We Nearly Fell on Our Butts Finding the Best Dubai Camel Rides
Ever had a disappointing horseback riding experience? I sure did. When I was younger, I impulsively signed up to ride a horse at a small farm. But back then, you could only research so much beforehand. I had to rely on word-of-mouth recommendations.
The thing is, I didn’t realize the ride was only for 10 minutes! Plus, the outdoor space was so tiny, there weren’t any other activities or extras, and the staff didn’t even offer refreshments! To cut the story short, it was a major letdown for me.
So I promised myself that if I ever tried something similar, like riding a camel, I definitely wouldn’t repeat the same mistakes. This time, I got some friends to help me review the best camel ride providers in Dubai. Check it out and maximize your desert safari!
How much do camel rides cost in Dubai?
Camel rides in Dubai can cost from AED 50 to over AED 200, depending on the duration, location, and provider. Other factors include the type of tour package, time of day (like sunrise or sunset), and extras like photos and refreshments.
How We Chose
1. Arabian Tour Packages – Morning Safari
Arabian Tour Packages offers a 1-hour camel ride experience in Dubai. We think this is a pretty good amount of time, especially if it’s your first attempt.
We like that this tour is available daily, so there are plenty of chances when you can schedule your ride. This tour operator’s office is located near the Address Downtown Hotel too, which we believe makes it really handy if you’re staying there.
For us, it’s neat that there are many add-ons available as well. This involves choosing a 1, 2, or 4-seat quad bike or dune buggy ride for 30 minutes or 1 hour. In our opinion, this is a fantastic way to extend the thrill!
The staff can speak both Arabic and English too, so we reckon it would be easy to communicate with them about your needs and other concerns.
It’s also incredible for us that there’s complimentary Wi-Fi, so camel riders can easily record and upload their experience in real time.
Also, this provider takes several payment methods, such as MasterCard, Maestro, and Visa, to make the transactions hassle-free.
However, sometimes the staff may arrive late for pick-up. We think it’s good to be clear about your chosen schedule to avoid misunderstandings.
Pros
- Longer camel ride than others
- Can add quad bike or dune buggy rides
- Multilingual staff
- Free Wi-Fi
Cons
- Reports of pick-up delays
Friendly & Knowledgeable
“The Morning Desert Safari was awesome! The tour company’s guides were friendly and knowledgeable, making the trip memorable.”
-Ms. Aqsa Arslan, Google Review
Well-Managed
“Highly recommended what a joyful experience with morning desert safari Dubai , booked our one day trip with them and enjoyed a lot. They manage everything well and perfect!”
-Mr. Michael Collins, Google Review
2. The Desert Safari Dubai – Evening Camel Trekking
On the Desert Safari Dubai, you can enjoy a 30-minute camel ride, go dune bashing (riding a vehicle through the desert), try sandboarding, and chill at a traditional desert camp with tons of other activities.
Here, you’ll also get a VIP experience with waiter service, unlimited soft drinks, and shisha smoking, if that’s your thing.
We love that this tour offers an all-in-one package, so you can really soak up the desert adventure. All of these take 5 to 6 hours—a whole day of unforgettable thrills, we say.
Just note that this package doesn’t include quad biking, horseback riding, dune buggy rides, or alcoholic beverages to manage your expectations.
However, we still think you’ll stay entertained with all the vibrant shows included, like two belly dance performances, a Tanoura (traditional Egyptian) dance show, a fire show, and more.
But be sure to check prices with the staff beforehand. Although this might be a one-off case, a former client told us about a surprise price hike that led to some confusion.
Pros
- Comprehensive package
- Long duration of exciting activities
- Multiple entertainment options
- Endless soft drinks
Cons
- Complaints about pricing transparency
Incredible
“Five stars! Had an incredible desert journey. Amazing views, camel rides, and very accommodating guide made it unforgettable. Highly recommended for an unforgettable adventure! Kudos to the team especially to Mr. Abdul for an incredible experience!”
-Ms. Queen Portia Ann Ritualo, Google Review
Amazing Adventure
“An amazing adventure and an unforgettable dose of impressions, during which we were accompanied by our lovely guide Abid (+ he can really tame even the largest dunes): dune bashing, sandboarding, delicious food, camel ride, henna hand painting, sheesha, evening belly dancing shows or fire!! I definitely recommend it :)”
-Ms. Maja Przedcieczynska, Google Review
3. Dubai Travel Tourism – Morning Camel Trekking
With its office in Dubai Mall, Dubai Travel Tourism is among the most accessible tour agencies that can provide you with a fantastic camel ride in Dubai.
The journey starts by being picked up in an SUV Land Cruiser, which we believe is great for desert safari adventures. We reckon this 4×4 vehicle has plenty of room for you and a few friends to ride comfortably to the Lahbab Desert.
