Omani Camel Traditions

A cultural camel experience in Al Batina, centred around traditional Ardah races and Bedouin heritage.
2 days | Cultural experience | Al Batina, Oman
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The Al Batina region is home to some of Oman’s most deeply rooted camel traditions. During this experience, guests are invited into a living cultural landscape where camel racing, breeding, and daily care remain central to community life.

This journey offers rare access to Ardah races and the people behind them, guided by local families who continue to preserve these traditions across generations.

The Experience

This experience offers rare access to Oman’s living camel traditions in the Al Batina region.

Time is spent observing and participating in cultural practices surrounding Ardah camel races, learning about breeding, training, gear, and the role camels continue to play in daily life.

Rather than covering distance, the focus is on presence, observation, and connection, guided by local families who are deeply rooted in these traditions.

Who This Experience Is For

This cultural experience is suited to travellers who are curious, respectful, and interested in understanding Oman beyond the surface.

This experience is ideal for:

  • Travellers interested in culture, heritage, and living traditions
  • Those seeking meaningful local access rather than sightseeing
  • Visitors comfortable with simple accommodation and flexible schedules
  • Guests who value observation, conversation, and shared moments

This experience does not require prior riding experience and is not focused on long-distance camel riding.

Essential Information

  • Duration: 1 night stay (1 half day)
  • Cost: AED 725 per person
  • Operator: Ahl Al Hijn Khaboura
  • Where: Al Batina Governate, Oman
  • When: 6 – 7 Feb 2026 
  • Riding level: This trip does not include camel riding.

Key activities:

  • Attendance of the festival race
  • Practical exploration of Omani riding gear
  • Visit the camel gear souq
  • Delicious meals
  • A visit to the Sohar Fort

Please note: This is a cultural experience focused on camel heritage, races, and traditions.

Camels

The camels in the Al Batina area are mainly of the famous Al Batina breed, beautiful red-coloured females, delicate and energetic.

Riding camels is a way of life in this part of Oman. It is very common for young boys to start riding alongside their older brothers and their fathers.

Omanis take pride in their camels’ looks, beauty, and training.

The gear and style of riding is different to the UAE, with a lot less back support.

Accommodation

The booking includes accommodation in a guest house in Saham:

There are 2 rooms with double beds available, which will be allocated on first come first serve basis. 

Additional sleeping options are in the spacious sitting rooms or alternatively the beautiful garden. 

The chalet also offers a pool, so feel free to arrive early to make the most of the day.

What's Included

  • Accommodation in shared rooms
  • Guided attendance to the Ardha race
  • Visit to the special souq of camel gear
  • All meals (Friday dinner to Saturday lunch)
  • Bilingual guide (English and Arabic)

What’s Not Included

  • Transfers from and to Dubai or other locations
  • Visa fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Optional tips or purchases

Transfers

ADCRC can assist with car pooling arrangements.

Meals

Meals will be typical Omani dishes.

  • Breakfast includes various bread, coffee and tea, and dates.
  • Dinner is typical Omani cuisine, usually rice dishes with meat and or chicken, cooked in a stew or grilled.

The last meal will be a hearty seafood lunch in Sohar, which we still dream about from last year.

Special dietary requirements can be catered for in limited capacity.

Packing List

The first morning, we will visit a traditional camel race event. Please dress modestly (long pants for men and women, and a top that covers shoulders, long sleeves recommended).

To protect your head, it is recommended to wear a sheila or headscarf, which can also be purchased in Oman.

If you are joining the optional horse ride, footwear can be either barefoot or securely fastened sandals to avoid slipping.

Prices and Availability

This trip is specifically interesting for those who are looking to explore cultural elements in Oman, linked to camels.

Next ADCRC Trips
 
  • 06/07 Feb 2026
  • AED 775 per person

Location

Itinerary

Arrival in Saham at the guest house. Feel free to come early and relax in the beautiful farm. dinner is planned for 8 PM. 

Dinner on a typical farm and social time. An initial briefing, explanation of the schedule and gather with the group

  • Observe the Ardha Race in the morning before breakfast with our private guide
  • Explore gear and riding styles, take lots of pictures 
  • Breakfast
  • Return to the guest house, refresh and checkout 
  • Visit the gear Souq
  • Seafood lunch in a banana and date plantation in Sohar

Gallery
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