When you hear the word Dubai, it’s simple for your mind to get immediately filled with images of glimmering skyscrapers, endless shopping malls, futuristic fantasies. Hidden behind the city’s frenzied skyline, however, is an encounter with the ancient, a nostalgia that makes you feel you’ve found the secret entrance to the pages of an Arabian Desert fairy tale; a camel ride at the iconic hotel Bab Al Shams Desert Resort.

I had long wanted to traverse the desert not just from the seat of a 4x4 but the old-fashioned way on the back of a placid swaying dromedary the way it was done centuries ago by Bedouins. And Bab Al Shams Camel Ride was and more, a luxury package with an authentic and rich experience inside.

Bab Al Shams Desert, Dubai is modeled after a traditional Arabic fort, offering a perfect setting for a true desert adventure.
Camel rides here are designed to be peaceful and authentic, away from the city's glitz.
The resort blends luxury and tradition beautifully, perfect for travelers craving more than just sightseeing.
Activities like camel rides are available for day guests as well as those staying overnight.
Booking through Bab Al Shams directly or trusted partners ensures the best experience.

Why Choose Bab Al Shams for a Camel Ride?

When it came to booking a camel ride in Dubai, I was spoiled for choice. Some desert safaris even feature short, five-minute rides for photo opportunities. At Restaurant at Bab Al Shams, Dubai, though, the camel ride is an event not an add-on. It’s immersive, slow-paced and it’s run by professionals handlers who genuinely respect and love these animals.

As I whizzed through the golden dunes at sunset, what hit me at this spot, there wasn’t the humming of quad bikes or the showy displays in the experience. Only the slow plodding Bab Al Shams Camel Ride, the whispering desert winds, and the stunning view of the sun dropping into the sands.

Bab Al Shams offers genuine, non-commercialized camel ride experiences.
Rides are longer and more intimate compared to standard tourist packages.
You can interact with trained local guides who share cultural insights.
Camels are well-cared-for, healthy, and treated with deep respect.
The backdrop of the resort’s fort-style architecture and endless dunes is unmatched.

What the Camel Ride Experience Feels Like

Getting on a camel for the first time is an adventure in itself. The gentle giants kneel for you to climb on, and then as they stand, you lurch upward a thrilling motion that had me giggling like a schoolgirl.

Bab Al Shams Camel Ride itself is soothing. Camels have an oddly meditative rhythm as they sway, so once you settle in to the motion and get past the whole bouncing-up-and-down-with-your-wobbly-legs thing it’s not uncomfortable at all… just weird.Slowly trekking over the dunes also gave me ample time to relax and soak in the desert magic the colors of the sand as they shifted under the sun, the desert air becoming mercifully cooler as the sun dipped lower, the quiet grandeur of it all.

At Bab Al Shams, camel rides are purposefully scheduled to either sunrise or sunset. I went with sunset, and I can’t recommend it highly enough. Watching the desert soak up shades of gold, orange and deep purple as I rode a camel was one of those cinematic moments.

Choose sunset or sunrise rides for the most dramatic desert colors.
The slow pace allows for great photo opportunities and real reflection.
Guides are friendly, offering stories about the history of camels in Emirati culture.
The experience feels personal and unhurried — not a rushed tourist activity.
You even get a chance to feed the camels afterward!

Tips to Get the Best Bang for Your Buck

BookinDubai experiences add up quickly without you even realising. Here is how I was able to do my Bab Al Shams camel ride on a budget:

First, book directly with Bab Al Shams or through a reliable hotel concierge. The Bab Al Shams Camel Ride prices increase when sold by many third-party tour operators. Bab Al Shams does lots of promotions and offers, I found, particularly if you book a package deal and get pool access, dinne and a camel ride.

Another pro tip? Go during the weekdays. Prices are typically cheaper than on the weekends, when tourists and locals can flock to the desert for a respite. If you are staying overnight at Bab Al Shams sometimes they can package activities into your room package and it will be a lot better deal.

And, finally, if you and a small group are traveling together, inquire about group discounts. If you book more than one activity at a time, many resorts will gladly give you a reduced rate.

Book directly through Bab Al Shams or a reliable source to avoid middleman fees.
Check for combo packages including lunch, pool access, and activities.
Visit during weekdays for lighter crowds and better rates.
Consider staying overnight — bundles often include free or discounted rides.
Always ask about ongoing promotions or seasonal offers.

How to Book the Perfect Camel Ride Tour

The ideal bab al shams camel ride booking doesn’t have to be as complicated as you think! Begin by scheduling your timing aim for sunrise or sunset. Check Bab Al Shams official website and don’t be shy to call them directly to get some insider tips on best timing slots according to season.

If you’re booking Bab Al Shams Desert Resort during Dubai’s high season (November to March), book far in advance camel rides are a major attraction, and slots tend to fill up quickly.

When making a reservation, inquire whether your ride comes with any fun extras, such as beverages, traditional Arabic tea or falconry displays. A few packages come with camel rides as well as cultural experiences for an even richer taste of Emirati heritage.

Lastly, confirm the meeting location and time a day in advance. The desert is known to be a bit confusing, and the last thing you want is to miss the ride of a life time because you couldn’t find the well-hidden entrance.

Sunrise and sunset tours offer the most magical desert experience.
Always book a few days in advance, especially in high season.
Ask about add-ons like refreshments, tea, or falcon encounters.
Confirm timing and meeting points clearly a day before.
Keep your booking confirmation handy, digitally or printed.

What to Wear and Bring for the Ride

Dressing in the correct manner can make a significant difference. The early-morning and post-sunset temperatures in the desert can be nippy, so I layered up with a long-sleeve shirt, comfortable pants and a scarf. You’ll want a pair of close-toed shoes, as open shoes will simply fill with sand and leave you prone to blistering a little bit down the road.

I threw in sunglasses, sunscreen and a little bottle of water, even though it’s not that long a ride. And, of course, I was equipped with my phone (on airplane mode to enjoy the moment!) to get that couple soft dreamy images.

Wear light, breathable clothing with layers for cooler times.
Opt for closed shoes or boots to avoid sand discomfort.
Bring sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen for sun protection.
Carry a small water bottle to stay hydrated.
Keep your hands free (small crossbody bags are perfect).

Why the Bab Al Shams Camel Ride Was the Highlight of My Trip

Of everything I saw and did in Dubai the glittering Downtown area, the improbably tall Burj Khalifa, the sky-scraping malls the simple and timeless nature of this camel ride made the deepest impression on my heart.

There’s something about finding a connection to the desert like this that makes you appreciate the raw beauty of nature and the history that has been lived and made in this land. It’s one that strips away the noise and brings you back to the simple fundamentals: earth, sky and a venerable yet assured rhythm beneath you that of a dependable partner.

Bab Al Shams Camel Ride not only provides a ride, but a window into another world where luxury and culture complement each other perfectly.