Camping in the desert or by the beach is a popular weekend activity in the UAE and Oman. The best times to camp in Dubai is between October and April,otherwise it will be too hot outdoors.Scroll down to check out some of the camping spots in Dubai.
Liwa
Liwa,which is known as Liwa Oasis is situated at Abu Dhabi. It is a great place for ultimate desert camping experience. With enormous dunes, it is an apt place for desert safari and dune bashing activities. Liwa is mainly inhibited by Bedouin tribes and it is a good place for people doing cultural studies as it provides a glimpse into the colourful Bedouin culture. Also there is Qasr Al Sarab resort nearby,in case you want to spend some time in luxury.
Umm Al Quwain
Al Rafaah at Umm Al Quwain is just 45 minute ride from Dubai and it is an ideal place for a beach camp.Don’t forget to take your fishing gear and it is a great experience to catch your dinner and roasting it on a campfire after sunset.You can go kayaking exploring the mangroves along the coast as well as try water-skiing, jet ski and wind surfing. Also keep binoculars handy to spot wild birds including flamingos.
Take Emirates Road north towards Ajman, turning off when you see signs for Dreamland Waterpark. Head for Al Rafaah.
Big Red
The Big Red dune is easy to spot along the Dubai-Hatta Road (E44) or the Oman Road (E66) as the landscape changes shape and colour from yellow to red. It is a great place for adrenaline junkies where you can see lots of 4×4 revving across the landscape.
Big Red is also known as Al Hamar Dubai and is a massive 300ft high sand dune with sides the steepness of a black ski run, its red colour comes from its high iron oxide content.It gets very busy at the weekend and on public holidays but is great fun to visit.
Ras Al Khaimah desert
Best place is to camp near the farms or explore sand dunes if you have four-wheel drive.There are many good sand tracks in the area, linking camel pens and small oasis farms. Banyan trees, palms, wild birds and Arabian oryx can be seen on an early morning walk or drive around your camp.There are no facilities, so take everything with you, including plenty of food and drink.