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Many people’s mental images of Dubai include skyscrapers like Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab, luxurious hotels, and a vibrant metropolis. However, for those seeking an alternative aspect of Dubai’s heat, the enchanting world of tent camping emerges as a hidden gem amidst the crowds of the metropolis. In many Arabic cultures, tent camping is used to connect with nature and find tranquility, much like the characters in the movie “Aladdin,” where the desert sands play a significant part.
Camping has been integral to Dubai’s cultural legacy for over 3,000 years. Camping, whether in the desert or along the Persian Gulf sideline, is an excellent escape from the chaos of Dubai and a chance to reconnect with nature. This outdoor excitement provides a captivating combination of the modern city and the everlasting love of nature, all set against the backdrop of Dubai’s architectural wonders.
12 Dubai’s Best Overnight Camping Locations
There are various overnight camping choices available in Dubai, each offering a unique experience in the middle of the desert. The following is a list of some of the unique locations in Dubai where you may spend the night camping:
1- Al Qudra Lakes: Feathers and Tranquility
Located in the vast Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, Al Qudra Lakes is a paradise for hikers and eco-tourists. It occupies 10% of Dubai’s overall land area and spans more than 40 hectares, making it the only unfenced natural reserve in the UAE.
Birdwatchers and shutterbugs will find paradise in this sanctuary, home to more than 300 bird species. In addition to the beautiful lakes, the Al Marmoom Bedouin Experience provides guests with camel rides, falcon demonstrations, and traditional Emirati food. Camping in Al Qudra Lakes is more than it seems. It’s an adventure into the unspoiled desert beauty of Dubai.
Most Notable Features of Al Qudra Lakes
- Golden Dawn and Sunset: The site is well-known for its magnificent views of the golden desert at dawn and dusk, which provide campers with a charming background.
- Close to Dubai: Situated only 48 kilometers away from Dubai, Al Qudra Lakes is a great place to camp for those looking for a natural getaway without going too far from the city.
- Police Patrolled Safety: The lakes, which friendly police officers patrol, provide a secure camping environment and draw campers all year round.
- Warm light: The sun sets over the dunes, casting a seductive light over them as it sets. The reflections of the lakes, created when the sun sets, further add to the landscape’s attractiveness.
- Strategic Camping Spots: Well-planned camping areas provide stunning vistas and a peaceful, enthralling nighttime experience.
- Wide-Open Playground: For those looking for adventure, the huge desert around Al Qudra Lakes is the perfect place to play. Morning bike rides across the dunes, tranquil treks, and camel rides at dusk draw attention to a wide range of interests.
2- Acacia Forest: Safely Overnight Campings in Dubai
Acacia Forest is the ideal spot for campers looking for a refuge in the mountains of Dubai. Discovering this campsite alone might be challenging, so bringing other campers to share the experience is best.
This serene forest provides a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of Khor Najd, just 10 kilometers away in the Musandam mountains. You should only go to the Acacia Forest with other seasoned campers who have been there before since getting there can be a real challenge.
Most Notable Features of Acacia Forest
Required Equipment: Bring your firewood since there isn’t much available around.
- Directions: In the Musandam highlands, 10 kilometers from Khor Najd. About five kilometers into the wadi is where you’ll find the forest.
- Best Time to Camp: Throughout the year.
- Keep in Mind: Stolen food, water, and gas burners are commonplace in the area, so be wary of what you bring with you. Due to the proximity to the military shooting range, be cautious of restriction signboards.
- Atmosphere: The natural surroundings and tranquility of the desert combine to create a soothing ambiance.
3- Hatta Sedr Trailer Camp: An Excellent Overnight Camping in Dubai
The UAE’s Hatta Resort offers a one-of-a-kind, five-star glamping experience. Guests may choose between Hatta Damani Lodges or Hatta Sedr Trailers for their lodging needs.
