United Arab Emirates
Al Lisaili (also spelled Al Lesaily) is a small desert settlement in southern Dubai, best known as the gateway to camel racing in the emirate and as the doorstep of the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve — the largest unfenced nature reserve in the UAE. The settlement sits along the Dubai–Al Ain Road (E66), about 70 km south-east of Downtown Dubai, on the edge of the open desert that runs to the Abu Dhabi border.
Al Lisaili — At a Glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Emirate | Dubai |
| Type | Desert settlement / sub-district |
| Distance from Downtown Dubai | ~70 km south-east via E66 |
| Main road | Dubai–Al Ain Road (E66) |
| Known for | Camel racing, Al Marmoom Desert Reserve |
| Nearest landmarks | Al Marmoom Camel Racetrack, Al Qudra Lakes |
| Services | ICP / Emirates ID centre, mosque, basic shops |
| Getting there | Car or taxi (no Metro, no regular bus) |
Where Is Al Lisaili?
Al Lisaili sits in the southern desert of the emirate of Dubai, along the Dubai–Al Ain Road (E66). It's roughly 70 km from Downtown Dubai and about 50 km from Dubai International Airport. The settlement is more of a strip of buildings and Bedouin camel farms than a conventional town — government services, a mosque, and basic shops cluster along the road, with the camel-racing facilities, training tracks, and Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve spreading out into the desert on either side.
The region is part of the broader Al Marmoom area, named after the dunes and camel-racing heritage that define it. Continuing south on E66 leads to Al Ain in Abu Dhabi; to the west and south, the desert opens toward the Empty Quarter.
Camel Racing and the Al Marmoom Racetrack
Al Lisaili is one of the UAE's main camel-racing hubs. The Al Marmoom Camel Racetrack — used for Dubai's Crown Prince's camel-racing season — sits nearby, attracting Emirati owners, trainers, and racing fans from across the country. The racing season runs roughly from October to April, with major events scheduled on weekends through the cooler months. Smaller training runs happen daily.
Visitors can usually attend race-day events during the season — entry is typically free. Outside formal race days, training strings of camels are often visible on the surrounding desert tracks, shadowed by 4×4 vehicles operating remote-control robot jockeys.
Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve
Al Lisaili sits at the edge of the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, the UAE's largest unfenced nature reserve and Dubai's flagship rewilding project. The reserve covers more than 10 percent of Dubai's land area and hosts Arabian oryx, gazelles, more than 200 bird species, and the Al Qudra Lakes — a string of artificial freshwater lakes that have become a major draw for picnickers, cyclists, and birdwatchers.
Entry to the reserve is free; the typical day-trip combines a drive on the desert tracks, time at the Al Qudra Lakes, and a stop in or near Al Lisaili to see the camel-racing scene. Sunrise and late afternoon are the most rewarding windows. There is no Metro or regular bus — a private car or arranged taxi is the only practical way to arrive, and a 4×4 is the right vehicle for venturing off the paved sections.
Government Services in Al Lisaili
For residents and workers in the wider desert region, Al Lisaili hosts a small cluster of government and community services along the main road:
- ICP / Emirates ID centre — a small Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) services point covering southern Dubai's rural residents. For most expats living in the city, the central Dubai ICP centres are closer and more practical.
- Mosque — community mosque on the main road through the settlement.
- Basic shops — grocery, fuel, and a handful of small workshops geared to the camel-farming community.
For standard Emirates ID processing, see the UAE Emirates ID guide.
How to Get to Al Lisaili
The only practical way to reach Al Lisaili is by car or taxi. From central Dubai:
- Head south on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311) or Sheikh Zayed Road (E11), then turn onto the Dubai–Al Ain Road (E66).
- Follow E66 south-east for about 50 km past Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) and the warehouse and free-zone clusters around Dubai South.
- Al Lisaili sits along the road; the camel-racing area and Al Marmoom Reserve gates are signposted from the highway.
Allow about an hour from Downtown Dubai outside peak traffic. There is no Metro, and regular public buses do not serve the settlement — taxis and ride-hailing apps (Careem, Uber) cover the route but will charge for the long return leg.
Best Time to Visit
October to April is the comfortable season for any outdoor activity in the area — it overlaps with the camel-racing calendar. Summer (June–September) sees the desert reach 45–50 °C during the day; outdoor exploration is uncomfortable and most racing pauses. Sunrise and the hour around sunset are the best windows year-round — softer light, cooler temperatures, and the most camel-racing activity at training tracks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Al Lisaili?
Al Lisaili is a small desert settlement in southern Dubai, along the Dubai–Al Ain Road (E66), about 70 km south-east of Downtown Dubai. It is the gateway to the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve and one of the UAE's main camel-racing areas.
Is there an Emirates ID centre in Al Lisaili?
Yes — there is a small ICP services point in Al Lisaili that serves the rural population of southern Dubai. For city-centre Emirates ID applications and renewals, the main ICP service centres in Dubai are closer and more practical for most expats. See the UAE Emirates ID guide for the standard procedure.
What is Al Lisaili known for?
Camel racing and the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve. The settlement sits next to the Al Marmoom Camel Racetrack — Dubai's main camel-racing venue — and at the edge of the UAE's largest unfenced nature reserve. The Al Qudra Lakes are also nearby.
How do I get to Al Lisaili?
By car or taxi only. Head south on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311) or Sheikh Zayed Road (E11), then take the Dubai–Al Ain Road (E66) south-east. Al Lisaili is about 50 km along E66, signposted from the highway. There is no Metro or regular bus service.
Can visitors watch camel racing in Al Lisaili?
Yes, during the camel-racing season (roughly October to April). Race-day events at the Al Marmoom Camel Racetrack are typically free to attend, scheduled on weekends through the cooler months. Outside formal race days, training camel strings are often visible on the surrounding desert tracks.
What is the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve?
It is the largest unfenced nature reserve in the UAE — covering more than 10 percent of Dubai's land area — and the emirate's flagship rewilding project. The reserve hosts Arabian oryx, gazelles, more than 200 bird species, and the Al Qudra Lakes. Entry is free; Al Lisaili sits at one of the main gateways.
What's the best time to visit Al Lisaili?
October to April is the comfortable visiting season, coinciding with the camel-racing calendar. Sunrise and sunset are the most rewarding times of day. Avoid midday in summer (June–September), when temperatures reach 45–50 °C.