Camping in the UAE is a very popular outdoor activity and a great way to escape the hassle-filled cities in the country. There are tons of activities you can do in a country as popular as the UAE. Additionally, the United Arab Emirates has been able to attract visitors from all across the globe with the recent developments going down in the country. As a result of that, the country is now one of the most-talked-about as far as tourism is concerned, and the country’s most populous city, Dubai, is just in the middle of that. Now home to expats and locals, as well as being a temporary home to tourists, there are a host of activities to keep people refreshed during the holiday seasons. Despite being dominated by desert (the United Arab Emirates is 80% desert), there are tons of options in the country for people who love to camp.
When camping, safety has to be the number one priority, even ahead of fun. Taking the necessary safety precautions is as important as anything else. You can’t even afford to take chances so when you’re camping, there are essentials that you must always carry along with you.
The best thing is to have a list of the necessary things you’ll be needing (this will vary according to the different location options you have to consider) and try to get them all ready the day before you set out for your destination. For example, some camping spots have banned open fires due to the threats they pose to the well-being of campers. Nobody wants a memorable moment turning into a nightmare and to avoid that, you need to be with the necessary camping equipment. You can even take a step further by phoning the camping ground to inquire about what they already have on the site and what you’ll need to bring along.
In the general sense, below are the top 10 must-have essentials for camping in the United Arab Emirates.
1. Food
Food is a very important commodity in the world today and it is important to have plans put in place for food before you set out. It will be more fun to have your food prepared on the campground but you need to make sure you have all the ingredients packed before you leave the house. Preparation is the key to this. Once you have clear plans on what you’ll be eating throughout your days over there, then the next thing is to make sure all the ingredients are packed in reusable containers. Sometimes, it’s also best to cook the food and reheat it once you get to the campground. To avoid the food getting spoiled, you’ll have to keep it at the right temperature which you can achieve using coolers and thermos.
2. Tent
The tent is also one thing you cannot afford not to take with you when you’re camping. It is undoubtedly one of the basic elements of camping and usually, most campgrounds always have it available for rent. However, we believe in the middle of a global pandemic, having your own tent is the safest and on the financial part, the best. This is because when you calculate the cost of renting a tent every time you go camping, you’ll realize having yours is by far more economical.
3. First-Aid Kit
With all the safety precautions put in place to ensure nobody gets hurt, there might still be cases of little injuries. Anytime you’re leaving your home for a couple of days, you’re required to have your first-aid kit with you even if you never get to use it. It is also an important piece of equipment when you’re camping with kids. Kids can get too playful sometimes and get themselves hurt. If you’re worried about packing too much stuff in your bag, we bet a first-aid set won’t be much of a load because of how small some of them are these days.
4. Sleeping Bag
A sleeping bag is another basic thing required of you to have whenever you’re going camping. Most sleeping bags are lightweight so you’ll find them very convenient to slot into your backpack. They are by far the most ideal option for campers all across the globe and the UAE is not an exception. Since sleeping bags are insulated coverings, they’ll help you retain the heat produced by your body, thereby, keeping you warm for as long as you’re in them. Although the warmth might not be enough (which is why you need to bring sheets and blankets), you’ll still find it very helpful in some situations.
5. Barbecue Box
Who goes camping without a barbeque grill? Absolutely nobody! Camping is more fun when you have a barbeque box with you and apart from using it to grill, it is another way to keep the environment warm since most of the campgrounds in the UAE have placed bans on open fires.
6. Insect Repellent
In the UAE, you’re either camping in the desert, beach or close to the mountains and these are natural spots for insects, especially mosquitoes. Having insect repellants will help you keep the insects out. We all know how deadly malaria is and you just don’t want to go camping and go home sick. To avoid this, insect repellants are a great camping essential to take with you.
7. Cool Box and Ice
The weather in the UAE can be very harsh sometimes, especially when you’re camping in the deserts. You definitely need all the fluid your body can take to keep you hydrated and you need it cold. Also, having a cool box and ice will add more spice to the drinks you’ve brought with you and will generally give you a great camping experience.
8. Trash Bags
The last thing you want to do is not to look after where you’re camping in terms of where you drop your rubbish. It is a basic sense of responsibility that you care enough to handle the wastes produced by you and there’s no better way to do that than coming with your trash bags.
9. Water
You’ll need water for drinking and washing so it’s just as important as anything else on this list. You don’t want to take a chance by guessing there’ll be enough water on the campground. Firstly, your body might react to the water negatively, especially if you have an allergy. The safest option is to have enough water in your trunk as you prepare for those few days away from home. And if you’re camping during the hottest season in the country, you’ll need as much water as possible to keep your body cool and hydrated.
10. Maps and GPS
When you’re trying to spice up the adventure by journeying deep into the deserts, you’ll need your map and GPS to guide you back to your base just so you don’t get lost. The truth is that it is very easy to lose your way in the deserts and you should avoid your little trip of adventure turning into a nightmare. A desert is not a good place to get lost in. Having your map and GPS will always ensure that you find your way back to your campground safely even when you get involved in adventurous off-road activities.