While the Damani Lodge offers breathtaking views of the Hatta Dam from several mountain vantage points, the Sedr Trailers provide a more comfortable and home-like cooking experience with their kitchenettes.
Most Notable Features of Hatta Sedr Trailer Camp
Hatta Sedr Trailers:
- Location: Comfort in the middle of breathtaking natural beauty, nestled in Hatta and bordered by the Hajar Mountains.
- Private Outdoor Sitting: Take in the serene desert ambiance from the comfort of your trailer with its own private outdoor sitting area.
- Facilities: Every trailer has complimentary mineral water, air conditioning, TV, and WiFi.
- Onsite Food Truck: Convenient catering that includes a food truck ready anytime hunger strikes.
Hatta Resort Options:
- Camping in Hatta Wadi Hub: Bring your tents and camp outdoors; costs start at Dhs129 per night.
- Housing Alternatives: Hatta Resort offers a variety of housing alternatives to suit various tastes and budgets.
- Pricing Range: Pricing could vary widely from 129 Dhs a night for camping to 700 Dhs or more for Sedr Trailers and Damani Lodges.
4- White Sands Beach: A Budget-Friendly Overnight Camping in Dubai
Camping at White Sands Beach, between the Fins and the Wadi Shab, is a great option for those on a tighter budget. The beach is a great place to go camping since it’s cheap and you can get everything you need there.
Camping on the sandy cliff above the beach is an excellent idea since it offers a beautiful place to relax and enjoy the scenery. Paddleboarding, snorkeling, scuba diving, and other water activities are available; you may even go fishing.
Most Notable Features of White Sands Beach
- Equipment: A budget-friendly camping alternative that allows you to get all the gear you need at affordable pricing.
- The Best Time to Camp: You may camp at White Sands Beach anytime.
- Camping on a Scenic Cliff: The sandy cliff provides a lovely backdrop for taking in the peace of the natural world and the stars at night.
- Warning: Keep your eyes out for sea urchins; they may be dangerous.
- Adventure Sports: Take part in fishing, snorkeling, diving, paddleboarding, and other adventure sports in addition to camping.
5- Arabian Dreams Desert Camp: A Five-Star Retreat in Dubai
The Arabian Dreams Desert Camp offers eight spacious tents situated inside the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, perfect for a five-star camping vacation. There is enough space for up to sixteen people in each tent, complete with mattresses, pillows, and a bathroom. Its extensive guest program, which includes exciting dune excursions and camel rides, has made it one of the most well-known camps in Dubai.
Most Notable Features of Arabian Dreams Desert Camp
- Proper Itinerary for Guests: An itinerary includes sand drives and camel rides.
- Wildlife Sightings: The chance to see oryx and falcons adds to the allure of camping in the desert.
- Required Gear: Options include sleeping bags, sweaters, and blankets for a camping trip.
- The Camping Season: Summer is perfect for overnight desert camping trips.
- Accommodation: To guarantee a pleasant stay, it is advised to pack appropriately for the evening.
6- Jebel Jais: UAE’s Highest Peak Campings Opportunity
The camping experience in Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest peak, perfectly blends mountain charm and urban sophistication. Campers may select their place along the route as they trek to the peak on the winding road and challenging terrain.
The path winds through wadi beds that are ideal for campers and offer a variety of beautiful spots to set up tents at various elevations on the mountain. Nevertheless, Jebel Jais’s chilly evenings and gusty winds call for more blankets and plenty of fuel to keep you warm.
Most Notable Features of Jebel Jais
- Friendly Wadi Beds for Campers: There are several places to set up tents along the winding trail and at different elevations on the mountain.
- Cold Evenings and High Winds: Jebel Jais has cold evenings further aggravated by high winds, necessitating campers to pack additional blankets and plenty of fuel for warmth.
- Rules for Fires: It is not permitted for campers to start fires on the ground; instead, they are advised to use barbecue grills or fire pits.
4×4 Suggested: Although a paved road is going to the peak, the rocky terrain at higher camping spots may need a 4×4 vehicle.
