UAE residents prepare for camping season: travel costs and starter kits

As temperatures drop in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), residents are beginning to prepare for the winter camping season. The cost of day trips is estimated at approximately 300 dirhams per person, while a basic equipment kit requires an initial budget of 300 to 500 dirhams, depending on the level of experience and necessary accessories.

Camping enthusiasts note that preparations can begin months before winter, and reusing equipment helps reduce overall expenses. Ahmed Al Mansouri, a resident of Ras Al Khaimah, reported that one night of camping will cost about 300 dirhams per person, including food, drinks, refreshments, and water for cooking and washing.

However, Al Mansouri clarified that costs can decrease if camping is done with friends or family, as expenses are distributed among participants. For example, a packet of charcoal costs between 30 and 40 dirhams, and a whole chicken is about 25 dirhams. Depending on the menu, food costs can reach approximately 50 dirhams, and a small gas canister for cooking costs between 7 and 10 dirhams.

Al Mansouri noted the variety of camping options: some prefer solitary trips, while others organize gatherings of up to 30 people, where participants either bring their own supplies or share the cooking responsibilities. He advised that weekly camping can be challenging, and visiting once or twice a month is more manageable.

Marcos Bernardo, a Brazilian resident living in the UAE, stated that beginners do not need to purchase expensive equipment for their first experience; a basic setup will cost around 300–400 dirhams. Nevertheless, he recommends allocating about 500 dirhams to ensure campers have everything they need.

According to Bernardo, a sleeping bag can cost about 35–36 dirhams, and a simple tent is available for about 70 dirhams. A small barbecue grill costs about 20 dirhams, a portable camping stove is about 30 dirhams, and a set of two cooking pots ranges from 10 to 20 dirhams. He emphasized that for simple recreation, the minimum cost is 300–400 dirhams, but advises having a budget of around 500 dirhams.

He added that costs vary greatly depending on the desired level of experience, with more complex kits requiring larger investments. For experienced enthusiasts, preparing for the season involves not only buying food and packing the tent. Al Mansouri mentioned that some enthusiasts start buying gear in the summer, months before the season begins, while others wait for the temperature to drop to assess existing supplies.

Some residents also invest in caravans and portable toilets to increase comfort during outings, especially when traveling in large groups or staying overnight. Al Mansouri reported that some caravans can be found for less than 10,000 dirhams, with prices depending on the included amenities and equipment.

The time required for preparation also varies: some organize supplies a week in advance, others start preparing two days before departure, and the most experienced might go camping the same day. Al Mansouri explained that most gear, including tents, toilet tarps, grills, and kitchenware, can be used throughout the season, reducing the need for constant purchases. He added that the main items that change are food and some kitchen equipment that wears out over time. Items such as grills, cooking meshes, and firewood containers may sometimes require replacement due to regular use.

Radina Dixon, a Dubai resident, shared that camping has become a family tradition over the past eight years, providing an opportunity to spend quality time outdoors with her husband and two children aged ten and seven. The family plans to camp every weekend from late November to late April, when daytime and evening temperatures are usually pleasant. Their expenses are determined by the duration and location of each trip.

Dixon noted that if they spend the day in the desert or mountains, they usually only need to pay for gasoline, food, and firewood. However, longer trips, especially those crossing the border into Oman, can be more expensive due to visa fees, extra meals, and firewood. Although the family often camps independently, Dixon also regularly travels with four other families who are their long-time camping companions. Before each season, they clean and inspect their gear, check for items needing replacement, and decide if any upgrades are necessary. This year, the family purchased a new battery to power the refrigerator and electronics during camping after issues with the previous battery. They also stocked up on gas canisters and bought a small two-person kayak for beach trips. Dixon noted that, starting with a simple setup eight years ago, the family has gradually upgraded its gear while maximizing the use of old items.

Choosing the right camping spot

In addition to budgeting and selecting gear, residents believe that choosing the right location is an important part of camping preparation. Bernardo explained that camping on the beach, in the desert, or in the mountains requires different precautions. For beach camping, he advises checking sea conditions and tides, whereas desert camping may require a four-wheel-drive vehicle and insect protection.

In mountainous areas, campers should consider altitude, strong winds, and road accessibility, as some destinations require off-road vehicles. Bernardo also recommended monitoring weather forecasts and avoiding areas where rainwater might collect, especially during periods of unstable weather. It is necessary to bring warm clothing for cold nights and use appropriate containers for fires and barbecues.

Meanwhile, Al Mansouri named popular outdoor recreation spots, including Al Aqah Beach in Fujairah, areas around Khor Fakkan, Jebel Jais, and Jebel Yanas in Ras Al Khaimah, Shouka, and Liwa. Residents are drawn to these places due to their natural beauty, cooler temperatures, and, in some areas, the availability of public facilities. For Al Mansouri, the diversity of camping locations across the UAE allows residents to choose between beaches, mountains, and deserts according to their preferences and desired type of outdoor recreation.

