5 Ways to Enjoy Desert Camping in Ras Al Khaimah

Escape the ordinary and embrace the magic of the desert under a canopy of stars at Ras Al Khaimah. Aptly named with the Arabic term for “headland of the tent” or “tent point,” the emirate boasts a wide range of campsites you won’t find anywhere else.

Located in the northernmost region of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Ras Al Khaimah boasts a peaceful ambiance unlike its crowded neighbors. Combined with the awe-inspiring desert landscapes and rich Bedouin heritage, this makes the emirate the perfect destination for desert camping.

Want to make the most of the experience? This guide unveils five distinct ways to enjoy camping in the desert.

1. Try Authentic Bedouin-Style Camping

First on the list is Bedouin-style camping. The Bedouin people – nomads who settled across the UAE around 3,000 BC – influenced the Emirati culture we know today.

Traces of their presence remain in the land, the people, and the festivities. If you want to experience the authentic Bedouin lifestyle, head over to the Bedouin Oasis Camp.

The first of its kind in Ras Al Khaimah, the camp gives visitors the opportunity to experience life in the desert the way the Bedouins did. That means tent roofs are made of goat or camel hair and campfires and antique gas lamps are the only sources of light.

Located between a pair of gorgeous dunes in the emirate, the Bedouin Oasis camp will take you away from the bustling city life and closer to Mother Earth.

Of course, that doesn’t necessarily mean discomfort for campers. On the contrary, the camp is fitted with luxurious features, including plush Arabian wool rugs and cushions fit for kings.

More importantly, staying at the Bedouin Oasis means you’ll be treated to delectable traditional Arab dishes, such as whole mutton prepared the way the ancients did it – slow-cooked underground in a sand-covered zarb.

2. Dive Into the Desert Life

The UAE desert, where rare oryx, wild camels, and the occasional donkey live, is also home to a rich culture that stood the test of time.

Dreaming of riding on a camel’s back? Or perhaps you want to experience the nomadic lifestyle of the Bedouin? You can do that and more at the Bassata Bedouin Camp and Desert Village.

Back at the village, you can ask one of the Bedu women to draw an ornate henna tattoo as a keepsake of your trip. Chefs prepare an Arabian feast of succulent meat and fresh vegetables for you and your fellow campers. You can enjoy all these while watching the rhythmic movements of tanoura and belly dancers around a campfire under the starlit sky.

3. Relish the Luxurious Desert Life

One of the desert camps in Ras Al Khaimah that allows you to explore the desert life without skimping on luxury is Sonara Camp Al Wadi.

Built in a protected nature reserve at The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert, this desert camp combines high-end dining with the gorgeous desert sunset and the unadulterated landscape.

Home to gazelles, oryxes, and the elusive Arabian red fox, the Sonara Camp offers an epicurean adventure. Besides the view, you’ll also be treated to mouthwatering dishes – a fusion of Arabic and Mediterranean cuisines – made by award-winning resident Chef Franck Sanna.

Done sampling seasonal delicacies? The Lower Camp restaurant and Sunset Lounge also offers various dining options: from a three-course dining menu to à la carte and exquisite canapés.

Available packages also include outdoor activities like soft archery, camel rides, and sandboarding, as well as music and a hawk show for you to enjoy.

4. Join the Festivities

If you time your trip right, you can also camp while partaking in the local festivities at the Awafi desert. A well-known camping spot in the UAE, this area offers pleasant weather, smooth red sand dunes, and an annual festival celebrating the country’s ethnic heritage.

During the event, visitors can witness cultural displays, theater performances, and sporting events that are popular not only among UAE residents but also guests from all over the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.

5. Explore the Dunes and Desert Safari Overnight

Who says you can’t camp while going on a desert safari in Ras Al Khaimah? At the Dunes Safari Camping grounds, you’re sure to experience a wide variety of activities designed to pique your interest and keep you entertained.

Unlike other desert safaris, this site offers overnight camping options so they can bask in the beauty of the desert under the starry night sky. Their overnight package includes welcome treats and a light breakfast the following morning.

You can also try the following activities for an authentic Arabian Nights experience:

• Henna painting
• Shisha
• Camel ride
• Sandboarding
• Belly, Tanoura & Fire Dance Show

You can also choose from four different types of accommodation: premium dome, elevated heritage tree house, deluxe dome, and igloo tent.

Things to Keep in Mind When Desert Camping

Excited for your UAE desert camping trip to Ras Al Khaimah? Keep the following things in mind to make the most out of the experience:

Stick to designated camping grounds

Ras Al Khaimah is known for its tranquil and peaceful ambiance. Unlike more populous emirates like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, it is home to many areas that remain untouched by commercialism. Designating areas for tourism is one of the reasons why Ras Al Khaimah is able to remain this way.

Take the Wadi Naqab Mountains, for example. Although a popular hiker paradise, some surrounding areas are not meant for camping.

Still, if you really wish to camp in the wild, make sure you leave the place in the same state as when you arrived. Do not litter, and never harm wildlife.

Researching the place before your trip can give you ample information about where you can stay. To be safe, it’s also best to ask the locals or nearby villages about the explorable areas before setting up camp.

Come prepared

Depending on your choice of camping grounds, you may need to bring your own food and essentials to have an enjoyable desert camping experience.

Below are some of the crucial items you need to pack:

• Water supply: Bring one gallon per person per day for drinking and another gallon for washing, cleaning, and cooking.
• Clothing: Lightweight and light-colored clothing, extra layers and fleece for when the temperature drops at night.
• First-aid Kit: Bring the basics plus any prescription medication you and your companions need.
• Sun Protection: Wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are all crucial in the desert.

If you’re driving to the camping grounds, make sure you fuel up enough for the trip. If you see gas stations along the way, top up your gas tank, especially if you’re headed to a remote location.

On to Your Next Arabian Adventure

Discover a new dimension of Arabian adventure in Ras Al Khaimah. From immersing yourself in authentic Bedouin culture and indulging in luxurious desert escapes to partaking in vibrant local festivals and thrilling overnight safaris, this northernmost emirate has a diverse range of camping experiences to choose from to suit your preferences.