The camel holds a significant place in Arabian culture. Known as the “Ship of the Desert,” these animals have been indispensable to the people of the peninsula for centuries, serving as the backbone of survival for the nomadic communities that once traversed the harsh desert landscape.
Today, this esteemed animal has largely retired from the backbreaking labour that brought it such reverence. After millennia of devoted service, the role of the camel has shifted somewhat. They now play a key role in the tourism and culture industries, taking part in races, beauty contests, and events that showcase the UAE’s heritage to visitors. Read on to discover the best camel experiences Abu Dhabi has to offer.
Camel Experiences in Abu Dhabi
As the nation’s biggest emirate, Abu Dhabi has a range of camel experiences for discerning residents and visitors to take advantage of:
Camel Farms
The emirate is replete with camel farms and markets, where visitors can enjoy learning all about these elegant animals. These facilities often double as educational centres, ideal for a day out with the children, allowing guests to meet and even feed the camels. Places such as Al Ain Camel Market, Abu Dhabi Desert Safari and Liwa Adventure all offer the opportunity to get up close and personal with these esteemed creatures.
Camel Beauty Contests
Culturally significant festivals such as Al Dhafra offer various camel-themed experiences, one of which is the unique camel beauty contest. These competitions bring camel owners from far and wide, attracted by the opportunity to show off their prized animals, which are being judged on things like appearance, gait and lineage. Such is the importance of the animal in Emirati culture that camel beauty contest season runs for multiple weeks each autumn. Al Dhafra also functions as the very pinnacle of festivals celebrating Bedouin culture, ideal for those who wish to learn more about the culture that placed such emphasis on this revered animal. The festival also covers things like camel racing, auctions and evening hospitality, where you can mingle with local guides and families.
Camel Milk and Culinary Experiences
Throughout history, camel milk has been used as an essential source of protein and calcium for desert communities on the Arabian Peninsula. These days, it is still used and can easily be made into yoghurt, with some nomadic tribes using it as a staple food. There are a number of camel farms around Abu Dhabi which offer visitors the chance to experience fresh, healthy camel milk. Royal Desert Farm – one of the UAE’s most prominent suppliers of milk – is one such outlet, where guests can sample milk from a range of animals, not only camels. The facility also offers a monthly milk and yoghurt subscription, in addition to camel meat products. For those looking for a local treat, camel milk chocolate – such as Al Nassma – has become one of the most coveted camel products in recent times.
Desert Safaris and Private Camel Treks
There is a plethora of companies providing private tours for ultra-high-net-worth individuals in Abu Dhabi. Exclusive camel rides through the dunes with VIP service, gourmet dining and sunset experiences are available with firms like Abu Dhabi Desert Safari, while there are a number of operators who offer sustainable, luxurious desert escapades. Of course, most of these experiences place the camel front and centre of the experience.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Camel Experiences
Given the fact that most camel experiences take place outdoors, it is important to plan your day according to the season. As most people will know, between the months of May and October, the UAE is largely an indoor country, with outdoor activities largely impossible due to the extreme heat. October to May offers the best time to maximise your camel experience, with December to February arguably the best months within this period due to agreeable temperatures.
Booking your tour through a luxury tour operator is generally a good idea. If staying at one of the city’s upscale hotels, your concierge will certainly be able to assist with this. If you are a resident of the city, operators like Platinum Heritage – who offer unique desert experiences – and Desert Rose Tourism offer bespoke desert experiences tailored towards UHNWIs.
It is essential to dress appropriately. While the desert is known for its extreme heat, nighttime temperatures can drop considerably, so it is important to have a set of warm clothes with you.
Visitors should also remember that the camel is a highly respected part of Emirati culture and should be treated as such. Local etiquette when interacting with these animals should be taken into consideration, and guests should remember that, as placid as they may seem, these are still large animals, so they should be treated with care and attention.
Professional photography services are also available throughout the city, ready to accompany you and capture your experience. For the ultimate experience, why not consider pairing your camel experience with a luxury glamping stay, or a night or two at one of the upscale resorts littered throughout the Abu Dhabi desert?
The Role of the Camel in Emirati Culture
Camels were, for thousands of years, used as working animals and have been key to the survival of Emirati heritage. They were an essential part of Bedouin life, allowing these communities to navigate the harsh desert environment thanks to their ability to withstand scorching heat, while going days without water. These admirable qualities elevated the camel to become an indispensable asset for travel, trade and transport across the expanses of the arid Arabian desert.
Camels soon became a symbol of wealth and social status; a way in which to assert oneself within the often-rigid hierarchy of nomadic culture. The bigger the herd, the more prestige you might be awarded by your peers. These majestic animals were also highly practical after their serving days were done. In addition to providing milk during their lives, camels were an excellent source of meat and even provided hides and hair for clothing or tents, further entwining themselves deep into the fabric of Emirati culture.
For centuries, camels have appeared in Emirati poems, proverbs and folklore, highlighting the celebrated role they have played in the survival of the nation over the centuries. While no longer central to life in the UAE, the camel has assured its place in the pantheon of greats where the country’s culture, prestige, and desert legacy are concerned.
From the enduring significance of camels in Emirati culture to the bespoke experiences offered today, Abu Dhabi presents a range of opportunities to immerse yourself in heritage without compromising on luxury. Whether you are exploring exclusive camel farms, attending a beauty contest, or embarking on a private desert trek, each experience blends authenticity, adventure, and sophistication.
For travellers seeking a connection to the UAE’s desert heritage while enjoying world-class comfort and service, these camel experiences are more than excursions – they are journeys into the soul of the country. In Abu Dhabi, the camel is no longer just an animal of survival – it is a symbol of prestige, culture, and timeless desert elegance, waiting to be discovered.
