Every year, from October to April, Emirati families flock to temporary winter camps, excited to connect with nature and enjoy a slower pace of life. The cool desert air and seasonal camps create a perfect setting for family gatherings, where food and conversation flow late into the night.
Families also celebrate special occasions, such as UAE National Day and New Year’s, at these camps, which provide a cozy place to sleep under the stars for those spending the weekend in the desert.
Family Gatherings in the Desert
Camps like Al Aweer in Dubai and Almazrae in Ras Al Khaimah are popular among families and individuals seeking a break from city life. These camps offer a safe and well-equipped environment, allowing residents to unwind and enjoy their time together.
Campsites typically measure 20 meters by 20 meters (400 square meters) for single camps and 20 meters by 40 meters (800 square meters) for double camps. Safety and comfort are priorities, with special front-row spots for seniors and people of determination. Areas are also set aside for vendors to sell goods and services to campers.
Although registration is limited to residents of the same emirate, families from across the UAE come together at these camps, joining friends and relatives and creating lively communities. This system ensures that camps remain reserved for locals while fostering connections between people from different Emirates.
A Welcome Escape from City Life
Adel Salem Al Blooshi, a 33-year-old from Sharjah, has already settled into his winter camp. He makes it a yearly tradition to gather with around 40 friends in Al Awir. They share the cost of renting a camp for the entire season. “We pay Dh2,300 for three months plus a refundable Dh2,500 insurance fee. Then we extend for another three months,” he explained.
From November to April, Al Blooshi and his friends enjoy their winter getaway. “We visit every day to be with friends, and on weekends, we stay up late,” he shared.
According to Al Blooshi, winter camps are fantastic for families and friends to have fun together. Many people split into teams for card games or sports, while others relax and watch TV. “Some of us cook at the camp to show off our cooking skills,” he added. “It’s a vibrant atmosphere where we can relax and escape the stresses of daily life.”
Camps for Government Employees
Several camps are designated for Dubai government departments, providing spaces for relaxation and team-building among employees. Maitha Ali, 35, from Dubai, books her camp yearly through her brother, who works at the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). “We put our names on the reservation list for our preferred dates,” she explained. “The camp is fully equipped for outings and has a glass tent in case it rains.”
Last year, Maitha booked the camp for ‘Hag Al Laila,’ a traditional Emirati celebration where children visit homes asking for sweets. They brought food and drinks, played games, and held barbecues with neighbors. Maitha recalled, “We forgot salt, so we borrowed from a nearby camp. Everyone at the camp is friendly and helpful.”
Reem Abdullah Hussein, from Sharjah, shares a camp with her family from Dubai, who reserve a spot every year. Each family member contributes to the camp’s expenses.
“The atmosphere is lively, with the sounds of bikes and delicious barbecue smells in the air,” Reem said. “Everyone helps each other. Kids play with children from other camps while men offer bike rides, creating a strong sense of community.”
Growth of Camping Areas
Hassan Al-Shehhi from Ras Al Khaimah commented on the camping trend: “It’s all about the camp experience. We are a close-knit group of friends who meet almost weekly, but during the winter, we gather in the desert. People bring their caravans or tents if they prefer staying in them.”
Al-Shehhi emphasized the benefits of these gatherings, saying, “We set aside specific days for everyone to relax at the camp with their families. It’s a great way to avoid traffic and crowds. We often try new dishes, and they turn out well.”
According to Hassan, camping areas in Ras Al Khaimah have improved over the years. The first two years lacked permits and organization, but recent regulations have brought structure. “The municipality now protects us as tenants and provides cleaning staff daily, along with trash bins at each campsite,” he noted.
The growing popularity of winter camping is evident, and Hassan hopes this trend continues year-round. Last year, the land rental fee included insurance, and this year, returning renters have priority, with costs set at just Dh3,000.
The total camping expenses can be around Dh15,000 or less, especially for those bringing their gear, allowing friends to share costs. The official camping period lasts five months, with options for extension, although most avoid extending into the summer due to the high desert temperatures.
