Dubai Camel Race with a Camel Ride

Traveling to Dubai and craving a taste of its traditional heritage? We’ve explored a tour that promises a delightful mix of camel racing, feeding, riding, and flavorful tastings — all for about $11.16 per person. While we haven’t personally taken it, the glowing reviews and detailed itinerary make it clear this is a fantastic choice for anyone wanting an authentic glimpse into Dubai’s desert life.

What strikes us most are the interactive nature of the experience, the affordable price point, and the chance to capture memorable photos in traditional dress. Plus, the VIP upgrade with lounge seating and refreshments elevates the experience further. The only possible consideration? If you’re not into outdoor activities or prefer a more relaxed, less participatory experience, this might feel a bit lively. Otherwise, it’s perfect for travelers seeking an engaging, cultural outing—especially families, solo explorers, and curious adventurers.

Key Points

• Authentic culture with camel feeding, riding, and traditional dress photo ops
• Affordable price, offering great value including activities and tastings
• Interactive experiences like camel racing with robotic jockeys and camel milk tastings
• VIP options that include lounge seating, refreshments, and additional activities
• Educational element highlighting the significance of camels in Dubai’s history and economy
• Accessible location near public transportation with flexible cancellation policies

What to Expect from the Dubai Camel Race Tour

This tour provides a lively snapshot of Dubai’s desert heritage, combining entertainment with education. The experience starts at the meeting point on Dubai Al Ain Road, close to public transit, making it fairly easy to access. Once there, you’ll be welcomed into an environment that celebrates the desert’s iconic symbol—the camel—in a way that’s both fun and informative.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Camel Feeding & Riding: As soon as you arrive, you’ll have the chance to feed the camels carrots, a surprisingly popular activity among reviewers. It’s a simple but charming interaction that makes the whole experience feel personal. The ride itself is short (about 1 hour), but enough to give you a real sense of what it’s like to sit atop these gentle giants. Reviewers mention riding the camels was “great” and highlight how friendly and well-handled the animals are, making it suitable even for first-timers.

Camel Race Viewing: One of the highlights is witnessing a camel race, where robotic jockeys replace traditional riders. The way the race is organized, with lively commentary and the thrill of the competition, provides an engaging glimpse into a sport that’s deeply embedded in local culture. Reviewers have found the races to be “thrilling,” with some noting the innovative use of robotic jockeys that add a modern twist without losing the traditional charm.

Cultural Exploration & Tasting: After the race, you can explore a tent dedicated to Camel’s heritage, where you’ll learn about products derived from camels, like camel milk, which is processed into flavored milk, candy, and ice cream. The reviews highlight how tasty and unique these flavors are, with options like pistachio, caramel, chocolate, and vanilla. Camel milk coffee and ice cream are also popular treats, offering a different taste experience worth trying.

Traditional Dress & Photography: Most participants enjoy dressing up in traditional Arabic attire—abaya for women and kandura for men—to make their photos special. It’s a fun way to truly feel part of the culture and walk away with memorable snapshots.

VIP Experience: For those wanting a little extra comfort, the VIP upgrade includes lounge seating with snacks and drinks, as well as access to camel rides and feeding. Reviewers emphasize that this option makes the experience more relaxed and luxurious, especially if you’re traveling with little ones or want a more leisurely pace.

The Experience’s Unique Appeal

What makes this tour stand out is its blend of active participation and cultural storytelling. You’re not just watching from a distance; you’re involved—feeding, riding, and even dressing up—creating a much more memorable connection. Plus, the excitement of the camel race, combined with tasty tastings, makes it feel like a true taste of Dubai’s desert life.

Practical Details & Logistics

The tour lasts approximately one hour, which is ideal for fitting into a packed Dubai itinerary. The group size is capped at 200 travelers, ensuring it’s lively but not crowded. The price—just over $11—is exceptional, considering it covers feeding, riding, seeing a race, tastings, and cultural insights.

The location, near public transportation, makes it accessible, and the flexible cancellation policy (free if canceled at least 24 hours in advance) adds peace of mind. Most travelers find the timing works well, with bookings usually made around 12 days beforehand, indicating good availability.

Why This Tour Works for Different Travelers

Families with Kids: The interactive nature, the chance to see camels up close, and the possibility for children under 3 to attend for free make this a family-friendly outing. Kids will love feeding and riding camels, plus tasting camel ice cream.

Solo and Small Group Travelers: It’s a fantastic way to meet fellow travelers while enjoying a lively, educational activity that’s not too long or intense.

Cultural Enthusiasts: The story behind camels and their importance in Dubai is woven throughout the experience, making it educational beyond just entertainment.

Budget-Conscious Tourists: At just over $11, this experience offers excellent value—combining multiple activities and tastings in one affordable package.

Final Reflections

This tour is a vibrant, hands-on introduction to Dubai’s desert life and camel culture. It’s suitable for anyone wanting to experience something authentic, engaging, and fun without breaking the bank. The mix of racing, feeding, riding, and tasting offers a well-rounded snapshot of this beloved desert tradition.

Travelers who enjoy interactive activities, cultural stories, and colorful local flavors will find plenty to love here. The VIP upgrade adds comfort and convenience, perfect for those wanting a slightly more relaxed experience or celebrating a special occasion.

This is a lively, educational, and memorable outing that delivers real value for its modest price. It’s a fantastic way to see Dubai’s desert in action—whether for the first time or as part of a broader Dubai adventure.

FAQ

Is this experience suitable for children? Yes, children under 3 can participate for free, and feeding and riding camels are enjoyed by many families.

How long does the tour last? The entire experience is approximately one hour, making it a quick yet comprehensive cultural outing.

Can I upgrade to a VIP experience? Yes, VIP tickets include lounge seating, refreshments, camel feeding, and rides, providing a more relaxed and comfortable experience.

Where does the tour start? The meeting point is at Dubai Al Ain Road, Exit 26, in the Um Nahad 3 area—close to public transportation.

Is the tour cancellation flexible? Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

What is included in the tour? Activities include feeding camels, riding camels, watching a camel race, exploring a heritage tent, and tastings of camel milk products and ice creams.

How accessible is the location? The tour is near public transit, making it relatively easy to reach without a car.

In short, whether you’re a culture seeker, a foodie, or just someone curious about Dubai’s desert traditions, this tour offers a lively, authentic, and affordable way to connect with the region’s unique heritage. Expect interactive fun, stunning views, and plenty of photo opportunities—an experience that’ll leave you with stories to tell long after your trip ends.