The 12 Best Places in UAE for Night Camping​

The UAE is known for its beautiful skyscrapers, glitzy city life, and well-developed infrastructure. This amazing destination attracts expats who get a taste of corporate culture and luxury living while there. It is also a shopper’s paradise with access to international brands, and for adventure seekers, it offers the best places in UAE for night camping.

What adventure enthusiasts might not know is that the UAE is also ideal for night camping. Hidden away from the city are beaches, deserts, and expansive blue skies. Night camping in the UAE offers an entirely different experience from the typical shopping arcades and five-star hotels.

This article explores the best places in the UAE for night camping in detail.

• What is night camping?
• 12 best places in the UAE for night camping
•  Comparison table of the best places in the UAE for night camping
• What gear should I carry with me?
• Budget for night camping
• Safety when camping
• Key takeaways
• FAQs

What is night camping?

Night camping is an engaging outdoor experience held in areas such as beaches, mountains, or deserts. It comprises activities like stargazing, dune bashing, and traditional entertainment, and is a great way to experience the desert.

When you go night camping in the deserts of the UAE, you get to encounter its stunning desert landscape closely. This is an unmissable adventure. During your night camping outing, you may typically experience wildlife, sand dunes, camel rides, and traditional settings that resemble a Bedouin village.

12 best places in the UAE for night camping

Here are the top 12 best places in the UAE where you can go night camping and participate in a number of exciting camping activities.

Al Qudra Lakes

When you want to escape the chaotic city lights of Dubai and have an adventure during the cooler October to March months, head to Al Quadra. There, you can spot some desert wildlife while you go night camping. This amazing night camping getaway treats you to stunning sunset and sunrise views.

At dusk, you can get a clear view of the night sky and the constellations. Also, there’s a serene lake near Al Qudra, Dubai, which elevates your night camping experience.

Jebel Jais

This night camping site is in Ras al Khaimah and offers cooler camping temperatures. You can soak in rugged mountain scenery and panoramic sunrise and sunset views there. Jebel Jais is home to zip lines and adventure activities during the day.

Hatta Dam

When considering the best things to do in Hatta, you have to consider night camping. This is a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of Dubai city.

Each camping area allows a maximum of five people. There are a total of 18 slots for camping with a private BBQ area for each camping spot. The beautiful mountains in the background offer the perfect backdrop for camping by night.

Arabian Nights Village

This desert resort in Abu Dhabi is equipped with Bedouin tents, sand houses, and on-site amenities. It also has private sand dunes, eco-friendly facilities, and an on-site restaurant. There you can participate in organised activities and experience authentic Emirati dining.

Bab Al Nojoum Hudayriyat

This modern beach camping site in Abu Dhabi has stunning sea views and glamping tents. Its open-air cinema, relaxed ambience, and decent facilities make it popular with families and groups seeking a social camping experience. 

Pura Eco Retreat, Jebel Hafit Desert Park, Al Ain

Pura Eco Retreat is an eco-friendly glamping destination located at the foot of Jebel Hafit mountain. It has tents with private fire pits and access to hiking trails. The serene and natural landscapes with rich local wildlife are a hit with passionate campers. 

Fossil Rock

When on a desert safari at Fossil Rock, you can enjoy hiking, trekking, and more. This place has many marine fossils, which explains how it got its unique name.

Fossil Rock is an ideal place in Sharjah for night camping with its scenic mountains, dune drives, and stargazing opportunities. It is an hour’s drive from Sharjah city.

Longbeach Campground

Longbeach is a glamping campground in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. It combines traditional camping with luxury amenities and is spread along 300 metres of the beach area.

This campground is mainly for staycations, families, romantic getaways, and groups. It offers access to a beach, pool, outdoor spa, water sports, a floating theatre, and more.

Banan Beach

Banan Beach resort is located near Palm Jebel Ali. This palm-shaped island is famous for its luxurious beachfront properties. It offers a great escape from city life with its private beach, kayaking facilities, and more.  

Moon Retreat by Sharjah Collection, Mleiha

At the Moon Retreat, campers can avail of private, luxury tents with panoramic desert and mountain views. This campsite is perfect for stargazing as it has minimal light pollution. There, you will have access to archaeological sites and desert adventure options.

