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AI-assisted content notice: This article was written with AI assistance and reviewed by the Tovi team. UAE rules and fees change — always verify with official sources before acting. Last reviewed: April 2026.
✈️ TourismHidden Gems✓ Verified Apr 2026

Dubai Camel Racing: Free to Watch and When It Happens

Free Dubai camel races run most Thursdays and Fridays from October to April. Watch robot jockeys race at Al Marmoom or Al Lahbab tracks with zero entry fee.

·5 min read·By the Tovi UAE Team
Camel with saddle in a sandy enclosure under blue sky.
Photo by Tom Macret on Unsplash

When Dubai Camel Races Take Place

Camel racing season runs from October through April. Most meetings happen on Thursday and Friday mornings starting around 7:00 a.m. Organisers usually announce the exact calendar two weeks ahead on the Dubai Camel Racing Club site, so check the schedule before you travel.

Where to Watch for Free

Both main tracks welcome the public without tickets. Al Marmoom Camel Racing Track sits 40 minutes south of Dubai on E44. Al Lahbab Track lies further east near the Hatta road. Arrive by 6:30 a.m. to find shaded seating on the free spectator side.

How the Races Work

Each heat covers 4 km to 8 km. Robot jockeys replaced child riders in 2006, so every camel now carries a small mechanical rider controlled from the stands. Races last two to three minutes and run back-to-back until midday. Between heats, owners parade their camels and you can walk to the finish line for close-up photos.

What to Bring and Expect

  • Sunscreen, hat, and water, even in cooler months.
  • Light breakfast, snacks, or buy karak and dates from the small track café.
  • Comfortable shoes for walking on sand and gravel.
  • Binoculars help you follow the camels from the stands.

Entry, parking, and basic facilities are free. Restrooms and prayer rooms are available. Photography is allowed everywhere except the owners' enclosure.

Getting There by Public Transport

RTA buses do not reach the tracks directly. Most visitors rent a car or book a taxi for AED 120-150 one way. If you prefer a tour, several operators offer half-day packages that include pickup from Dubai Marina or Downtown for AED 250, still leaving you time to explore other desert sights afterwards.

Combine With Other Desert Stops

After the last race around 11:30 a.m., drive 25 minutes to Al Qudra Lakes for birdwatching or continue to the Bab Al Shams area for lunch. The morning timing means you avoid the midday heat and still have the afternoon free.

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Frequently asked questions

Is there an entry fee for Dubai camel races?▾

No. Both Al Marmoom and Al Lahbab tracks are free for spectators every race day.

What months can I watch camel racing in Dubai?▾

The season runs October to April, with most meetings on Thursday and Friday mornings.

Do I need a car to reach the camel tracks?▾

Yes. No direct RTA buses serve the tracks, so plan a taxi, rental car, or tour.

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