7- Al Hayer Forest: Ghaf Grove Getaway
One of the best camping locations in Dubai, Al Hayer Forest is a hidden haven full of beautiful nature. Hundreds of trees give this lovely spot its one-of-a-kind, romantic vibe. The shaded trees of Al Hayer make it a popular camping area, especially in the summer when temperatures rise. The campsite is great for having fun with friends and family, preparing a meal, and enjoying the outdoors.
Most Notable Features of Al Hayer Forest
- Gathering Spot: The campsite is an ideal spot for reunions, barbecues, and all sorts of fun things to do.
- Easy Access: All campers will appreciate the ease of access since it can be reached without a 4×4.
- Birdwatching Opportunities: The forest is a haven for a wide variety of bird species, so anybody interested in nature will have the chance to go birding.
- Challengingness: Low
- Ideal for Families and individuals looking for a tranquil camping getaway.
8- Terra Solis: Luxurious Overnight Campings in Dubai
With its one-of-a-kind selection of luxury yurts, Terra Solis in Dubai offers a desert hideaway that combines comfort with an element of adventure. The Tomorrowland Music Festival is in charge of this desert resort so guests can expect more than a comfortable stay. Mountain biking and kayaking are just two of the many outdoor activities available to guests, who can also enjoy tasty meals at the restaurant on the premises.
Most Notable Features of Terra Solis
- Accommodation in a Luxurious Yurt: Terra Solis provides lodging in a luxurious, comfortable, and adventurous yurt.
- Diverse Accommodation Options: Guests have the option to choose from a variety of rooms that are named after various celestial bodies, meteor showers, and constellations.
- Polaris Tents: Visitors may reserve one of the 48 Polaris tents for an outdoor living experience.
- Perseid Lodges: Twenty Perseid lodges are accessible, and for extra convenience, each one has a private bathroom.
- Orion Pool Lodges: These six opulent lodges provide the pinnacle of resort luxury with their pools, large terraces, and breathtaking views.
9- Sonara Camp: Starry Nights and Luxury Delights
Sonara Camp is an absolute must-visit if you’re in the market for a very stylish glamping getaway. The Overnight Adventure is a high-end, environmentally conscious desert trip that lets visitors dine al fresco and sleep beneath the stars.
The deal comes with a sundowner, camel rides, and a delicious cuisine with steaks, mezze, and more. Sonara Camp offers a perfect combination of modern conveniences and natural beauty, with its deluxe tents with private terraces, en-suite bathrooms, and a location in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve.
Most Notable Features of Sonara Camp
- Luxury Accommodations: Sonara Camp provides luxury tents with en-suite bathrooms and private terraces.
- Eco-Friendly: The camp is committed to an eco-friendly desert experience within the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve.
10- Jebel Ali Beach: A Memorable Overnight Camping
Jebel Ali Beach is a popular camping spot close to Dubai Marina. You may make a night of camping at this beach even more memorable by adding a dinner cruise around the Dubai Marina to your itinerary.
Camp out beneath the stars and enjoy the simple life, but bundle up since the air will be chilly due to the high winds. A blanket is a must-have for keeping warm while camping since it is prohibited to make fires. However, a barbecue grill and a fire pit are available for your convenience.
Most Notable Features of Jebel Ali Beach
- Essential Blanket: Some campers may find that a blanket is necessary for keeping warm at night.
- Caravan Camping: An alternative to tent camping, the Dubai Municipality now permits caravan camping on Jebel Ali Beach.
- Permission Requirements: Free permission for caravan camping may be obtained by submitting a valid caravan ownership copy and an Emirates ID to the Dubai Municipality website.
11- Sand Sherpa: Camping and Glamping in Dubai
Sand Sherpa offers the ideal combination of camping and glamping in the United Arab Emirates. Sand Sherpa runs weekend camps in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve from September to June, guaranteeing a camping experience with a highly safe guide.