Besides camel rides, the trip includes photo ops, sandboarding, and a chance to experience Arabic traditions and culture.
And if you want a personal photographer, we recommend asking the staff to arrange one for you to make your trip stress-free.
We bet you’ll stay hydrated during your camel trek too, as this tour company provides plenty of drinks, water, and juices throughout the adventure.
However, the staff might be unable to answer phone calls right away. If that happens, we advise being patient and calling them again later.
Pros
- Handy location in Dubai Mall
- Can arrange photography services
- Unlimited refreshments
Cons
- Occasionally unresponsive to calls
Delightful Adventure
“I had an absolute blast on the morning desert safari! Riding the camels was a delightful adventure, and sandboarding added an element of excitement. The guides were friendly and made the experience even better.”
-Ms. Ruth Reed, Google Review
Highly Recommended
“Azaeem was amazing! He detailed everything we did step by step. The desert dunes were so much fun! Once got to the camp all the other activities were available. Once you finish the camel ride, sand boarding, and ATV’s. Take the walk up the hill and watch the sunset. It’s a little taxing but it’s so worth the view! The dinner was amazing! The show was amazing! I’d recommend this excursion to anyone traveling to Dubai.”
-Ms. Helen Walker, Google Review
4. Dubai Desert Ventures – Overnight Desert Safari
If you’re all about those long desert adventures, Dubai Desert Ventures has an awesome overnight safari you’ve got to check out. After a camel ride, you’ll crash in cozy sleeping bags and tents under the stars—what a dream, right?
We love that there are so many fun activities included, like dune bashing, sunset photos, henna designs, and even quad biking if you ask for it. Plus, there’s belly dancing and more! Just remember that not every activity goes on all night.
After all the fun, we’re glad there’s also a delicious BBQ dinner waiting for you—with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options! And if you want, you can order some alcohol for an extra charge.
If you’re not used to camping at night, we reckon you’ll probably appreciate the overnight tea or coffee that’s part of the package. Should you take some caffeine, we think it’s not so bad to stay up late and stargaze, either.
Still, one of the camel riders we talked to said their experience felt rushed. We recommend being firm with the staff about sticking to the schedule, so everyone understands what to expect later.
Pros
- Plenty of fun activities
- Veggie and non-veggie food choices
- Availability of alcoholic add-ons
Cons
- Complaints about the safari duration
Professional & Well-Organized
“Dubai desert ventures offers a variety of safari options, including morning, evening, and overnight safaris. Their tours are well-regarded for their professional guides and well-organized itineraries.Activities include sandboarding, camel rides, and visits to Bedouin camps, where you can enjoy a traditional meal and cultural performances.”
-Mr. Ibrahim K, Google Review
Very Good Value
“Ahmed was great – quiet and friendly. He took us first to quad biking and then onto the sand for dune bashing where he did not hold back! We eventually stopped for sand surfing and took a range of desert photos (he was very good at getting a range of fun pics for us). We finished with a short camel ride. We stopped in an area away from other tourists so it felt more special (compared to other companies where you are with other cars 30+ tourists) Very good value for money and would recommend!”
-Ms. Katie Higson, Google Review
5. ATV Desert Safari – Private Classic Red Dune Safari
Planning a romantic date or a cozy night out? Check out the ATV Desert Safari for a private evening adventure with some camel trekking!
What’s really cool for us is that the staff can pick you up from wherever in Dubai—whether it’s from your hotel, home, or apartment! They also use a private Land Cruiser that can fit up to 6 people.
Besides the quick camel ride, you’ll also get to enjoy a full day of dune bashing, henna painting, sunset views, fun shows, and the like.
Plus, you’ll get to munch on a variety of Arabic sweets and fresh fruits, which we believe is perfect for travelers wanting to try local treats. And to top it all off, there’s an international buffet dinner with BBQ and vegetarian options waiting for you later.
Just keep in mind that this tour provider charges more for this private experience, so we think this is more suitable for birthdays and other big celebrations. But if you’ve got the means, we say go for it!
Pros
- Offers a memorable, private experience
- Spacious pickup vehicle
- Many Arabic delicacies served
Cons
- Pricey package
Exhilarating
“Dubai Safari offers an exhilarating desert adventure with thrilling activities like dune bashing, camel riding, and sandboarding. Visitors can experience the beauty of the Arabian desert, enjoy traditional entertainment, and savor delicious Arabian cuisine, creating unforgettable memories of their Dubai journey.”
-Mr. Anil Bose, Google Review
Great Safari Experience
“Had a great safari experience. It was an experience that I always wanted to have and it did the same as I expected.”
-Mr. Virendra Singh, Google Review