While many people in the UAE head to the city for New Year’s Eve celebrations and stunning fireworks, more Emiratis and expats are choosing a peaceful and quieter way to welcome the new year in the calm and beautiful desert.
Instead of dealing with heavy traffic and packed city streets, some residents start their journey as early as 1 PM. They head to their favorite desert camping spots, where they can relax, enjoy nature, and spend quality time with loved ones.
A Unique Way to Celebrate the New Year
Once they reach their camping location, families often cook lunch, host barbecues, and create a cozy gathering away from the city’s chaos. They happily welcome the new year with their loved ones, surrounded by calm desert vibes.
Obaid Suhail, a 28-year-old resident of Dubai, shared his family’s yearly tradition of camping at Al Awair desert. “We leave early for Al Awair, where we set up our winter camp. We cook lunch there and stay until 3 AM to avoid the late-night traffic,” he said.
“By the evening, the camps are full of Emirati families. We all count down together as midnight approaches, and songs of celebration fill the air. Even from far away, we can hear the fireworks booming in the city,” he added with a smile.
Family Traditions Away from the City
For Sabta Hassan, a 33-year-old Emirati, New Year’s Eve is about a unique family ritual. Her family gathers at her aunt’s house along the Al Ain-Dubai Road to escape the city buzz.
“We always leave early because of road closures, and we want to avoid the crowds,” Sabta explained. “My older aunt has this beautiful tradition. As the countdown begins, she lights a candle. Once the new year starts, she throws it away and lights a new one. The first candle represents the past, and lighting a new one symbolizes a fresh start for the year ahead.”
Expats Find Comfort in the Desert
For expatriates, spending New Year’s Eve in the desert offers a special charm. Mohamed Elhassan, a 27-year-old Sudanese resident from Sharjah, celebrated last year with friends in the Al Khawaneej Desert.
Reflecting on the night, Mohamed said, “We wanted to say goodbye to 2023 properly.” The group of 15 friends rented a camp for Dh3,700, which included amenities like a restroom, TV, and PlayStation.
“We arrived at 9:30 PM and started the evening by gathering around a fire. We wrote down things we wanted to leave behind in the old year and tossed those papers into the fire. After that, we played games, roasted marshmallows, and enjoyed our time. It was my favorite part of the night,” Mohamed shared.
He added, “We left the camp at 5 AM and stopped by Kite Beach in Jumeirah for breakfast. The streets were empty, which was a bonus.”
Watching Fireworks from Afar
Some families enjoy combining the quiet of the desert with the excitement of city fireworks. Mohammed Saif, a resident of Ras Al Khaimah, found the perfect spot for his family to view the Burj Khalifa fireworks from a distance.
“We parked near a park with a great view of Burj Khalifa’s fireworks,” Mohammed said. “We brought dinner with us, enjoyed the beautiful atmosphere, and spent a relaxing time with family, which was the highlight of the day.”
This year, they’re considering repeating the experience or heading to the desert to enjoy a peaceful New Year’s celebration.
