RAK Police urge campers to hire a guard, lock caravans and keep valuables safe as the winter camping season gets under way.
News Today Desk
Ras Al Khaimah Police have issued camping safety guidelines as the winter season begins, asking campers to put a security guard on site, lock caravans and keep valuables out of unattended tents. The advice comes as residents and visitors head outdoors to enjoy the cooler weather, with heavy rain and hail hitting several parts of the UAE in recent days.
The authority has set out four precautions aimed at protecting belongings and preventing theft at campsites across the emirate. Police say the reminders are meant to protect belongings, prevent theft and make sure the trip stays safe and enjoyable for everyone on site.
The guidelines form part of Ras Al Khaimah's wider effort to let residents and visitors enjoy its outdoor attractions with peace of mind.
The police list alarm systems, automatic lighting and security cameras. In plain terms, that's anything that makes a campsite look watched and harder to approach unnoticed. A light that switches on by itself, a camera pointed at the vehicles or an alarm on a caravan door all add a layer on top of having a guard present. The police advice is to consider these as extras, not as a replacement for the guard.
Camping season is now under way, and families and groups of friends are heading to the country's outdoor destinations to enjoy pleasant temperatures and scenic surroundings before the summer heat returns. Ras Al Khaimah stands out for its mountains, open terrain and plentiful camping spots, which makes it a favourite for family recreation in the cooler months.
The emirate also draws residents who simply want a change of scenery and a chance to spend time outdoors away from the city.
For tourists, it's a chance to see another side of the UAE. If your trip so far has been air-conditioned malls and the glitz of Dubai, a night at a quiet campsite with mountain views is a very different experience. From mountain views to quiet campsites, the country's natural scenery offers plenty of options for outdoor adventures and overnight stays.
Beyond the police precautions, the guidance includes several everyday tips for planning your trip.
Pitch your tent before dark, so you have enough daylight to get organised and still catch the sunset. Keep it well away from fires and cooking areas, as well as fuel tanks and generators, and secure it against strong winds.
Check the forecast before you leave. Temperatures can drop significantly at night, even when the day has been warm, so pack for the colder hours rather than the afternoon. With heavy rain and hail reported in several areas recently, conditions can change, and it pays to look again close to departure.
Wear covered shoes or desert boots, and keep an eye out for wildlife around your campsite.
Check local regulations before you set up your tent. Campers are also encouraged to stay vigilant, look after their belongings and respect other visitors using nearby campsites, so that everyone can enjoy the season.
If you're planning a weekend away in RAK, the police advice is straightforward and cheap to follow. Locking up, keeping gear out of unattended tents and having someone watching the site cost you very little compared with the hassle of losing equipment or valuables far from home.
Groups heading out together can split the jobs. Someone can take charge of arranging a guard, another can check the forecast and local rules, and everyone can agree a simple routine for locking caravans before leaving the site.
Visitors who don't own camping gear should think about what they bring along. The less valuable stuff you carry to a campsite, the less there is to protect. Anything you do bring that matters, such as phones, wallets and cameras, should stay with you or locked away, never sitting loose in a tent while you walk off to explore.
Families with children have an extra reason to pitch early and keep the camp tidy. A site set up in daylight, with the tent clear of fires, cooking areas, fuel tanks and generators, is easier to supervise once the evening cools down.
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The winter camping season is only just starting, so expect more people at campsites across the emirate in the weeks ahead. Police have framed the guidelines as a reminder rather than a one-off, so it's worth keeping them in mind each time you head out. The sources don't say whether any new rules or checks are planned for campsites, so for official updates follow Ras Al Khaimah Police channels and check the latest weather forecast before every trip.
For the original report, see Khaleej Times.
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