The UAE’s picturesque camping sites saw a surge in visitors over the four-day National Day holidays, with many residents flocking to nature for a winter escape. However, several popular locations were left littered with trash and disrupted by excessive noise, sparking frustration among environmentally-conscious campers.
In the Facebook group dedicated to campers in the UAE, user Hector shared photos of the campsite in Sadha, Oman, where campers had left paper plates, empty bottles, and plastic waste scattered across the pristine landscape.
“Adult people must always remember to put their waste into the garbage. Be respectful to nature, guys,” Hector urged in his December 3 post, alongside a striking photo juxtaposing nature’s beauty with human negligence.
The post resonated with many group members, one of whom shared a similar experience at Wadi Shees: “It’s everywhere. Today, I went to Wadi Shees and was very sad to see garbage everywhere along the trail. How can people enjoy these places and not feel a responsibility to preserve them?”
Another user echoed the sentiment, urging respect for the environment: “Please, when you go camping, take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints.”
Karaoke disturbs peace
While trash was one issue, noise pollution became another hot topic in a separate post about Wadi Shawka in Ras Al Khaimah. An anonymous user shared their ordeal on December 1, describing an all-night karaoke session that disrupted the peace for campers.
“Wadi Shawka update: Karaoke Filipino at 12:37 AM disrupting all the campers here. Respect the other campers!” the user wrote, adding that the noise persisted until 5 AM.
One lengthy comment, critical of such behavior, sparked heated debates: “Camping is about immersing yourself in nature, not turning it into a party zone. Why not camp at a construction site if noise is what you want?”
Others chimed in with similar frustrations: “Unfortunately, we had a similar experience last night. Camping is meant to be a peaceful escape, not a venue for loud conversations and inappropriate behavior.”
A frustrated camper at Al Aqah Beach noted: “Imagine being here since 4 PM, enjoying the peace, and then groups arrive at midnight with blasting music. It’s so disrespectful to everyone else.”
The incidents have ignited discussions about stricter regulations for camping, with some residents suggesting designated paid campsites to ensure order.
“I can’t wait for camping to be regulated and paid. It’s sad to see such beautiful places being ruined by irresponsible visitors,” one commenter said.
While some defended their fellow campers, others called for cultural awareness and mutual respect, emphasizing that the natural environment should be preserved for everyone to enjoy.
