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16 June 2013
| Last updated on 14 January 2020A Guide to Camping in Dubai and the UAE
Camping in the desert or by the beach is a popular weekend activity in the UAE and Oman. Here's our useful advice on how to make your stay a pleaseant one...
With constant sunshine and some beautiful locations, it is easy to understand why people make it a regular weekend activity to go camping in the desert.
But before you head off into the desert, make sure you're adequately prepared and have a plan in place should a sticky-situation occur. Otherwise, with our handy advice and some proper planning, your trip into the desert for an overnight stay will no doubt be a pleasant experience that will be memorable for years to come with your friends and loved ones.
Here's our advice to make sure you have the best and most safe time while camping in Dubai and the UAE.
For the less adventurous, an overnight in Oman on an organized tour will still give you everything you want from sightseeing, to snorkeling with the amazing sea life but you will find yourself well guided and if there is any problems they should be handled by the tour operators.
There are also plenty of off road explorer books; manuals that can help you find the perfect destination.
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The best precaution is to always have plenty of water and full tank of fuel. You may need some back up if you want to trek deep into the desert… but you will generally find the odd petrol station that can refuel you before things get dire.
Make sure you tell someone where you are going and when you will be back... It is also advisable if you are off roading to always go in two cars in case you get stuck in the sand and need towing out!
Make sure you check the weather and sea reports- wadis can become full of water in the rainy season and flash floods do occur. It's also about 10 degrees cooler at night so make sure you take some warm clothes with you as well.
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Equpiment and gear you need to take with you
In order to make sure your camping experience is a smooth and pleasant one, here's our list of must-have items to help you while out under the stars.
- Tent or shelter
- Sheets or sleeping bags
- Blow-up mattress
- Pillows
- Firewood
- Grills
- Stove top kettle
- Bar B Q
- Tin foil
- Charcoal
- Matches
- Picnic set
- Bowl for washing up
- Warm jacket or cardigan
- First Aid Kit
- Tow rope
- Rubbish bags
- Bathroom Tissue
- Sun Screen
- Sun Umbrella
- Map
- Mobile Phone
- GPS if off roading
- Guide Book
- Towels
- Hand wipes
- Picnic chairs
- Picnic table
- Insect repellant
- Cool Box
- Ice
Food and refreshments to take with you
A camping experience in the desert isn't complete with some great food and snacks to enjoy. Here's some suggestions!
- Bread
- Crisps and nuts
- Fruit
- Meat- steaks, sausages
- Water- for drinking and washing
- Potatoes
- Marshmallows for melting!
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Remember, you'll be cooking your food on a fire and won't have a fridge- so really think about what to take with you- keep it simple!
Great locations to visit while camping
If you are intersted in going Dubai camping along one of the beach locations remember to obtain a permit from Dubai Municipality. You are required to obtain a permit for this as there have been some cases of littering in the past.
Jebel Ali Beach and Ghantoot is one of the most popular locations for Dubai campers and it does get fairly busy. You may want to drive a little further up the road to Ghantoot and put up your tent around the Golden Tulip area.
If you go to Oman through Ras Al Khaimah towards the Mussandam Peninsula there are also some great inland and beach spots. If you travel towards Hatta then you can find some beautiful camping locations in the sand dunes along the way. The best thing to do is ask people where they have been so you get to know all the secret spots like the ones pictured here.
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If you don't want to go alone, several companies offer desert safaris with entertainment laid on, ranging from half days to overnights. One of the biggest is Arabian Adventures.
The desert safari is the must do for all visitors, you may find yourself doing it more than once because it is a perfect day out for your guests. It’s a bit touristy but it plenty of fun and great introduction to the desert. The dune bashing is wild, but make sure you don’t suffer from car sickness.. this is sure to turn your stomach otherwise.
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