UAE outdoor enthusiasts urge responsible camping as cooler weather beckons

Waste and safety risks

Ala Aljaghbeer, a Jordanian expatriate raised in the UAE and founder of Hikes and Bites, a hiking company for families and children, said leftover trash poses both environmental and safety hazards. She reported finding plastic bags, food wrappers and broken glass along trails. “Not only is not picking up your own trash harmful for the environment and ruins the beauty of the place, it’s also dangerous,” she said, adding that she worries about children cutting themselves on glass shards.

Aljaghbeer recalled a recent visit to Al Qudra Lakes in Dubai, where she saw confetti scattered near the water. “Confetti is hard to clean up and remove. Al Qudra Lakes attracts a lot of migratory birds and native birds. This is their home,” she said. She urged campers to carry rubbish bags and take waste with them if no bin is available.

Impact on ecosystems and local communities

Faisi Shalmani, founder of AFT Mountain Adventures, said the UAE’s outdoor areas are more than weekend getaways. “From the Hajar Mountains to the deserts and remote villages, these places are not just camping destinations. They are part of the country’s culture, heritage and way of life, and we have a responsibility to protect them,” he said.

Another camper, Mumtaz, warned that seemingly small actions can have lasting effects. Driving off established tracks, parking vehicles or pitching tents over seasonal vegetation can destroy plants that take months to regrow. Disturbing wildlife, damaging habitats or leaving food waste behind also harms the fragile ecosystem.

Mumtaz emphasised respecting residents of remote mountain villages. “Camping on private land without permission, blocking access roads used by farmers or villagers, or playing loud music and partying late into the night is simply disrespectful. The mountains aren’t an extension of the city nightlife,” he said. His advice is to choose a safe campsite, respect the surroundings, and leave the area cleaner than it was found.

Noise and partying

Excessive noise is another concern. Aljaghbeer said there is nothing wrong with celebrations, but camping is often a time for peace and quiet. She recommended keeping a distance from other campers and avoiding loud music out of consideration.

Nasar Husain, operations manager and expedition leader at Greenway Adventures and a certified mountaineer, said he has observed a sharp rise in outdoor gatherings accompanied by irresponsible behaviour. “Improper waste disposal, leaving behind liquor bottles, and playing loud music are becoming serious problems that affect both nature and nearby communities,” he said. He advised separating general waste from recyclables, reducing single-use packaging, and carrying reusable bottles and utensils.

Legal penalties and personal responsibility

The UAE has environmental laws against improper waste disposal. Federal Law No. 12 of 2018 allows fines of up to Dh1 million for waste-related offences by private entities. In Dubai, Law No. 18 of 2024 sets fines of Dh500 for littering and Dh1,000 for dumping waste at unauthorised sites. In Sharjah and Fujairah, certain camping violations can lead to fines of up to Dh2,000.

However, the campers stressed that enforcement and penalties are not enough. Ultimately, protecting natural spaces depends on visitors exercising basic civic sense, respecting wildlife and taking responsibility for their surroundings. Mumtaz concluded: “The UAE gives us incredible opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. The least we can do is make sure those same places remain beautiful, peaceful and accessible for the next generation.”