As the UAE celebrated National Day, residents flocked to popular camping destinations such as Ras Al Khaimah, Al Ain, Fujairah, and the mountains of Umm Al Quwain. However, the festive spirit turned sour for some campers due to noisy and disruptive behavior at these sites.
The Facebook group UAE Dubai Camping Lovers, with over 146,000 members, became a platform for venting frustrations and sharing experiences. Many posts highlighted the challenges posed by loud karaoke sessions, littered camping areas, and noisy gatherings that persisted until morning. The topic of noise, particularly, sparked heated debates, with some users attributing the disruptions to Filipino campers.
One widely shared post within the group was an open letter addressing Filipino campers. “Camping is meant to be a time to enjoy nature, peace, and quiet—not a chance to play loud videoke, make unnecessary noise, or disturb others. It’s frustrating to see camping areas turned into noisy gatherings,” the letter stated. The writer went on to urge campers to respect the UAE’s values of cleanliness and order, adding, “Let’s be more considerate. Represent yourselves and your community with dignity.”
Other group members echoed these sentiments. One camper lamented, “Apparently, it’s not a great idea to go camping in the UAE. All the recent posts have been about people having their trips ruined by inconsiderate, loud, and noisy people.”
Some defended their actions, arguing that public spaces come with diverse uses. “People can do whatever they want. Mind your own business. If you want peace, go to secluded areas,” one commenter wrote. However, others criticized this stance, pointing out that respecting shared spaces is fundamental. “Camping is about enjoying nature, not turning it into a party zone. Being a responsible camper means respecting the space and experience of everyone around you,” a user countered.
The debate extended into cultural introspection, with some Filipino campers calling for more mindfulness. “Mga kababayan, ang dami nang nagrereklamo dito regarding our behavior when it comes to camping. Kung gusto po natin mag-party or karaoke, mag-bar na lang po tayo,” an anonymous user urged.
Another camper shared an experience where Emiratis intervened during a noisy karaoke session. “Nag-camping po kami sa Abu Dhabi at sobrang tahimik. Hanggang sa may isang grupo na kapwa nating mga kababayan na nag-videoke bigla… kaso wala pa sa kalahati ng kanta, napatigil sila kasi nilapitan sila ng mga Emirati,” they recounted, noting the embarrassment it caused.
Despite differing opinions, the overarching message from many campers was clear: camping should be a harmonious activity that respects both nature and the surrounding community. Local regulations emphasize maintaining quietness, particularly during nighttime, to avoid disturbing fellow campers and wildlife. For instance, in Dubai’s Al Awir Desert, the use of floodlights and speakers is prohibited to preserve peace.
Additionally, campers are encouraged to follow general rules, such as obtaining necessary permits for extended stays, choosing designated areas for camping, and practicing environmental conservation. Littering can result in hefty fines, such as AED 2,000 in Sharjah and AED 500 in Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah. Campfire regulations must also be adhered to, with fires restricted to designated pits and BBQ pans to avoid environmental damage. Hunting wildlife is strictly forbidden, and vehicle maintenance is required to prevent issues like oil spills, which can incur fines of up to AED 2,000.