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www.khaleejtimes.comNovember 13, 10:44

Families in the UAE prepare for the 2026 winter holidays: planning trips, camps, and childcare

As there is just over a month until the start of the winter school holidays in the UAE, families are beginning to organize plans for December, balancing international travel, work commitments, and activities for children during the break.

According to the unified academic calendar of the Ministry of Education, the winter holidays this year will run from Monday, December 14, 2026, to Friday, January 1, 2027. The last day of school will be Friday, December 11, and students will return to classes on Monday, January 4, 2027.

This three-week break is one week shorter than last year's winter holidays, which ran from December 8, 2025, to January 4, 2026. The shorter vacation requires working parents to plan well in advance, especially regarding childcare, summer camps, and family trips.

Furthermore, the winter holidays follow the UAE National Day holiday, which according to the ministry's calendar falls from Wednesday, December 2, to Friday, December 4.

Some families plan to travel abroad to experience a different winter climate, while others split their time between international visits and meeting relatives in their home countries. Parents remaining in the UAE are weighing the pros and cons of participating in camps and outdoor activities considering costs and practical aspects related to keeping children active.

Although families may already be browsing tickets and tourist itineraries, school leaders remind parents of the importance of the final weeks of the academic period for students. In addition to exams and classroom lessons, sports events, performances, field trips, and other events that children look forward to throughout the year are often held before the holidays.

Chandni Misra, Director of Repton Al Barsha, noted that high school students, especially those preparing for external exams, need to maintain study routines and revision schedules. She advised parents to check school calendars before confirming travel plans, emphasizing that leaving early might cause children to miss not only a few lessons.

Misra added: 'There is also important curriculum study right up to the end of the semester, and children might feel uncomfortable returning with the sense that they missed something that everyone else understands. Nobody likes starting a new semester feeling behind or rushing to catch up.'

Misra stressed that schools aim for students to enjoy the holidays while ensuring the semester ends on a positive note and students return to class confident and calm.

Sima Omar, Director of Dewvale School in Dubai, echoed this sentiment, stating: 'We urge parents to plan ahead, taking into account the school calendar and resumption dates. The winter holidays offer a wonderful opportunity for families to reconnect, travel, and create unforgettable memories. We also encourage parents to allocate time for reading, outdoor exploration, and gaining new experiences.'

She also emphasized that children need time to relax, recover, and 'simply enjoy childhood.'

At Regent International School, the final weeks will also be an opportunity to celebrate student achievements through extracurricular activities. David Williams, Director of Regent International School, part of Fortes Education, reported that the school has planned a series of events before the holidays, including sports days, end-of-semester performances, and field trips.

He noted: 'Teaching and learning remain our priority, but it is also an important opportunity to assess the progress made by students and celebrate their achievements. These experiences are an important part of school life, and we want students to utilize every opportunity until the last day of the semester.'

Nishi Saran, Director of Senior School and Nexus at Bloom World Academy, said that the school balances academic priorities with opportunities to celebrate student achievements. For senior students, this includes revision and coursework deadlines, alongside regular classes and extracurricular activities. She strongly recommended parents check group announcements before booking trips, especially if their children participated in performances, matches, or other events. 'If your child rehearsed for weeks or was waiting for a match, this last week might be the one they are looking forward to the most.'

Returning to school after the holidays also requires some planning, especially for senior students who have assessments shortly after the break. At Bloom World Academy, grades 10-12 students will take mock exams upon returning in January. Saran advised students to find a balance between preparation and adequate rest, rather than spending the entire holiday studying.

She added: 'A few focused revision sessions can easily be combined with slow mornings, perhaps some winter trips, and family time.'

She also advised families traveling abroad to leave buffer time before the first day of the new semester and check school communications regarding January deadlines, event registrations, and transport updates.

At home, parents can ease the transition by gradually restoring a regular sleep and wake schedule a few days before classes resume.

For working parents, the three-week break can present a logistical challenge, especially if annual leave does not cover the entire school holiday. Nivedita Rao is planning a family trip to Kazakhstan to see its winter landscape. However, with only a week of leave, she arranged for her 10-year-old son to spend the remainder of the holidays with his grandparents in India.

Rao shared: 'This year we are planning a trip to Kazakhstan to see the winter fairy tale. However, since I can only take a week off, my son will spend the rest of the school holidays with his grandparents in India. My husband will take him to Delhi and Bangalore, where both sets of grandparents live.'

For Rao, keeping children occupied during the winter break can be as challenging as coordinating travel. 'Although the weather in Dubai will likely be pleasant during the winter holidays, keeping children productively busy can be difficult when parents are at work. They naturally gravitate towards their tablets when they have nothing to do.'

She noted that camps can offer a more structured alternative, although the cost of such camps is a factor for families. 'Camps offer a more structured environment, but sometimes I feel they can be unnecessarily expensive without offering much meaningful learning.'

