With winter approaching, we asked a few campers about how much they spend during the UAE camping season. According to them, you can spend around Dh300 per person on a night out and anywhere between Dh300 to Dh500 on a starter package. However, you can save yourself a bit of cash by buying wisely.
Why the UAE camping season is great
The UAE camping season is perfect for one simple reason, the weather! The evenings are nice and cool and the days are pleasant, giving people an excuse to put their phones away.
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Once you have your essentials such as tents, grills and pots you will find the cost of the UAE camping season is very low as they will last you many years.
When to start preparing?
While some people will start gathering their equipment during the summer months, others will dig through their storage to find their old gear.
Some people will take weeks to pack while others will do it within a couple of days. If you are a seasoned camper then you may just chuck everything in your car and head out the same day.
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Where to go?
People will always mention the same places when asked where they go. Al Aqah Beach in Fujairah, Khor Fakkan, Jebel Jais and Jebel Yanas in Ras Al Khaimah, Showkah and Liwa. Campers love the scenery, the fresh air and some of the areas have proper facilities.
However, if you travel to Oman you will have to pay extra for visas, extra food and extra firewood. To keep costs low during the UAE camping season stay local and you will only have to pay for fuel, food and firewood.
Costs
Marcos Bernardo, a local in the UAE, says that you shouldn’t over complicate things as a beginner. A sleeping bag will cost around Dh35, a basic tent will cost Dh70, a grill will be Dh20 and a gas stove will be Dh30. Two cooking pots will cost between Dh10 to Dh20.
You will also need to purchase some food and fuel. Charcoal bags will cost between Dh30 to Dh40, a whole chicken will cost around Dh25 and a small gas bottle will be between Dh7 to Dh10. If you want to make it more comfortable during the UAE Camping Season
Some caravans can be found for less than Dh10,000.
Who goes?
Ahmed Al Mansoori from Ras Al Khaimah says that he doesn’t go every weekend as it can get hectic. He will go once or twice a month. Sometimes he will go alone but sometimes up to 30 people will join in and help with the food.
Radina Dickson from Dubai has been camping with her husband and two kids (now aged 10 and 7) for 8 years. Each UAE camping season they have 4 other families join them. This year they purchased a new battery, extra gas and a 2 seater kayak.
How to stress-free prepare?
Start by cleaning your gear. Throw anything that is worn away. Grills, cooking nets and fire holders are usually the first things to go.
Consider where you are going. If it is a beach then check the tide times. If it is a desert or mountain area then you may need a four wheel drive. Always check the forecast before heading out and avoid areas where there could be water running from rain. Pack warm clothing as it can get chilly at night.
The Bottom Line
If you plan ahead, use your gear and choose the right place then the UAE camping season will be budget friendly and lots of fun.
Also Read: Dubai Desert Camping Gets an Essential Upgrade—Registrations Open
