Before you go camping, double check you have all your gear, food and water. In winter time, the desert gets extremely cold at night, so pack some woolly jumpers. Even though snakes and scorpions are rarely seen in winter time (they stay beneath the surface, where the sand is warmer), it’s advisable not to camp right next to trees and bushes, where these animals often make their home.
As a club, the UAE Offroaders don’t recommend anyone to venture alone in the desert. The golden rule is a convoy of at least three 4-wheel cars, equipped with off-road rescue tools, should be arranged and at least one experienced off-road driver. Thus, if one car gets stuck in the sand, the others can help to rescue it.
That said, there are plenty of quiet, beautiful camping spots that are easily accessible, just off dirt roads. UAE Offroaders share some of their favourites:
1. Tree Valley, Al Ain area, Abu Dhabi
An area of stunning beauty, particularly in the early morning sunlight. It is somewhat difficult to reach, as it a few kilometres inside the desert.
GPS coordinates: N24˚20’15.14; E55˚34’34.93.
2. Swaihan bowl, between Swaihan and Al Saad, Abu Dhabi
A peaceful, quiet area, with great views of massive red dunes. You may camp anywhere off the truck road.
GPS coordinates: N24˚19’19.40; E55˚26’16.40.
3. Razeen (between Al Ain and Liwa), Abu Dhabi
This is a place only a few hardcore off roaders know. It’s quite far away, about 120km from Abu Dhabi, but it is worth it. Plus, it’s near the Arabian Nights resort (in case you forgot your tent). There are stunning red dune formations and a postcard-perfect location.
GPS coordinates: N23˚53’06.30; E54˚58’49.04.
4. Arada, Liwa, Abu Dhabi
The ultimate campsite! Some 60km from Liwa town, Arada is heavenly for both land and sky scenery. With next to no light pollution, the starry night sky is as jaw dropping as the spectacular, several hundred metres high dunes around the area. However, Liwa’s sand is treacherous, and only experienced off-roaders are recommended to drive in.
GPS coordinates: N23˚00’04.17; E53˚25’31.16.
