It’s dusty, noisy, pungent and chaotic, but never mind: Al Ain’s famous camel market is a wonderful immersion in traditional Arabic culture. All sorts of camels are holed up in pens, from wobbly legged babies that might grow up to be racers to imposing studs kept for breeding. The intense haggling is fun to watch. Trading takes place in the morning, but it’s usually possible to see the corralled animals all day long.
Some traders may offer to give you a tour (for money), but you’re totally free to walk around on your own. Taking photographs will also elicit requests for payment. Haggling should bring the often exorbitant asking price down to Dh10 or Dh20. Women should dress conservatively.
The market is about 8km south of central Al Ain, behind Bawadi Mall.
