By Mohamed Salah Khouzam
There can be little doubt the international image of tourism projected by the Middle East relies on luxury accommodation as a means to experience exhilarating landscapes of shimmering sandy deserts, turquoise seas and modern glass cities. It is highly appealing and very successful – and yet there is another way of taking in the delights of the region that is especially popular with locals – camping in the undeveloped and tranquil desert.It is a rather different experience than booking a hotel suite, offering the opportunity to camp under clear dark skies with adorning stars. I know this is particularly popular with Kuwaitis and other travellers from the region due to Kuwait’s significantly improved weather at this time of year and because the classifieds platform 4Sale, for which I am COO, attracts their custom in obtaining the necessary kit and supplies.
The first thing to decide is choosing the right camping spot. For this, there are various informative guidebooks in a number of languages to help you plan multiple locations, or just one, as a base to tour from.
Many areas are attractive such as Al-Al-Raudhatain, Umm Al-Aish, Mutlaa, Al-Abraq, Al-Wafrah, Al-Abdali, and Al-Nuwaiseeb. All locations have similar terrain and weather conditions with locals often choosing locations close to where they live.
Then you will need to procure the appropriate tents – no matter what the size, traditional or modern design, or quality standard. You might need generators (if you want electricity), and other camping gear allowing your experience to be as opulent, or as basic, as you desire.
While everyone has the clothing for the predictable and reliable heat of Kuwait, campers must remember temperatures drop considerably in the dark evenings and obtaining appropriate cold weather clothing is important. Also required will be heating and cooking sources, such as a grill or spit and charcoal or gas. To be on the safe side, a fire extinguisher and first-aid kit too. Campers will also want to have a portable light source, possibly more than some torches, by including a diffuse lamp to throw light on their own small oasis.
What might you do on your camping excursion? The desert setting can be firm or soft so games such as football or volleyball are possible, or maybe you want to explore from your campsite using quads or motorcycles? Other options are horse or camel riding, to feel a connection to the past. It’s also possible to see and care for goats, sheep, and pigeons and try falconry.
Afterwards, you might socialise around a campfire – sharing old stories and new experiences. Traditional card games such as fis kut are a popular Arabian pastime, as are more modern attractions such as trampolining or competitive challenges like Jenga or Mölkky - good for both adults and children!
Whether you wish to rent or buy, camping in the Arabian desert is an experience never to be forgotten.