Tips for Your Camel Ride in the UAE

Camels are a big part of Middle Eastern culture, providing milk, food, transportation and more. No trip to this region is complete with a camel ride, so remember to follow these tips.

Dress Properly

Dress not only for the desert sun, but to prevent friction between your skin and the camel’s rough hair. Your long pants will ride up your leg, so put on long socks as well.

Be Confident

Guides will tell you not to look the camel in the eye or show fear as the animals can be temperamental and respond by spitting or charging. Mounting and dismounting should be one quick motion and done from the side. Some people like to leapfrog from behind as well.

Hold Your Nose

These furry animals do not smell pleasant, partly due to the fact they recycle their own urine for water and pee on themselves while standing up to cool down. Incidentally, they can also close their nostrils to protect against wind and sand.

Move With It

Camels stand up with the hind legs first, so lean back then lean forward to stay on. The ride will be jerky and awkward, so try and move with the sway of the camel’s body. The ride won’t feel good on your hips, so you may have to pack some aspirin.