Fujairah
Head up the east coast for the weekend and you are likely to see a number of tents dotting the beaches close to Fujairah’s main strip of hotels. There is a sandy area just to the right of Sandy Beach Hotel and also opposite Snoopy Island that are both popular camping spots. Close proximity to the beaches and availability of water sports such as snorkelling and paddle boarding makes this a great choice for families.
Ras Al Khaimah
The UAE’s tallest mountain, Jebel Jais, is a fantastic place to visit, with spectacular scenery, breathtaking views and a hair-raising cliff road to take you to the peak. There are plenty of quiet spots to pitch a tent, although it can get quite packed on holiday weekends. Getting up early to see the sunrise from the top is a must do.
Dhaid
The Dhaid Road is flanked by an abundance of sandy dunes which provide the perfect base for a spot of off-roading or camping. Head towards Sharjah from Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (formerly known as Emirates Road) and then take the Dhaid Road that passes Sharjah International Airport. Pick a quiet spot to set up your site and watch the sunset.
Khassab, Musandam (Oman)
Take a dhow from the boatyard at Khassab Port and head out to one of the many beaches that are dotted along as you enter the fjords. Turquoise waters, white limestone cliffs and the chance to dolphin-watch make this a stunning spot for camping. Make sure you pack your passport as you will need it to pass through the Omani border.
Oman
Jebel Shams is part of the Al Hajar mountain range in north-eastern Oman. Here, it is all about the views and trekking, with stunning photo opportunities around what is known as the Omani Grand Canyon. There is an excellent hiking trail along Jebel Shams, which takes approximately four hours. Camping on the peaks is possible, but not advisable unless you are really experienced, as the weather can be extremely changeable with temperatures known to plummet to icy levels in the winter. You can set up camp at the base or choose to camp in the grounds of one of the hotels for a fee – a good choice for novice campers. * Note: Hatta Rock Pools Close used to be one of the most popular spots, however access to these has been restricted for months now for “security reasons”, according to the nearby Hatta Fort Hotel.
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