The best time to camp in the UAE is in the winter, as the night hours are cool, creating perfect conditions for camping. Considering the quiet deserts, the rugged mountains, and the stark beaches, the United Arab Emirates becomes a touristic haven for adventure lovers. Following are some of the top places to camp in the winter along with the permission and the cost required.
1. Al Qudra Lakes
Location: Dubai
Al Qudra Lakes offers serene surroundings and stunning lakes, one of the most popular camping destinations nowadays. This is an excellent place for families and friends-a perfect escape from your daily routine, painted by a picturesque sunset. Its attributes include also birdwatching where it has lots of bird species.
2. Hatta
Location: Hatta, Dubai
Hatta, in mountains, offers a refreshing respite from the city’s hustle. There are plenty of natural settings around for campers, including Hatta Dam, and, if you desire more, you can enjoy hiking, kayaking, and mountain biking. When you have had your day’s worth of adventure, you can camp under a star-studded sky.
3. Jebel Jais
Location: Ras Al Khaimah
Jebel Jais is the tallest peak in the UAE and one of the most popular winter camping destinations. The mountain air and panoramic views make it a perfect place for those looking for a cool break. There are several designated camping places where you can pitch a tent and enjoy the beauty of the surrounding mountains.
4. Liwa Oasis
Location: Abu Dhabi
Liwa Oasis is a perfect spot along the edge of the Rub’ al Khali, (or the Empty Quarter) for an experience of desert. Liwa boasts vast dunes, off-roading possibilities, and simply breathtaking landscapes of the desert itself. The experience will be unforgettable and peaceful in the tent, quite away from city rush.
5. Fujairah Beach
Location: Fujairah
If you’d like to listen to the serene sounds of the sea, Fujairah is the ultimate beach camping destination. Pitch your tent near the shore, swim in the waves whose clearness will take your breath away, or explore the aquatic life while snorkeling. It’s a great pick for a laid-back seaside retreat.
6. Al Wathba
Location: Abu Dhabi
One of the key highlights in Al Wathba is the unique fossil dunes and salt flats, which can be used for camping. The spot is perfect for nature lovers who would like to disconnect themselves and rejuvenate themselves with nature surrounding them. Of course, with almost no light pollution, it is an ideal location as well for stargazing.
Tips for Camping in the UAE
- The UAE is known to be mild in winter; it can be quite warm during the day and may get quite cold during the night. Pack according to that.
- There may also be campsites that have regulations or require permits before you can enter them. So, prior to making a trip there, always seek out or check the local rules so you are not mistaken or conflicting with the rules set.
- Clean up after yourself, not to mention not disposing of trash etc. Make sure that you leave your campsite behind the same way you came in order to preserve the natural beauty of that place.
- Carry on essential safety gear, such as a first aid kit, and inform someone about your camping plans for extra safety.
Whether you are a thrill-seeker heading to the mountains, seeking a retreat in the desert with quite silence, or simply camping to spend quiet time with your friends, there is an appropriate camping destination for your style in the UAE. Take advantage of winter by immersing oneself in the beauty of nature and resorting to this season of cooler weather.
