Camping Guide | Al Ain | Experience Abu Dhabi

Swap city lights for a sky full of stars. Across the emirate of Abu Dhabi, you can pitch a tent among the towering dunes of Al Dhafra or fall asleep to the sound of the Arabian Gulf at Mirfa Beach. But for camping with a difference, head inland to Al Ain, the UAE's Garden City. In Al Ain, nights under canvas come with a backdrop you won't find anywhere else in the country, the rugged slopes of Jebel Hafit and wide-open desert skies made for stargazing.

What’s so special about camping in Al Ain?

Al Ain sits on the edge of the desert, far enough from the city and the coast. That means dark skies, cool night air and a silence broken only by the wind across the sand. The best place to pitch your tent is Jebel Hafit, the UAE's second-highest peak, where you'll wake to views of rolling dunes, rugged ridgelines and the green oases below. Plan your trip for the cooler months, from around October to April, when days are cool and nights are perfect for sitting out under the stars by a campfire. By day, explore the Jebel Hafit tombs beehive-shaped stone burial chambers dating back around 5,000 years and part of Al Ain's UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Family camping activities in Al Ain

Camping is an adventure in itself, but a few extra activities can turn a night under canvas into a family trip the kids will talk about for years. Spend the day wandering the shaded paths of Al Ain Oasis, trying out adventure water sports at Al Ain Adventure, or taking a camel ride across the dunes. Older kids might enjoy a short hike or bike ride on the lower slopes of Jebel Hafit. As the sun sets, gather around the campfire to toast marshmallows and swap stories. Then, once the sky goes dark, point out constellations with a telescope or a stargazing app and see how many shooting stars you can count before bedtime.

Things to do on a camping trip in Al Ain

Pack a football, a guitar or a scavenger hunt list, and the campsite becomes a playground for the whole group. For bigger thrills, lace up for a trek across the rocky foothills, then trade your hiking boots for a buggy and tear across the rugged terrain. If you'd rather take things at a gentler pace, explore the park on horseback, following trails that people have walked for thousands of years.

What to pack for camping in Al Ain?

Packing for a camping trip is simpler than it sounds. If you're new to camping or travelling light, Pura Eco Retreat at Jebel Hafit Desert Park offers ready-pitched tents, so you can skip the heavy gear and focus on the essentials. Here's what to bring:

Sleep: sleeping bag and a pillow
Clothing: light, breathable layers for the day, warm layers for the night and sturdy, closed-toe shoes
Food and drink: plenty of water, easy-to-prepare snacks and meals, a cooler and cooking equipment and utensils
Camp comforts: camp chairs, a folding table and board games or a pack of cards
Safety and practicalities: a headlamp or torch, a power bank, a first-aid kit, sunscreen, insect repellent and bags to take all your rubbish home with you