Camel Rides & Falconry in Dubai: A Guide to Two Desert Traditions

Camels and falcons are the two animals most closely tied to life in the Arabian desert. Camels carried families and goods across the sand; falcons helped them hunt. On a Dubai desert safari you'll meet both: a camel ride at sunset and often a falconry display. This guide explains what to expect, a little of the history, and how to enjoy these traditions respectfully.

Camels: the ships of the desert

The camels in the UAE are dromedaries, with a single hump. They're superbly adapted to the desert: they can go long periods without drinking, tolerate wide temperature swings, and have broad, padded feet that spread their weight on soft sand. The hump stores fat, not water, as many people assume.

For Bedouin families, camels provided transport, milk, meat, wool and leather, and were a measure of wealth. Today camel racing is a hugely popular sport in the UAE and is UNESCO-listed heritage, and camel milk is sold in supermarkets across the country. Read more in our Bedouin culture guide.

What a camel ride is like

Most safari camel rides follow a simple pattern:

1. The camel kneels and you climb onto the saddle, often with a handler's help.
2. The camel stands up, back legs first, which tips you forward, then front legs. Lean back and hold on to the saddle handle.
3. The ride. A handler leads the camel at a slow walk. Expect a rocking motion.
4. The camel kneels again, front legs first, tipping you forward. Lean back again.

Types of camel experiences

For a longer, more traditional experience, see this heritage camel desert safari with traditional dinner. For a classic evening, this evening safari with camel ride and stargazing is a popular choice.

Camel ride tips

• Wear long trousers or leggings; saddles can rub.
• Closed shoes or sandals with straps are easiest.
• Keep hands away from the camel's mouth.
• Don't feed camels unless the handler invites you.
• Children usually ride with an adult. Our family safari guide has more.

Falconry: the sport of the desert

Falconry has been practised in the Arabian Peninsula for thousands of years. Desert communities trained falcons to hunt birds such as houbara bustards and small mammals, adding protein to a limited diet. Training a falcon took patience and skill, and a good falcon was treasured.

Today falconry is a cherished sport and a source of national pride. The falcon appears on the UAE's emblem, and UNESCO lists falconry as a living human heritage shared by many countries, including the UAE. The country also has specialist falcon hospitals.

Falcon species you might see

Falconers in the region commonly fly species such as:

• Saker falcon, a large, powerful falcon traditionally favoured in Arabia
• Peregrine falcon, famous as the fastest animal in a hunting dive
• Gyrfalcon and hybrids, larger falcons often bred for falconry

What happens at a falconry display

A falconer explains how falcons are trained and cared for, then flies the bird. A common demonstration uses a lure swung on a cord: the falcon dives and swoops at high speed to catch it. You'll see the leather hood (burqa) that keeps the bird calm, and the glove that protects the falconer's hand.

Many experiences let you hold a falcon on a glove for a photo. Keep your arm steady, stay calm and follow the falconer's instructions.

Animal welfare: how to choose well

Responsible operators treat their animals as partners. Look for:

If something looks wrong, it's fine to decline the activity and let the operator know.

Where to experience camels and falconry

• On an evening safari: a camel ride at camp, sometimes a falconry display.
• On a morning or heritage safari: falconry is common, especially on conservation-area tours. This private falconry, desert safari and Al Maha breakfast experience is a premium example.
• With a balloon flight: many balloon packages include a falconry show at breakfast. See our hot air balloon guide.

Photography tips

• Shoot camels in profile against the low sun for classic silhouettes.
• For falcons in flight, use a fast shutter speed and burst mode.
• Ask before photographing handlers and falconers.

Our desert photography tips cover settings in more detail.

Booking

Want a longer camel ride or a falconry display on your safari? Send us a booking request and let us know. We'll recommend the right experience for your group.

Final thoughts

A camel ride at sunset and a falcon on your glove connect you to centuries of desert life in a way no dune drive can. Choose operators who treat their animals well, lean back when the camel stands and enjoy two of the UAE's proudest traditions.