Dubai Desert Horse Ride Experience

A guided horse ride at Al Marmoom, Dubai's desert conservation reserve: choose 30 or 45 minutes in the open desert or the stable arena, with a safety briefing and helmet, for beginners and experienced riders alike.

Duration30 or 45-minute ride
Pickup fromAl Marmoom, Dubai

Tour Highlights

Guided horse ride at Al Marmoom, Dubai's desert conservation reserve
Choose a 30-minute or 45-minute ride
Ride out into the open desert or stay in the stable arena
Suitable for complete beginners and confident riders
Safety briefing and certified riding helmet included
Photos with your horse at the end of the ride
Optional hotel pickup and drop-off

There is a calm, almost timeless feeling to crossing the desert on horseback. The sound of hooves on sand, low dunes stretching to the horizon, and nothing but the breeze and your horse’s breathing. Our Dubai desert horse ride experience at Al Marmoom Oasis brings that feeling within reach of every visitor to Dubai, whether you have ridden for years or are sitting in a saddle for the very first time.

Choose a 30-minute or 45-minute guided ride, either out in the open desert or in the stable arena. Before you set off, you meet your horse, get a properly fitted helmet and a short safety briefing from an experienced rider who stays with you throughout.

Where Is Al Marmoom?

Al Marmoom lies in the desert south of Dubai, within the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, the first unfenced nature reserve in the UAE. The reserve covers around a tenth of Dubai’s land area and includes the Al Qudra Lakes, where flamingos and hundreds of bird species can be spotted. It is a world away from the city’s towers: quiet, open and naturally beautiful, which makes it one of the best places in Dubai to ride.

Desert Ride or Stable Ride: Which Should You Choose?

	Stable arena ride	Desert ride
Best for	First-timers, nervous riders, children old enough to ride	Confident beginners and experienced riders
Setting	Enclosed riding arena at the stables	Open desert trails around Al Marmoom
Pace	Walking, with guidance at every step	Walking, with a faster pace if your level and the guide allow
Duration	30 or 45 minutes	30 or 45 minutes

Not sure? Tell us how much riding you have done and we will recommend the right option.

What the Experience Is Like

Meet Your Horse

On arrival, the handler introduces you to your horse and explains how to mount, hold the reins, steer and stop. Your helmet is fitted, and any questions are answered before you ride.

Ride at Your Own Pace

Beginners walk calmly with the guide close by, which is often all it takes to feel relaxed. More experienced riders can pick up the pace where the ground and the guide allow. The guide reads both horse and rider, so the ride always stays within your comfort zone.

Photos and Farewell

At the end, you dismount with help and take a few photos with your horse, a lovely souvenir of a very different side of Dubai.

Who Is This Horse Riding Experience For?

First-time riders who want a safe, guided introduction to horse riding.
Experienced riders looking to ride in a real desert landscape while in Dubai.
Couples and friends wanting a peaceful activity away from the city.
Families: older children ride with a guide; younger children can usually try a pony ride instead.

What to Wear for Horse Riding in Dubai

Safety rules at the stables are strict, so please come dressed for riding:

Wear: full-length trousers, and closed-toe shoes or riding boots with a small heel.
Not allowed: shorts, skirts, dresses, sandals, flip-flops or high heels.
Remove: scarves, long necklaces, dangling earrings and loose clothing, which can catch on tack.
Bring: sunglasses, sunscreen and water; the desert sun is strong even in winter.

Good to Know

Riders must weigh less than about 90 kg (200 lb), for the horses’ welfare.
The experience is not suitable for wheelchair users, or for pregnant guests.
Large bags, alcohol and drugs are not permitted at the stables.
The cooler months, October to April, are the most comfortable time to ride. In summer, early morning or late afternoon rides are best.

Make a Day of It in the Desert

Horse riding pairs beautifully with an evening in the dunes. Ride in the morning, rest at your hotel, then join our Evening Desert Safari for dune bashing, a camel ride, BBQ dinner and live shows. Prefer something calm and private? See our Romantic Dinner in the Desert or a sunrise hot air balloon flight. Browse every experience on our desert safari tours page.

Book Your Dubai Desert Horse Ride

Send us your preferred date, the ride you would like (desert or stable, 30 or 45 minutes), your riding level and whether you need hotel pickup, using the booking form on this page or WhatsApp. We confirm in writing within 2 hours, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours before your ride. Questions first? Our team is available 24/7 on the contact page.

Tour Itinerary

Arrival Meet the handler and your horse, get your helmet fitted and receive a short safety briefing (about 10 minutes)
Your ride 30 or 45 minutes at a pace that suits you, in the desert or the stable arena, with a guide alongside
Finish Dismount with help, take photos with your horse and head back to your hotel if pickup is booked

What's Included

Guided horse ride (30 or 45 minutes, as booked)
Certified riding helmet
Safety briefing from an experienced rider
Hotel pickup and drop-off, if selected when booking

Not Included

Pony rides for young children (on request, extra cost)
Food and drinks
Personal expenses and tips

Dubai Desert Horse Ride Experience — FAQ

Do I need riding experience?

No. Beginners are matched with calm horses and ride with a guide beside them, while experienced riders can ride at a faster pace. Tell us your level when you book.

Should I choose the desert ride or the stable ride?

First-timers and nervous riders usually feel most comfortable in the stable arena. If you are confident in the saddle and want the views, choose the desert ride.

Is there a weight limit for horse riding?

Yes. For the horses' welfare, riders must be under about 90 kg (200 lb). Please let us know when booking if you are close to the limit.

Can children ride?

Older children can ride with a guide. Younger children can usually take a short pony ride instead, at extra cost and subject to availability. Send us your children's ages and we will confirm what suits them.

What should I wear for horse riding?

Full-length trousers and closed-toe shoes or riding boots with a small heel. Shorts, skirts, dresses, sandals, flip-flops, scarves, long necklaces and loose clothing are not allowed for safety reasons.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are available as an option when you book. You can also drive to Al Marmoom yourself; we will send the meeting point.

Can I combine horse riding with a desert safari?

Yes. Many guests ride in the morning and join our Evening Desert Safari the same afternoon. Ask us to plan the timings for you.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your ride. If the ride is cancelled because of weather, you can rebook or receive a full refund.