The official start of the desert camping season in the UAE brings an awe-inspiring experience, providing an opportunity for visitors to connect with the otherworldly landscape and marvel at the star-studded night skies. However, amidst the appreciation of the desert's beauty, residents and visitors are urged to be mindful of and adhere to specific regulations to ensure a harmonious coexistence with the desert ecosystem.
Haniel Jeiel Calma, an avid camper with a decade-long residency in the UAE, emphasized the importance of responsible camping by avoiding the significant problem of leaving behind trash. He stressed the mantra of "take back memories and dump our trash - leave no trace behind." According to Calma, the commitment to responsible camping extends beyond immediate surroundings, encouraging campers to clean up any litter they come across.
In the seven emirates, designated locations have been established for camping, recreational activities, and dune bashing, tailored to meet the public's desire for fun and excitement. Every winter, authorities prioritize ensuring that residents can enjoy the endless golden dunes responsibly without compromising safety.
Cheeryllee Fronteras, a Filipino resident in Sharjah, highlighted the importance of adhering to authorized camping areas, stating, "We always camp in areas where authorities allow us to pitch our tents."
Beach camping is prohibited in Ras Al Khaimah, with the civic body stating that camp setups distort the overall appearance and impede others from enjoying public spaces.
In Sharjah, strict regulations prohibit entry and camping in protected areas. The Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA) underscored to Khaleej Times that violators of these regulations will incur substantial fines.
Cheeryllee pointed out, "Among fellow campers, we've observed some problematic behaviors, such as a lack of respect for quiet hours, where certain individuals play loud sounds until as late as 2 am. What's even more concerning is when campers not only leave their garbage behind but also scatter it, negatively impacting the environment."
Campers often lack awareness of the rules, resulting in unintentional violations and subsequent penalties.
To avoid fines, it's crucial to adhere to the following list of rules:
Dh2,000: Littering in Sharjah; Dh500 in Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah for the same
Dh2,000: Camping in unauthorized areas in both Sharjah and Fujairah
Dh2,000: Lighting a bonfire on the ground; Dh500 in RAK - Jabel Jais, for the same
Dh2,000: Cooking on the ground
Dh2,000: Oil spills from vehicles in the wilderness
Dh500: Barbecuing and grilling at undesignated places like beaches, green areas, and parks.
Dh10,000: Causing ecological damages, such as removing grass, cutting trees, or removing sand from an area
Dh5,000: Entering protected areas
Dh15,000: Hunting inside a protected area
Dh1,000: Wrongful parking and violating traffic rules (RAK - Jebel Jais)
Numerous camping sites in the country have clear signboards with instructions indicating the do's and don'ts. Refer to the pictures below for more details.
Guidelines for Responsible Behavior:
• Adhere to the do's and don'ts:
• Refrain from damaging plants or using them for fires.
• Resist the urge to feed fish and birds in water bodies, such as Al Qudra Lakes.
• Abstain from swimming in water bodies like Love Lake and Expo Lake.
• Dispose of garbage responsibly; refrain from littering in the desert.
• Avoid playing loud music, as it is not permitted.
• Remember to bring approved garbage bags.
• Uphold public order at all times.