Tips and tricks for desert camping in the UAE
Desert camping in the UAE is one of the most popular things to do for locals and visitors. The stunning stretches of majestic sands dunes make it the perfect place to spend a night under the stars. Are you ready to make your desert camping debut? Our handy guide of camping tips in the UAE has got you covered.
Tips for Desert Camping in the UAE
In the olden days, Bedouin tribes in the UAE lived in the desert for centuries. They battled the harsh weather conditions to build a life in camps with their families, camels and cattle.
The nomadic tradition of the Bedouins living in camps has now become a source of adventure for people. While it’s certainly exciting to cruise over the dunes and set up camp in the heart of the desert, there are a few things you can do to consider when you plan to go on a camping trip in the UAE deserts.
For amateur campers, it’s important to plan and prepare before heading out, as once you are in the middle of the desert, it’s hard to go back and look for supplies and essentials.
Though this desert camping tips in the UAE have to be modified according to your needs, some essentials should definitely be ticked off before leaving for desert camping in the UAE.
A 4×4 SHOULD BE YOUR VEHICLE OF CHOICE
It is a known fact that heavy 4×4 vehicles are the best suited for traversing the desert’s sandy terrains. It will come in handy if you wish to explore some paths and trails not frequently explored. But make sure you have a map and a guide to help not get lost in the wilderness.
If your preferred camping spot in the UAE is close to a road, you could take any vehicle, park it in the dedicated spots, walk up to the spot and set up camp there.
Most campers, especially Emirati locals, will prefer the convenience of the 4X4 and the thrill of coasting over the dunes, so if you want an authentic experience, this is the way to go!
PICK THE RIGHT TIME TO CAMP
Next on our list of desert camping tips in the UAE is to pick the right time to camp. Generally, winter is the ideal time to go camping in the desert. From December to March, the weather is mild and the harsh desert terrain is tolerable.
However, be aware of the fact that deserts get really cold at night, so make sure you have warm clothes and blankets. The lower temperatures during these months make it great to have cosy conversations around the campsite with a bonfire.
AVOID LITTERING
It goes without saying always avoid littering while camping in the UAE. Carry a litter box or a garbage bag and clean up after yourselves. You may have to pay hefty fines in most places if caught littering.
Firewood
It really isn’t camping without huddling around the warm glow of a bonfire! So to get your fire going, don’t forget to pack plenty of firewood, matches and some dry paper.
Once the bonfire starts, have your movie moment and enjoy the soft desert breeze as you warm up under the glow of the fire and share your favourite stories over some roasted marshmallows!
PICK THE RIGHT TENT
Camping without a tent is just like having fries without ketchup! However, it’s also about choosing the right type of tent because once you’re out camping, you can’t go back easily for something else. There are different types of tents available based on the requirements of the camper and also according to the terrain.
The tent’s size, material and shape are based on the camper’s preference. For a place like the UAE, where the weather can be quite harsh and dusty, a single-wall tent may not be right to protect you from dust and sand.
A double-wall tent is waterproof with inner canopies of the finely meshed net and breathable nylon should be preferred. The size of the tent should be according to the number of campers. Usually, a single tent is enough for two people.
FIND THE RIGHT SPOT TO PITCH THE TENT
Weather in a desert is almost never on a moderate scale, either too hot or too cold. It’s an obvious choice to pitch your tent in a nice shaded area if you can find one. So that you don’t have to move your tent again and again. A light-coloured tent with an opaque top or dark cloth will keep it cool during the day.
GET LIGHTWEIGHT SLEEPING BAGS
Being cosy on a winter night, especially in the desert, is what most campers look forward to. That is why a lightweight sleeping bag is essential for desert camping, especially if you plan to stay overnight.
It would keep you warm and save you from the congested confines of a tent. There are all kinds of sleeping bags, but according to most desert camping in the UAE guides, lightweight tents are perfect for the rugged terrain.
KEEP A MAP AND A COMPASS
Gone are the days when being lost in a desert called out for an Indiana Jones kind of experience with a compass in one hand and a map in the other, heading straight into the strong desert winds to find your way. Now you take your phone out and hallelujah! If you don’t have a compass or other gear, you can stock it from the most popular camping equipment shops in Dubai.
However, nothing beats the misfortune of a phone that has run out of battery and so as a backup plan, pack a map and a compass along with other things which can help you to navigate because you can’t take chances in a place like this.
A FIRST AID KIT IS A MUST
While we all take precautions, there might be situations when the unexpected happens and someone in the group suffers from an injury. So, it is advisable to keep a first aid kit with you at all times, especially when you are heading to wilderness.
Though camping in the UAE is relatively safer than in any other part of the world, it’s always good to be well-prepared. As the saying goes, “better to be safe than sorry”.
TAKE PLENTY OF WATER
No list of desert camping tips in the UAE would be complete without mention of life’s most essential necessity – water. Be it cooking, washing or rehydrating, water is a must. Make sure to carry mineral water for drinking and some extra water for other necessities such as washing or for the car.
CARRY TORCHES AND LIGHTS
Another important entry on our list of desert camping tips in the UAE is lamps and lights – an essential for your temporary paradise amidst the sandy dunes. Most of the camping spots in the UAE are well-lit, but some places have no proper lighting. A torch can be useful, especially during barbeque or hiking. Try carrying a light that works on batteries and carry a few replacement batteries.
TAKE A COOLER BOX ALONG
Although desert nights are supposed to be colder, the days can be quite hot. During the early hours of the day, there is nothing better than a cold glass of water to quench your thirst in the scorching heat of the desert. So, a small cooler box is ideal for desert camping.
Barbeque Grill
Nothing sounds more satisfying than having a perfect barbeque in the desert. For a barbeque, always use barbeque grills rather than relying on wood burners, as they create a lot of mess and soot. Most grills are easy to carry and can be easily cleaned after usage, making them perfect for desert camping.
KEEP SNACKS WITH YOU
Salty snacks and cold beverages are good sources for replacing salt and other minerals. In the arid atmosphere, where people sit near the bonfire, perspiration may cause dehydration and discomfort.
That is why munching on snacks in a desert might be a good way to kill hunger and keep the body’s minerals intact. Remember also to drink water at intervals to avoid exhaustion from dehydration.
KEEP THE FUEL TANK FULL
Although almost all the major roads and routes leading to the popular UAE camping spots have fuel stations almost every 5 to 10 kilometres. However, keeping your tank full or even packing a few extra fuel bottles to avoid being stranded in the desert is recommended.
FAQs
WHAT ACTIVITIES TO TRY WHEN CAMPING IN THE UAE DESERT?
Your choice of desert for camping totally depends on who you are going with and what recreational activity you prefer. If it’s mountain biking that you would like to try, Ras Al Khor is a great choice. If rock climbing floats your boat, then Ras Al Khaimah and Wadi Bih are the perfect spots.
WHAT ARE THE CAMPING AREAS IN THE UAE SUITABLE FOR KIDS?
If you are taking along little campers, Fujairah is a great place for them to have their first desert camping experience. However, if you want a more luxurious experience, glamping spots like Hatta Dome Park are a better option.
That’s all, folks! This concludes our guide to desert camping in the UAE. Desert camping is a unique experience that all adventure lovers should have. It’s a magical escapade that brings to life the exotic locales straight out of the Arabian Nights.
To make your experience as enjoyable as possible, follow this first-timers guide for camping in the UAE and use our checklist to ensure you are well-prepared for a fun time in the desert!
Besides camping in the desert, another option is to stretch your muscles and go on a hike at some of the best hiking spots in the UAE.
