Asan Tata— November 15, 2026The cooler months have arrived in the UAE, and with them comes the winter camping season. From late November to the end of April, families across the country head to the desert, the mountains and the beach for a night under the stars. This year the season started on 1 November 2026, and Dubai has opened more camping space than ever before.
Quick Answer
The UAE winter camping season runs from 1 November 2026 to 30 April 2027. A basic overnight trip costs around Dh300 per person, and a starter kit of tent, sleeping bag, stove and grill costs about Dh300 to Dh500. Dubai’s official Al Ruwayyah winter camping season offers 600 plots for UAE nationals, booked through wintercamp.dm.gov.ae or the DubaiNow app. Popular camping areas include Al Aqah Beach in Fujairah, Khor Fakkan, Jebel Jais and Jebel Yanas in Ras Al Khaimah, Showkah and Liwa. Check the weather before you go: light rain is possible in some coastal and northern areas from Monday 16 November to Thursday 19 November 2026.
When Is the UAE Winter Camping Season?
The winter camping season in the UAE runs through the cooler months, from November to April. Dubai Municipality’s official season at Al Ruwayyah started on 1 November 2026 and ends on 30 April 2027. Many families say the best weeks are from late November to the end of April, when daytime temperatures are pleasant and nights are cool enough for a campfire.
On Sunday 15 November 2026, the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) forecast partly cloudy skies, with daytime temperatures between 19°C and 32°C, a high of 30°C in Dubai and 31°C in Abu Dhabi. Overnight temperatures in coastal cities could fall to 20°C or 21°C, according to Ibrahim Al Jarwan, chairman of the Emirates Astronomical Society.
How Much Does a Camping Trip Cost in the UAE?
A night of camping does not have to be expensive. According to a Khaleej Times report published on 15 November 2026, an overnight trip costs around Dh300 per person, covering food, drinks, refreshments and water for washing and cooking. Costs fall when you camp with friends or family, because the group shares the food and fuel bills. A basic set of equipment costs about Dh300 to Dh400, and campers recommend a budget of around Dh500 to be sure you have everything you need. Most of the kit is reusable, so only food and items that wear out need replacing.
| Item | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Basic tent | About Dh70 |
| Sleeping bag | Dh35 to Dh36 |
| Small barbecue grill | About Dh20 |
| Portable camping stove | About Dh30 |
| Set of two cooking pots | Dh10 to Dh20 |
| Bag of charcoal | Dh30 to Dh40 |
| Small gas cylinder for cooking | Dh7 to Dh10 |
| Whole chicken for the barbecue | About Dh25 |
| Food per meal | Up to about Dh50 |
Some campers spend far more. A caravan can cost less than Dh10,000, and many families add portable toilets and a fridge over the years. But none of that is needed for a first trip, and a day trip to the desert or mountains usually needs only petrol, meals and firewood.
Dubai Al Ruwayyah Winter Camping: Permits and Plots
Dubai Municipality opened registration for the 2026-27 winter camping season at Al Ruwayyah on 26 October 2026. The season runs from 1 November 2026 to 30 April 2027 and has room for 600 camps, about 120 per cent more than previous seasons. New for this year are dedicated caravan plots and fully equipped camps that can be rented by the day. Seasonal plots come in two sizes: a standard plot of 400 square metres and a double plot of up to 800 square metres, with reservations for three to six months.
| Detail | Al Ruwayyah 2026-27 |
|---|---|
| Season dates | 1 November 2026 to 30 April 2027 |
| Registration opened | 26 October 2026 |
| Total camps | 600 |
| Standard plot | 400 square metres |
| Double plot | Up to 800 square metres |
| Seasonal booking | 3 to 6 months |
| New this year | Caravan plots and fully equipped daily rental camps |
| How to book | wintercamp.dm.gov.ae or the DubaiNow app |
| Who can book a seasonal plot | UAE nationals |
Seasonal registration is open to UAE nationals, booked through wintercamp.dm.gov.ae or the DubaiNow app. Once a permit is issued and the plot boundaries are marked, the holder can design and equip the camp. Temporary fencing must be installed, and the camp may be used only for family purposes and camping.
The 2026-27 announcement did not state the permit fees. Dubai Municipality’s last published fee, from October 2024, was 44 fils per square metre per week, and press reports mention a refundable AED 2,000 deposit and about AED 125 in fixed charges. These figures are not confirmed for this season, so check the fee on the portal before you pay.
The Dubai Municipality service is for personal family use. It does not cover commercial tourist camps. Businesses that want to run a desert camp for tourists need a separate desert camp permit from Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism.
Best Camping Spots in the UAE
The UAE offers three kinds of camping: beach, desert and mountain. Each needs different preparation, so choose the place that fits your vehicle and your experience. Wherever you go, check the weather forecast first, and avoid areas where rainwater could flow, especially during unstable weather. Wadis can flood quickly even when it is not raining where you stand.
Beach camping
Al Aqah Beach in Fujairah and the coast around Khor Fakkan are popular with families who like to camp near the sea. Check the sea conditions and the tides before you set up: the NCM forecast rough seas in parts of the Arabian Gulf on the weekend of 14-15 November 2026.
Desert camping
Liwa in Abu Dhabi and Showkah in Ras Al Khaimah are well known desert spots. Desert camping may need a four-wheel-drive vehicle on soft sand. Take care against insects, carry enough water, and use a proper container for the fire.