Umm Al Quwain Beach

This beach site located on the coastal areas of Dubai and is often rated as one of the best places in UAE for night camping. It is recommended you check for high or low tide before pitching your tent on its shore. You can go fishing, kayaking, and birdwatching when at the Umm Al Quwain beach camping site. It is best suited for very adventurous campers.

Liwa Oasis

Liwa is in the Empty Quarter of the UAE, which is a long stretch of never-ending sand. It is a challenging camping site in the UAE, and it offers a back-to-basics kind of feel. This region has nothing much to offer, and when camping there you have to be prepared to survive on water, GPS, and maps. Yet, Liwa offers campers mesmerising scenic beauty and starry skies.

These best places in UAE for night camping, offer a thrilling experience. However, you still need to be prepared for slightly energetic activity with the right gear, budget, and safety processes before you visit.

Comparison table of the best places in the UAE for night camping

What gear should I carry with me?

You should carry essential gear like sleeping bags, a headlamp/ flashlight, a first-aid kit, adequate food and water, and appropriate weather-resistant clothing. A backpack and durable shoes are must-haves. For maximum comfort, you may consider renting glamping tents. Other essentials include insect repellent and sand pegs to fasten your tent securely.

Also, bring along camping chairs, hand sanitiser, and sunscreen to protect against excessive sun exposure, especially if you are camping in Dubai in the Summer. 

Do not forget to carry a portable power bank with you to charge your electronic items. Sometimes, you might need to bring your own tent as well.

To leave no trace and to protect natural habitats, always carry garbage bags. Additionally, pack tissues, wipes, and maps for emergencies when your phone is out of coverage area the GPS does not function.

What type of clothes to wear?

Linen and cotton are your best friends in the desert. Long-sleeved tops paired with airy trousers are recommended. Avoid synthetic fabrics as they will make you uncomfortable in the UAE climate. Also, carry a light jacket as temperatures usually dip during the night.

Since the UAE is a conservative place, dress modestly. Preferably, avoid wearing anything too short, revealing, or transparent. Clothes that expose your knees and legs are not advisable to wear when camping in the UAE.

What type of shoes to wear?

Closed shoes are recommended as sand can enter your feet. Avoid brand new footwear as shoes worn for the first time may cause you blisters. To walk comfortably in sandy and desert terrain, you will need sneakers or flat boots. Open sandals and heels are not appropriate and best avoided. Preferably, wear socks as they can guard against insect bites and itchy feet.

Budget for night camping

The average camping cost per night ranges between 250 to 450 AED, depending on the number involved, an individual or two adults. Premium packages are priced at 500 AED onwards. If you are opting for a basic and simple tent, you will probably have to pay around 95 AED.

Safety when camping

It is crucial to keep safety in mind when you go night camping. 

Always check weather conditions and research permit rules for your chosen night camping site.

For first-timers, it’s best to camp with a group of friends for safety. When night camping alone, inform your family and friends before setting out on this adventure.

Wadis are susceptible to flash floods, so keep that in mind when you camp overnight. Also, if you are out night camping near the beach, pitch your tent furthest away from the shoreline. This keeps you safe even during high tide.

Although the temperature during the day may be hot and dry, at night, temperatures dip significantly. Always be prepared for extreme climatic conditions. Most importantly, be considerate of others when exploring the best places in the UAE for night camping.

Key takeaways

Besides the luxurious lifestyle the UAE offers, it is also a great place for camping. Night camping in the UAE offers a uniquely different experience. It is the perfect way to experience the vast outdoor desert landscape in all its glory.

The top night camping sites in the UAE include Al Qudra, Jebel Jais, Hatta, Arabian Nights Village, Bab Al Nojoum Hudayriyat, Pura Eco Retreat, Fossil Rock, The Longbeach Campground, Banan Beach, Moon Retreat, Umm Al Quwain Beach, and Liwa.

Sleeping bags, headlamp/ flashlight, first-aid kits, adequate food and water, and appropriate weather-resistant clothing are must-haves. Backpacks, durable shoes, scarves, sunglasses, sunscreen, and sand pegs to fasten the tent are also required. Costs range from 95 AED to 500 AED. Practice safety when night camping for the best experience when outdoors.

FAQs

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