Everything you need to know about camping in the Emirates
According to the Public Health and Safety Department of Dubai Municipality, a number of guidelines have been put in place regarding outdoor camping to ensure the safety of campers.
These guidelines are there to ensure a safe camping experience. They provide advice on how to set up tents in safe areas, how to use tents and generators in a safe manner, and show how to use campfires and grills safely.
Choose your location to set up the tent
According to Dubai Municipality, your campsite should not be in low-lying areas such as stream valleys, or next to a slope, nor should your tent site be set up at the base of a slope.
Tents must be set up away from cooking areas or where wood is burned, and must be a safe distance from fuel depots, fuel tanks, generators and electricity poles.
The guidelines also state that tents should be on elevated areas far enough away from tidal levels.
Campers are also advised to avoid mud floors, which may be infested with scorpions, ants and other insects. Use flat terrain free of stones and holes to avoid creating a damp environment in the tent. The guidelines also emphasize avoiding shallow or swampy areas where water may appear as a result of sea level rise
Safety and health guidelines related to tent specifications:
Tents must be made of non-combustible materials and equipped with basic ventilation holes to allow proper ventilation.
Tents must be set up tightly so that they do not fall or fly away in strong winds, and ropes must remain at a safe length and not cause people to trip or fall.
Safety and health requirements for generators:
The person responsible for operating the electric generator must maintain it periodically, use appropriate transformers, and place the generator correctly to avoid exhaust gases leaking into the tent as a result of the wind direction.
If children are present, a safe barrier must be created to prevent their exposure to the generator and fuel.
Health and safety instructions related to fire, grilling and heating operations:
Firewood should be stored at least 15 feet away from the tent in normal situations.
The stove stove should be in a safe place compared to the tent; So that the direction of the wind is towards the heater, not the tent, and the stove must be surrounded by a barrier such as sand or stone.
Municipal guidelines also state that burning charcoal should not be left unattended at night as it can cause a fire risk
How to avoid a campfire
All lighting sources and lanterns must be kept at least 50 cm away from the tent.
Do not use hot equipment, such as barbecues and charcoal, inside the tent.
Make sure there is a fire extinguisher near or inside the tent.
Do not use open flames, such as candles or lighters, inside the tent.
Firewood should be stored at least 15 feet away from the tent at any time
Other safety instructions
Use a suitable vehicle with four-wheel drive for easy movement and carry all required maintenance tools to assist you in case of any tire damage. Above all, learn how to change a tire before heading out on a camping trip.
Do not drive in valleys when it is raining and always pay attention to the road.
Avoid throwing waste in unhealthy and unsafe ways because it attracts insects and creates an unhealthy environment.
Avoid pouring water into small burrows, which can push out scorpions and other harmful insects, and use caution when lifting rocks because you never know what kind of harmful animals or insects may be hiding nearby.
Protect yourself and your neighbors from Covid-19
Limit capacity in vehicles (max. 3 people per vehicle, non-relatives)
Don't share food, phones, utensils, and other commonly shared items.
Use only disposable eating utensils
Wash your hands as often as possible for at least 20 seconds with soap and water.
Use hand sanitizer if possible, and rub with your fingers – don't wipe it.
Refrain from touching your nose, mouth or eyes.
Use only your own linens when camping overnight
Maintain a distance of two to three meters from anyone else at the campsite.
Do I need permission from the authorities before going camping?
According to Dubai Municipality Weekend, campers do not need prior permission to pitch tents in the desert.
However, there are certain rules for long-term camping trips. Those who go camping for longer periods are required to pay a fee and obtain permission.
If you are only traveling for a day or two, you do not need permission, but those staying in the desert for long periods need to obtain approval.
Ensure that you follow the Dubai Municipality Law regarding the provisions regulating the temporary use of desert lands as stipulated in Local Order No. 2 of 1999, and Administrative Resolution No. 310 of 2008.
Camps must be made of “temporary materials” that can be completely dismantled and removed at the end of the permit.
Jaber Al-Ali, head of the municipality's inspection department, said that those who camp for only a few days can continue to pitch tents anywhere in the desert. They do not require permits and are not responsible for a deposit or camping fee.
Things to consider
Be considerate of others in the area and be careful not to enter private property. Make sure you're not camping on someone else's beach or ranch and ask for informed consent.
Charge your mobile phone and carry a power bank at all times, so you are never disconnected. 999 is the number to call for all types of emergencies in the UAE, even for off-road rescue services in any emirate.
Do not pitch your tents at the base of the dune or anywhere near it. This puts you at risk of being run over by onrushing off-roaders who may not be aware of what's going on behind the dune they're climbing.
Make sure the car is maintained and in good condition. Also check tire pressure and fluid levels