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Overnight camping in UAE is one of the favourite practices by locals and tourists alike. The United Arab Emirates is home to several oasis and secluded beaches. This makes the region home to some pretty spectacular camping sites. Camping in the UAE is not a pricey affair and is perfect for a family picnic and get-togethers. Desert camping in UAE is the most popular style of camping, thanks to the terrain and geographical layout of the land. Below we have an interesting read on ‘Where to go camping in the UAE? – top 10 places, prices and more’.
Top 10 Sites For Camping In UAE
Al Qudra, Dubai
One of the best camping sites near Dubai has to be the Al Qudra Lakes. The Al Qudra Lake camping is a popular activity for campers planning a barbeque. The location is ideal for camping with kids and the banks of the lakes are perfect for relaxing. The lakes are home to over 150 species of birds, of which 148 are migratory birds. The camping site is a haven for camping enthusiasts looking to spend some time with nature away from the noise of the city.
Price: Free (weekend), AED 2000 deposit for longer duration + 0.22 Fils per week
USP: Can click some mind-blowing pictures
Things to do: Barbeque (with a stand), swim, bird watching
Shipwreck Beach, Abu Dhabi
The next place for camping in UAE is the location that goes by the name of Shipwreck Beach in Abu Dhabi. The beach lies a little ride away from the city and has empty quarters built on the beachfront. The location is one of the top camping spots in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Campers visiting the location are advised to carry all the necessary camping gear with them. The beach is a long and vast stretch of serene and tranquil beauty.
Price: Free (weekend), AED 2000 deposit for longer duration + 0.22 Fils per week
USP: Away from the hustle and bustle of city life
Things to do: swimming, paddle boarding, barbeque (with a stand)
Fossil Rock, Sharjah
The next location on the list of popular campsites in UAE brings us to Fossil Rock. The location lies in close proximity to the city of Sharjah and is a great camping site. The recommended mode of transport to take to Fossil Rock is a 4×4. As the off-road vehicle would allow you to go dune bashing once you reach the location. On reaching the desired destination, step out of the vehicle and scan for a camping site. On deciding where to camp pull out your camping gear, food and the barbeque stand.
Price: Free (weekend), AED 2000 deposit for longer duration + 0.22 Fils per week
USP: Perfect for star gazing at night
Things to do: Dune bashing, barbeque, picnic
Snoopy Island, Fujairah
The Snoopy Island in Fujairah is a popular beach camping site in the UAE. The island gets its unique name from the offshore boulder shape islands that resemble snoopy the dog’s hat. The beach is an appropriate location for setting up camps and enjoying a nice beachside picnic. Snoopy Island is the perfect location for a nice romantic evening dinner with your special someone. While you get lost in your thoughts with your loved one by your side and your gaze set on the night sky.
Price: Free (weekend), AED 2000 deposit for longer duration + 0.22 Fils per week
USP: Perfect for beach camping
Things to do: swimming, paddle boarding, beach walks
Al Rafah Beach, Umm Al Quwain
The next location on our list of ‘where to go camping in UAE?’ is the Al Rafah Beach in Umm Al Quwain. This is a very popular camping spot amongst locals, so do as the locals do. To reach the location just take the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed road heading into Ajman. While en route takes the Dreamland Aqua Park exit and follows signs to Al Rafah. Look for a campsite a little further away from the waters, as the tides have a mind of their own. Set up your tent and enjoy many moments dipped in peace and serenity.
Price: Free (weekend), AED 2000 deposit for longer duration + 0.22 Fils per week
USP: Good place to see the tides in action
Things to do: Kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing
Jebel Jais, Ras Al Khaimah
One of the popular overnight camping sites in UAE is the tallest mountain of Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah. The region is riddled with several wadi beds that one may choose from to serve as the appropriate camping locations. Jebel Jais is also home to the world’s longest zip line which is popular with city dwellers and tourists alike. Campers travelling to the location need to make sure that bonfires are lit only in the fire pits. These fire pits are to ensure the safety of the region due to the strong winds that blow in the region.
Price: Free (weekend), AED 2000 deposit for longer duration + 0.22 Fils per week
USP: Perfect for camping between mountains
Things to do: Hiking, trekking, biking
Bianky Beach Camp, Ajman
On the question of where to camp in UAE? The next location popular with locals of Ajman is the Bianky Beach Camp. Bianky Beach Camp is one of the extremely popular and sought after staycation and holiday destinations in Ajman. The campsite lies on Al Zorah Beach and offers visitors great views coupled with a peaceful, serene and tranquil environment. The location has numerous chalets and tents for hire for every kind of camping need.
Price: Free (weekend), AED 2000 deposit for longer duration + 0.22 Fils per week
USP: Chalets and tents available for hire.
Things to do: camping, paddle boarding, swimming
Hatta Mountains, Dubai
On the topic of the best camping spots near Dubai, we dare not miss to mention the Hatta Mountains. The destination is one of the best places for overnight camping in the UAE. The place is perfect for camping in a rocky mountainous region of the desert. It is recommended you take a 4×4 or hire one to overcome the rocky terrain. The Hatta Camping Site is a popular camping location with locals. You can camp here for the night and even have bonfires.
Price: Free (weekend), AED 2000 deposit for longer duration + 0.22 Fils per week
USP: Has several places to visit nearby like the Hatta Dam.
Things to do: Hiking, Kayaking, barbeque (with a stand)
Shuweihat Island, Abu Dhabi
Shuweihat Island is a camping site in Abu Dhabi that offers a unique experience. It is located on the Abu Dhabi Corniche and offers various activities for visitors to participate in. Camping sites are often an escape from the outside world, but Shuweihat Island is different. There are many activities for visitors to do here, like going kayaking or cycling. The island has been designed to be eco-friendly and sustainable, so it is not only beautiful but also environmentally conscious.
Price: Free (weekend), AED 2000 deposit for longer duration + 0.22 Fils per week
USP: Excellent for capturing the natural beauty of the land
Things to do: Kayaking, cycling, barbeque
Al Aqah Beach, Fujairah
Al Aqah Beach is one of the most popular camping sites in the UAE. It is located in the Fujairah Emirate and is a beautiful beach with calm water and white sand. This beach has a nice sandy shoreline that extends for about 2 kilometers. The water here is shallow and clear, making it an ideal spot for families with children and people who want to swim without waves. There are also some great places to eat on the beach, so you can enjoy a meal while you’re there. Al Aqah Beach offers no headache camping facilities that include basic toilets, showers, picnic tables, and barbecue pits. You can also rent tents if you don’t have one of your own.
Price: Free (weekend), AED 2000 deposit for longer duration + 0.22 Fils per week
USP: The beachfront is home to some small restaurants.
Things to do: Swimming, picnic, barbeque
