A viral Instagram video showcases two women stranded in what they called the Dubai desert who discovered they could summon a camel ride via the Uber app in a bizarre twist that has left social media users both amused and skeptical. The incident has since attracted millions of views with hundreds of comments saying that the whole thing was staged.
The adventure began when a group of friends driving along the Dubai-Hatta Road found themselves lost near Al Badayer. They turned to their smartphones for assistance and to their astonishment, the Uber app presented not just the standard ride-hailing options but also an unexpected choice: a camel ride.
A man arrived, leading a camel, and one of the women exclaimed, “We got lost and ordered a camel!” The humorous situation escalated as she inquired about the man's profession. His reply, “I drive Uber Camel. I help people who get lost,” added a comedic touch to the already surreal scenario. He went on to claim that booking a camel ride online is indeed possible.
The woman showed her Uber app with a special section featuring Uber Camel; her ride was costing AED 50.61 (approximately Rs 1,144).
While many found the situation entertaining, others questioned its authenticity. Comments ranged from lighthearted jests, such as “How can they be lost if they have a working smartphone, internet, and GPS?” to serious concerns about the ethical treatment of camels used for tourism.
Despite the incredulity surrounding the incident, the charm of the unexpected has captivated audiences, prompting discussions about the peculiarities of modern travel. Critics pointed out the juxtaposition of the women’s predicament against the backdrop of power lines and roads, questioning whether they were truly in the desert or merely in a suburban area of Sharjah.
"Doesn’t look like you’re in the middle of the desert! We can see the road right behind you only. And you’re in Sharjah as there’s no red dunes in Dubai," one commenter wrote.
One user said that he actually set out to verify the camel booking option on the Uber app from the same location but they were left empty-handed, reinforcing doubts about the reality behind the viral video.
The same page also has videos of people ordering a jet-ski on Uber.
There is no official confirmation that Uber offers camel rides as an option in Dubai.
Uber does offer innovative services such as Uber Pet in Bengaluru, allowing riders to bring their pets in the cab.
“With this new reserve-only service, pet owners can now enjoy stress-free travel with their furry companions, whether it's a quick trip to the vet or an outing to their favourite pet-friendly café,” the US-based company said.
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