Close to the cities in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, it is generally forbidden to camp on the public beaches (or, at least, camping permits from local municipalities are required), but that isn’t the case in most of the northern emirates or away from the urban centres.


Fujairah
From the E88, take a left at the Masafi roundabout onto the E89 and this will lead you on to the main coastal road to Fujairah. Head straight at the Dolphin roundabout in Dibba and you’ll start passing a set of coastal hotels before eventually reaching the booming tourist region of Al Aqah where the Fujairah Rotana Resort & Spa – Al Aqah Beach, Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort and Sandy Beach Hotel & Resort are located. Pitching options around here are plentiful; park along the roadside and head towards the beaches on foot as the sand here is known to be pretty soft so you might get stuck.


Al Gharbia
About 140km west of Abu Dhabi, Mirfa is a small, quiet town located on the coast. While there are not a lot of attractions, the long stretch of beach is a kitesurfer’s paradise and many choose to pitch tents here, especially during the popular Al Gharbia Watersports Festival which takes place in March each year.
 

Ras Khumais
Turning off the main road 15km after Sila (6km before the Saudi Arabia boarder), this small road takes you up to the headland of Ras Khumais. Before you hit the military post, there are a few areas where you can drive onto the beach and camp right beside the sea while watching pink flamingos as they bob around in the turquoise sea.

EDITOR'S NOTE: It is no longer possible to camp in Dibba. The border crossing marshalls, will only allow those coming through with specific invitation, i.e with a diving group.