package, so check the inclusions on the tour page before you book your camel ride Dubai desert safari.

How long does a camel ride last on a desert safari?

It varies by package. Most safari camel rides are short, scenic rides near the camp rather than long treks — check your tour page for what yours includes.

Is camel riding in Dubai safe?

For most travellers, yes. The ride is slow, guided, and supervised by a handler throughout. Mount and dismount only with the handler’s help, hold on during the rise and kneel, and raise any health concerns before booking.

What should I wear for a camel ride in Dubai?

Loose trousers, closed shoes, sunglasses, and sunscreen, plus a light layer for the evening. Avoid flowing clothing that can catch on the saddle.

Can children ride camels on a desert safari?

Many families do, and children often love it. Check the age guidance on your tour page before booking.

Is a camel ride suitable if I have a bad back?

The ride is gentle, but the rocking motion and mounting can be awkward with back or hip problems. If in doubt, ask the operator before you book.

Final Thoughts

A camel ride is the slow, traditional heart of a Dubai desert safari: no engine, no rush, just you, the camel, and the dunes. Go in knowing what to expect — a short guided ride, a surprising first lift, a great photo opportunity — and your camel ride Dubai desert safari will be one of the highlights of your trip.

Ready to ride? Browse Sunspire Tourism’s desert safari options and check the inclusions on your chosen tour so your camel ride is confirmed before you go.