The Dubai winter camping season at Al Ruwayyah opens on 1 November 2026 and runs until 30 April 2027, and Dubai Municipality has already opened registration. This season is a noticeably bigger operation than previous years, with more plots, caravan pitches for the first time, and ready-made camps you can rent by the day.
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Dates and capacity
The Dubai winter camping season covers a full six months, from 1 November 2026 to 30 April 2027. Dubai Municipality has raised capacity to 600 winter camps, an increase of 120 per cent on previous seasons.
Dubai winter camping season options
| Option | Detail |
|---|---|
| Single camp | 400 square metres |
| Double camp | Up to 800 square metres, returning this season |
| Caravan plots | 50 pitches, offered for the first time |
| Daily rental camps | 10 fully equipped camps, no setup needed |
The ten daily-rental camps are the most useful addition for anyone who wants a desert night without buying or hauling equipment, since they come ready to use. The Municipality has also set aside 10 spaces for winter events and gatherings, intended for family and community activities, entertainment and seasonal markets, plus pre-allocated slots for small and medium businesses working in food and drink, activities and desert experiences.
Rules if you take a plot
Permit holders can design and equip their own camp, but only after the permit is issued and the camp boundary has been marked out. The approved conditions include:
- Putting up a temporary fence around the plot.
- Using the camp for family purposes and camping activities only.
Badr Anouhi, chief executive of the Public Facilities Agency at Dubai Municipality, described the aim as a safe desert camping environment suited to families, with more variety and flexibility than earlier seasons.
What the announcement does not say
Two things are worth flagging before you plan around this. The Municipality’s announcement does not state permit fees or daily rental rates for any of the options, and it frames the season around the winter experience for UAE citizens without setting out eligibility rules for other residents. Neither point is confirmed either way in the official announcement, so check directly with Dubai Municipality before counting on a plot.
Where to register
Registration runs through Dubai Municipality, which announced the opening of the season. Details and services are on the Dubai Municipality website, and the UAE Government portal carries broader guidance on public services.
If Al Ruwayyah is booked out or you would rather head further afield, our guide to camping sites in the UAE with facilities runs through the alternatives across the emirates and what each one offers.
