General Information » Places To Stay » Campsites

While there are no official campsites in the UAE, camping is a popular activity during the cooler months and there are plenty of sites to choose from. Options in Abu Dhabi include the desert dunes on the way to Al Ain or at Liwa. An hour’s drive away, in Dubai, is Jebel Ali beach, especially popular at the weekends but not as quiet as it used to be, it's very near the site of the Palm Jebel Ali. If you get there early enough, you can have your own shelter and shower right on the beach. Camping on the beach in Dubai now requires a permit. You can apply for free through Dubai Municipality (www.dm.gov.ae or call 04 221 5555). You will need a photocopy of your passport, a labour card (expatriates only), a driving licence, a car registration card and two passport photos.

While there are many campers around, the majority are UAE residents. It’s quite rare for someone to show up at the airport, camping gear in hand, ready to set off on a camping holiday in the Emirates.

Pick up a copy of the UAE Off-Road for further information. This guide covers everything, from where to go and how to get there to what to bring and how to prepare.

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