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These are the 5 best camping spots in the UAE

Dubai - Get ready to pitch your tent!

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One of the many activities a lot of UAE residents look forward to during the cooler months is camping. After all, the skies of the UAE, during the cool months of December to March, paint a beautiful series of clouds. Add to that the fact that the temperatures are not punishingly high and you get the perfect recipe for a relaxing night. A barbeque followed by sleeping in the desert. But, of course, you can't just pitch your tent anywhere. Here are five of the best camping spots in the UAE.
Note: You may need a 4x4 at some locations.

Liwa Oasis, Abu Dhabi

 

A photo posted by @storyofnine on Dec 14, 2016 at 10:38pm PST

It's called an oasis for good reason. Liwa is a beautiful slice of the desert that is also called "The Empty Quarter" because it's, well, empty. But that is the beauty of camping in Liwa. It takes you back to a time when there were no skyscrapers on the horizon and the only thing you could see was the sky above you.

Al Dhafra Beach, Abu Dhabi

 

A photo posted by Sally (@salkoornneef) on Nov 20, 2016 at 7:44pm PST

It's just three hours away from Abu Dhabi. Al Dhafra is a great place for snapshot savvy campers. The lush greenery of the area is perfect for taking great camping photos which you could share on social media. Other than that, there's also the rare opportunity to photograph flamingoes or turtles!

Lahbab, Fossil Rock, Hatta

 

A photo posted by Rashood!!!! (@tokyo_driftk) on Jan 18, 2017 at 1:00am PST

What's at Fossil Rock? Well, apart from the obvious, rock, there are red sands and interesting rock formations to keep you company. The route there is also very welcoming to beginners. So you need not fear getting stuck in the sand and having an 'unofficial' campsite.

Al Rafaah, Umm Al Quwain

 

A photo posted by Explore Emirates T (@explore_emirates) on Jan 16, 2017 at 10:52am PST

It's a short drive from Dubai. How is Al Rafaah different from all of the above? It's, in truth, a beach. And since it's a beach, you can go kayaking and bird-watching. You can catch a glimpse of the old fishing villagers who have made the area their home. Remember to factor in high and low tides when you select a campsite.

Jebel Shams

 

 

 

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A post shared by Rosie (@rosiegabrielle) on Jan 10, 2017 at 12:20pm PST

Okay, so it's in Oman, but Oman is sort of like a second home for many UAE outdoor enthusiasts. Other than pitching a tent, going here involves driving a 4x4 AND hiking. But it's worth the effort since you get an unprecedented view of the mountainside. Be careful, however, as goats are known to wander around the area.
- keith@khaleejtimes.com