Can Kids Ride Camels In Dubai? What Parents Need To Know Before A Desert Safari

I’ve been to Dubai eight times since 2011, and I’ve done a desert safari twice. Both times were unforgettable. It’s a great way to take a break from the busy city and enjoy a very different side of Dubai.

If you’re planning to go with kids, you might be wondering if camel riding is safe or even allowed for children. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know before you go.

What is a desert safari in Dubai?

If you’ve never heard of a desert safari, it’s a popular tour where a driver takes you out of the city into the desert. You’re picked up from your hotel, and after a short drive, you switch to a 4×4 vehicle that takes you through the dunes.

Traditional water well setup with a clay pot pouring water into a stone basin, framed by two rustic tree trunks, set in a sandy desert safari camp in Dubai with tents, people, and seating areas in the background during sunset.

Some tours include dune bashing (a fast ride over sand dunes), but you can also book an option without it, which is great if you’re traveling with small kids.

Once you arrive at the desert camp, there are different activities depending on the tour: camel riding, sandboarding, quad biking, henna painting, trying traditional food and sweets, watching Tanura or belly dance shows, and more.

You can choose a morning, evening, or overnight safari.

Can children ride camels in Dubai?

Yes, children aged 5 and older can go camel riding in Dubai. For younger kids, camel rides are not allowed for safety reasons, but they can still interact with camels and take photos.

A woman in a pink shirt and sunglasses stands near a camel inside a fenced area in Dubai, on the way to a desert safari. The camel looks directly at the camera, and a banner on the fence shows another image of a camel and its baby. White SUVs and palm trees are visible in the background.

Camels are calm and steady animals, but because of how tall they are and how they kneel to get up and down, it’s important for children to hold on tight and follow the guide’s instructions. That’s why age restrictions are in place.

There are usually two options:

Short camel rides that last about 5 minutes and can be repeated
Longer camel rides through the desert that last up to 45 minutes

If your child is younger or unsure, the shorter ride around the camp is the better choice. Sitting on a camel for a long time isn’t very comfortable, even for adults!

Other Fun Activities for Kids on a Desert Safari

There’s plenty for kids to enjoy, even if they skip the camel ride. They can:

Run and play in the soft desert sand
Try Arabic sweets and dinner at the camp
Take photos with camels or falcons
Watch live shows like Tanura or fakir performances

A man in a black and white striped football jersey poses next to a falcon perched on a wooden stand during a desert safari in Dubai. Behind him, people are riding camels across the sandy dunes, with more visitors and horses in the background.

Older kids can try sandboarding or even ride quad bikes (usually over 12 years old), depending on the tour.

Where to book a desert safari and how much it costs

You can book a desert safari with many tour operators in Dubai. I personally recommend GetYourGuide because it’s easy to compare different tours, check reviews, and pick the one that works for your family.

Most tours offer free hotel pick-up and cancellation. Prices range from about $30 to $200 per person, depending on the type of experience, duration, and what’s included.

Here are a few good options:

➡️Book a longer 45-minute camel ride in Dubai
➡️Book a shorter camel ride in Dubai

👉 Want the full desert experience? Check out this premium Red Dunes tour with a camel ride

What to bring for your desert safari

There’s no strict dress code, but comfort is key. Here’s what I usually pack:

A man and woman hold hands as they jump in the air on a sand dune during a Dubai desert safari. They're both smiling, wearing sunglasses, and dressed in casual t-shirts and shorts, with the bright blue sky and golden sand behind them.

Shorts or lightweight cotton trousers
Comfortable shoes (trainers or flip-flops)
Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a sunhat
A scarf for quad biking to protect from the sand
A camera to capture memories
No suitcases or large bags as they won’t be allowed on the tour

Most importantly, bring a good mood and get ready for something different!

Final Thoughts: Can Children Go Camel Riding In Dubai?

Camel riding is one of the most fun parts of a desert safari for both adults and kids over 5. It’s a unique experience and something your children will remember long after the trip is over.

Even if your child is too young to ride, they can still enjoy the desert and take part in other activities.

If you want to ask questions or share your experience, join my free Facebook group, I Love To Visit Dubai. I’m looking forward to seeing you there.

You may want to check:

Top 13 Family Hotels In Dubai With A Waterpark
Jumeirah Beach Residence: Your Complete Guide
Are Kids Allowed In Burj Khalifa?