Best camping spots in the UAE

Once you’ve got your driving skills up to par (or know someone who does!) get out there and spend time in the UAE’s outdoors. Friday’s favourite way to do it? A camping trip, of course! Without pesky rain to soak your belongings and turn your fire into a fizzle, the (mostly) dry and cool UAE winter provides some of the best tent-pitching weather out there.

Here’s our pick of four spots to sleep under the stars, but please remember the cardinal rules: Don’t litter, don’t trespass on private property, and don’t go alone – not only is it much safer, it’s also a lot more fun!

The desert

Known for its spectacular red sands, Lahbab is a good introduction to the outdoors for novice campers. The famous Fossil Rock is a great place for star gazing, while off-roaders will enjoy attempting Big Red, a 100m-high sand dune visible from the highway. You could also head over to the sleepy village of Madam just before the Hatta border crossing for more camping spots where you may have some wandering camels from local farms for company. This area is easily accessible from Dubai, taking you just 40 minutes from Downtown Dubai down the E44 and Ras Al Khor Road.

Related: UAE off-road experts share their top campsites

The big one, of course, is Rubh Al Khali, or the Empty Quarter. Take the Dubai-Ghweifat International Highway to Abu Dhabi and E45 to Hameem Road. There are some 650,000sqkm of dunes in the world’s largest contiguous sand desert, spanning Saudi Arabia, Oman, the UAE, and Yemen. For UAE campers, it’s all about the stunning Liwa Oasis – for many, it’s the ultimate desert camping experience. This is one not to do alone – go in a convoy with experienced guides. There are places selling camping items on the road – but we recommend you get fully equipped before heading out on any trip.

The mountains

Hit Mohammad Bin Zayed Road heading north and then get on to Al Dhaid Road (E88) in the direction of Masafi to explore the UAE side of the Hajar Mountains. Start off at Al Hala, a village in the foothills, home to Wadi Taybah, not far from the village of Al Taybah. You could camp anywhere en route to the mountains. Check out Wadi Wurayah, about an hour’s drive from Masafi. Roughly 20km off the Khor Fakkan beach, the rocky terrain of the region will take you down winding ravines, leading you to serene waterfalls. It’s at least a two-hour drive from Dubai, but beware wadis in winter – they can flood suddenly. Head out in a different direction for a similar mountain experience with some activities thrown in – we’re talking about Friday’s favourite weekend getaway, Hatta, of course. Next to the new mountain biking trailhead, you’ll find a campsite popular with those exploring the tracks. Bed down here with a campfire and barbecue either before or after a cool-weather hike or kayaking session at the dam. Don’t forget you’ll need to take the long way around if you’re not a GCC citizen, entering Hatta via Sharjah, not the E44.

Also read: Will you join the UAE’s ‘sand people’?

Also read: Why Emiratis move to the desert in winter

The beaches

It’s not all about desert sand! Umm Al Quwain beach (take Mohammad Bin Zayed Road north towards Ajman, and take Dreamland Waterpark exit) is great for more than a daytime trip or a night-time barbecue. For more fun, you could also visit the old fishing villages along the peninsula at Al Raas where you may spot flamingos and other wild birds. Some adventure seekers even go as far as exploring the mangroves along the coast on a kayak. If you want to camp with amenities, UAQ Marine Club lets you pitch up on their beach and use their pool and BBQ facilities – great for kids, although you can’t bring your own food.

Als read: 5 delicious recipes to make on a camping trip in the UAE

Love waterslides? You can also camp at Dreamland Aqua Park – a pool remains open until 2am, with a lifeguard on site. You’ll pay Dh650 for two adults on the weekend, with two-day waterpark access included. Want to stay wild-ish? There are camping beaches on the eastern coast of Fujairah, as well. You can overnight on the beaches in Al Aqah, either side of the big hotels there (which make a good option for a slap-up breakfast the next morning). Whenever you camp on a beach, be aware of tides – they can sneak up on you.

Camping dos and don’ts

✱ Be considerate towards others and be wary of venturing out onto private property. Seek prior consent if you’re uncertain. Camping in some parts of the desert needs a licence.

✱ Charge your mobile and carry power banks, so you are never disconnected. 999 is the number to call for all kinds of emergencies in the UAE, even for off-road rescue services, in any emirate.

✱ Don’t pitch your tents at the base of a dune. This puts you at risk of getting run over by onrushing off-roaders, who may not be aware of what’s going on behind the dune they are climbing.

✱ Ensure your car is serviced and in good condition; check tyre pressure and fluid levels.