How to Enjoy a Camping Adventure in Abu Dhabi - Tips for Experiencing Abu Dhabi's Best Camping Excursions

While its reputation as a shopper's paradise is well-known, a few regard Abu Dhabi as a camping hotspot for the masses. Offering nature lovers and outdoorsy travellers a wealth of new experiences, camping out in this desert capital is an adventure like no other in the Middle East. From finding the finest camping hubs to making the most of your time in the arid wilderness, here are some tips on enjoying glorious camping trips during a stay in Abu Dhabi.

1. Time Your Visit

Unlike most camping destinations around the world, one cannot risk being stuck outdoors during a Middle Eastern summer. There's only one time of year that's conducive to spending time outside in Abu Dhabi and that is the winter season from October to March, which is also the peak tourist season in the country. As the temperatures drop to a temperate level, campers will find that most of Abu Dhabi's top camping and glamping sites also re-open for business as it is nearly impossible to go camping during the sweltering months of the year.

Jerome Bon from Paris, France, Camp in the desert (2428479123), CC BY 2.0 

2. Camping on the Beach

Although most travellers envision being stranded in the middle of a desert or a palm tree plantation, Abu Dhabi's camping possibilities also include beach locations. In fact, those based at Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villa Resort and similar rests will find that camping on the beach is one of the best activities in Abu Dhabi. Mirfa Beach is one such venue where camping is a breeze and where camping needs can be bought on the way. Located in the seaside hamlet of Mirfa, this namesake beach is calm and tranquil. Tourists who wish to spend time by the sea and the desert can have the best of both worlds by camping at Al Dhafra Beach.

3. Camp out in the Desert

Campers on the lookout for an authentic desert camping experience should head out to the Liwa Oasis where camping facilities are available on the fringes of Rub' al Khali. This area of the desert is called the Empty Quarter and it is considered the world's largest sandy region, which makes it ideal for camping. Surrounded by red sand dunes and date palm trees, campers can enjoy dune bashing and sandboarding activities during their time in the Liwa Oasis or drive down to Al Khaznah. Considered a hotspot for off-road driving and dune bashing, Al Khaznah is no less impressive than the Liwa Oasis. The best campsites in this area are found close to the Desert Rose Bedouin Desert Camp and Al Fayah.

4. Lakeside Camping

Tourists in search of eco-friendly camping destinations on the shores of a lake will find no finer alternative to the scenic Al Wathba Lake Camp. Providing guests with captivating views all around, there are more than 23 picnic sites and 12 campsites around the lake while playgrounds, cycling paths and volleyball courts have also been built to cater to the recreational needs of campers. This is perhaps a camping area that is most suitable for families with small children.

5. Glamping Hubs

Glamping is fast becoming a trend among Abu Dhabi visitors and the large number of camping sites that cater to luxury campers has only grown to meet this demand. The Jebel Hafit Desert Park is an example of such a location. Occupying one of Abu Dhabi's tallest peaks, this park provides camping tents, bubbles and domes while the Bab Al Nojoum glamping venue is found in the Hudayriyat Leisure and Entertainment District. The beachfront tents and the camper vans that are part of the landscape at Bab Al Nojoum can cater to the whims of even the pickiest camper. Bab Al Nojoum is considered the perfect getaway for couples and those who would rather go camping with their own personal pool.