Members of the group may lead campers on nature walks so they can fully experience the outdoors. A Sherpa Tent, cooking gear, dining set, cooking utensils, camping essentials, a couch, and a fire pit grill are all available to every group in the camp’s trailer.
Most Notable Features of Sand Sherpa
- Weekend Programs: Sand Sherpa offers desert immersion weekend programs from September to June.
- Skilled Sherpas: The Sand Sherpa team provides knowledgeable horses to lead campers, ensuring they have a safe and educational time.
- Delicious Barbecue: The campsite is well-appointed to meet all requirements, and one of those demands is the chance to enjoy a delicious barbecue.
- Price: Starting at 1,500 Dhs.
12- Al Maha: 42 Luxurious Tents in Dubai’s Desert
With 42 luxurious tented housing, this desert camping location in Dubai is the most extravagant you’ll ever see. The Al Maha Resort is a luxurious hideaway with first-rate cuisine, service, and beverages, yet it’s just a half-hour drive from the city’s heart.
The resort has five separate rooms where guests may enjoy the finest body and balance treatments, and its twenty employees come from a wide range of countries and have a variety of therapeutic backgrounds.
Most Notable Features of Al Maha
- Little Plunge Pools: All Bedouin Suites include plunge pools, which enable guests to see animals from their little sanctuary.
- Unique Spa Treatments: The Timeless Spa provides one-of-a-kind spa treatments that help relax and heal.
- Competent Therapists: The spa’s twenty employees represent a wide range of nationalities and provide a wide range of therapy specialties, guaranteeing each guest a unique and revitalizing experience.
- Many Treatment Rooms: The Al Maha Resort provides guests five rooms for body and balance treatments.
Where To Buy Overnight camping tickets in Dubai?
Camping out in Dubai for the night is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to enjoy the city’s stunning scenery. Nevertheless, buying tickets for these magical events may be a real challenge with so many choices and costs on many platforms. People looking to camp out may get the greatest value by comparing prices on several ticketing sites.
For those looking for a dependable and easy-to-use platform for overnight camping in Dubai, Dojoin is an excellent choice. Dojoin provides a clear and easy way to book so campers can buy their tickets without hassle. With Dojoin, campers may take in the stars over a desert and listen to the peaceful water as it laps against a tranquil coastline.
Why Choose Dojoin?
- Cheapest Rates: Dojoin regularly offers tickets for overnight camping in Dubai at the most reasonable and competitive rates.
- Refund Policies: Dojoin values customer happiness and offers flexible refund policies so that you may cancel without a problem.
- Year-Round Availability: Tickets are available all year round on Dojoin, so campers may arrange their outdoor experiences anytime.
- Occasional Special Offers: Dojoin takes client gratitude to the next level by periodically presenting discounts and special deals, helping to enhance the camping experience.
- Respondent Customer Support: Dojoin has a dedicated customer support team ready to help with any questions, ensuring the planning process goes smoothly and is fun.
FAQs
Is Overnight Camping Allowed in Dubai?
Yes, short-term camping in Dubai does not need permission and is allowed for overnight stays. But you need permission to camp for more than a night, and that’s only in certain regions like Al Khawaneej, Al Warqa, Wadi Al Shabak, and Wadi Al Amerdi. You may only apply for these permissions if you are an Emirati or if you have an Emirates ID.
Which Is the Best Desert Camp in Dubai?
Dubai is home to several world-class desert camps, each with its unique combination of high-end amenities and genuine adventure. The Al Maha Desert Resort stands out as a prominent choice, known for its luxurious rooms and secluded desert location. Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa stands out for anyone looking for a classic Arabian experience.
Where Can I Camp in Dubai for Free?
Several free camping sites in Dubai for families and prominent places like Al Qudra in Dubai are available. Dubai’s Half Desert, located off the E611 expressway, provides free access to a rough-and-tumble desert experience.
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