Mountain camping
Jebel Jais and Jebel Yanas in Ras Al Khaimah draw campers who want cooler air and mountain views. Think about altitude, strong winds and whether your vehicle can reach the site, as some mountain tracks need a four-wheel drive. Nights are colder at height, so warm clothing and a good sleeping bag matter more here.
Camping Rules and Permits: What to Know Before You Go
Camping rules are not the same in every emirate, and they are not the same for every place. A seasonal plot at Al Ruwayyah needs a Dubai Municipality permit. In Abu Dhabi, a municipal licence is needed to camp in public areas. In Sharjah, police fine unauthorised camping. Always check the rules for the exact place you plan to visit, and never set up a camp on private land or in a protected area.
The Ministry of Interior also enforces rules against camping in flood zones, with fines for people who set up in dangerous areas such as wadis and dams during bad weather. Treat any wadi or dam area as off limits when rain is forecast.
Simple habits keep you on the right side of the rules. Take all rubbish home, keep fires in a proper container, and never leave a fire burning when you leave or go to sleep. Do not cut trees or damage plants, keep noise down at night, and respect other campers and nearby homes.
Weather and Safety: Rain From Monday
Timing matters as much as location. The NCM five-day forecast published on 15 November 2026 says Sunday will be partly cloudy, with winds at 10 to 25 km/h, reaching 40 km/h over the sea. From Monday 16 November, the chance of rain rises, with light rain possible over islands and some coastal and northern areas on Monday and Tuesday, and a chance of rain through Thursday 19 November.
Before a trip, check the NCM forecast on the day you travel, not the day you plan. Pack a rain cover for the tent, keep electronics and food in sealed bags, and choose a camp site on high ground away from any wadi bed. If heavy rain starts, move to higher ground and do not drive through flooded roads. With coastal overnight lows around 20°C to 21°C, bring a sleeping bag rated for cool nights, a jacket and warm clothes for children.
What to Pack for Your First Camping Trip
| Category | What to bring |
|---|---|
| Shelter | Tent, sleeping bags, ground mat, extra pegs |
| Cooking | Portable stove, gas cylinder, grill, pots, charcoal, lighter |
| Food and water | Drinking water, food for each meal, snacks, cool box |
| Light and power | Torches, spare batteries, phone charger |
| Clothing | Warm jacket, long trousers, closed shoes, extra socks |
| Safety | First aid kit, sun cream, insect spray, rubbish bags |
Clean and inspect your equipment before the season starts, and replace anything broken. Buy food close to the trip and keep it simple: a barbecue, bread, fruit and drinks cover most needs. Carry more water than you think you need, especially in the desert, where there is no shop nearby.
Tips for Families Camping With Children
Many families camp every weekend from late November to the end of April. Set clear rules before you arrive: stay inside the camp area, do not walk near the road, and do not touch the fire or the stove. Bring activities for the evening, such as board games or a ball, and pack extra clothes for children, because they get dirty fast outdoors. Choose a site with public facilities when you camp with young children, or bring a portable toilet tent and enough water for washing. Do not drive tired after a late night: pack up in daylight, check that the fire is fully out, and leave the site clean.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the UAE winter camping season start and end?
The 2026-27 season runs from 1 November 2026 to 30 April 2027 at Dubai’s Al Ruwayyah site. Most families camp from late November to the end of April.
How much does a camping trip cost in the UAE?
An overnight trip costs around Dh300 per person, covering food, drinks and water. A basic starter kit of tent, sleeping bag, stove and grill costs about Dh300 to Dh500. Most equipment is reusable, so later trips cost less.
Do I need a permit to camp in the UAE?
It depends on the place. A seasonal plot at Al Ruwayyah in Dubai needs a Dubai Municipality permit, booked through wintercamp.dm.gov.ae or the DubaiNow app. Abu Dhabi needs a municipal licence for camping in public areas, and Sharjah Police fine unauthorised camping.
How do I book a plot at Al Ruwayyah?
UAE nationals can reserve plots through wintercamp.dm.gov.ae or the DubaiNow app for three to six months. Caravan plots and daily rental camps have separate booking options. Fees were not published for 2026-27, so confirm the price on the portal before booking.
Where are the best places to camp in the UAE?
Popular spots named by campers include Al Aqah Beach in Fujairah, Khor Fakkan, Jebel Jais and Jebel Yanas in Ras Al Khaimah, Showkah and Liwa.
Is it safe to camp when rain is forecast?
Light rain is possible in some coastal and northern areas from Monday 16 November to Thursday 19 November 2026, according to the National Centre of Meteorology. Avoid wadi beds and low ground, check the forecast on the day of travel, and do not drive through flooded roads.
Disclaimer: Prices, permit rules and weather forecasts can change. Camping costs here come from a Khaleej Times report published on 15 November 2026 and reflect what residents said they paid. Al Ruwayyah fees were not published for the 2026-27 season, so confirm the current fee and booking rules on wintercamp.dm.gov.ae or the DubaiNow app before you book. Always check the latest National Centre of Meteorology forecast before you travel.
Sources: Khaleej Times, 15 November 2026; Dubai Municipality announcement via WAM, Khaleej Times and Gulf News, 26 October 2026; National Centre of Meteorology forecast via Gulf News and Khaleej Times, 15 November 2026.
Last Updated: 15 November 2026
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