Other families plan to combine international trips with local activities. Maria Reyes, a Filipino expatriate with two young sons, plans a trip to the UK with her husband, who is British. However, she anticipates that keeping the children occupied in the days leading up to the departure will be a challenge.

'I plan to enroll my older son in a football or multi-sport camp for a few days. With the younger one, I can arrange activities at home or take him cycling or swimming during the day, weather permitting.'

Maria Reyes, as a stay-at-home mother, noted that she has more flexibility in organizing activities according to the children's interests and spending time with them during the holidays. 'Since I am a stay-at-home mom, I can be more flexible in planning activities and spending time with them.'

www.khaleejtimes.comNovember 4, 05:00

UAE Residents Opt for Short Trips and Micro-Vacations During Winter Holidays

Residents of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are increasingly preferring more spontaneous and shorter trips during national days and winter holidays. Tourism companies note a rise in bookings made less than a week before departure, as families seek convenient ways to relax while avoiding long international journeys.

According to industry leaders, packages for domestic leisure and regional tours across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are now being arranged just 7–10 days before travel, a significant reduction from the previous timeframe of three to four weeks.

Travelers are adapting the duration and location of their vacations while remaining keen on traveling. Popular destinations include two-day beach trips to Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah, as well as five-day holidays in Georgia, Azerbaijan, and other destinations with short flights.

This shift is attributed to geopolitical uncertainty, which has caused some residents to exercise greater caution regarding foreign travel. However, industry experts emphasize that this has not led to mass cancellations. Instead, many are choosing destinations that offer convenient flight connections, simplified entry requirements, and better accommodation options within the UAE.

Adil Tanrıverdi, CEO of Tripventura, noted that spontaneous bookings and shorter breaks are becoming increasingly common. He added that this trend is particularly noticeable among residents aiming to maximize weekends, public holidays, and school breaks without needing to plan long trips.

He stated, 'The trend towards micro-vacations and spontaneous bookings is more noticeable than ever. Currently, about 45 percent of our domestic leisure packages and GCC regional packages are booked just 7–10 days before travel, whereas previously the booking period was closer to three or four weeks.'

For domestic travel, the preferred duration is two to three nights, especially at the beach and desert resorts of Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Abu Dhabi. Those opting for short regional routes prefer four-to-five-day plans in places like Musandam and Salalah in Oman, Baku, and Tbilisi.

According to Tanrıverdi, shorter breaks allow residents to travel more frequently without experiencing the fatigue associated with long vacations. He reported a 30–35 percent increase in domestic leisure bookings compared to the same period last year.

Instead of abandoning international travel, residents are increasingly combining local excursions with planned international holidays. The hospitality sector offerings in the UAE, especially with the onset of the winter season, make this hybrid approach attractive to families.

'Instead of feeling restricted, families are choosing a 'hybrid' mode: combining frequent weekend trips to Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, Abu Dhabi, and Fujairah with their planned seasonal overseas trips,' he noted.

Rina M. Philip, Director and General Manager of Aurora Travel and Tourism in Dubai, reported that her company is also receiving requests for local accommodation as residents look to take advantage of competitive hotel rates. Philip specifically highlighted the interest from residents of Dubai and Sharjah in good hotels within the UAE.

'At the same time, we are receiving a significant number of requests for local stays, especially in good Dubai hotels. In my opinion, at the current level of hotel occupancy this year, rates are slightly lower than in previous years,' she said. More attractive prices are prompting residents to consider local travel instead of going abroad.

'We are seeing strong interest from residents of Dubai and Sharjah who want to take advantage of these more attractive hotel rates and enjoy local travel,' Philip added.

For those still interested in international travel, shorter vacations are gaining popularity in locations with relatively simple visa procedures and easy connectivity. 'We see some clients choosing short five-day trips to places like Georgia and Almaty (Kazakhstan), Vietnam, because visas can be obtained faster. Others are traveling to Europe with existing Schengen visas,' she reported.

Nevertheless, Philip stressed that geopolitical events remain a factor considered by many UAE residents when deciding on foreign travel. 'Many people remain hesitant about traveling abroad because the geopolitical situation sometimes becomes a cause for concern. This has affected holiday planning among UAE residents this year,' she said.

Tanrıverdi clarified that uncertainty has prompted travelers to revise routes and destinations rather than canceling vacations entirely. He reported that cancellations in Tripventura's portfolio remained 'below 5 percent.' He concluded that 'UAE travelers are resilient, experienced, and practical—instead of canceling their plans, they actively redirect them.'

The company recorded a temporary decrease in demand for leisure trips along certain corridors with many transit stops and in some parts of the Eastern Mediterranean by approximately 15–20 percent. Simultaneously, there was a shift in demand towards destinations with direct flights and simpler entry requirements. 'We are seeing a 25 percent surge in external demand for stable alternatives with short and medium haul, such as Oman, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey, and Central European cities,' he repeated, emphasizing that the desire to travel remains fully intact; travelers have simply become more selective in choosing the most convenient routes.