Primer for campers

As the winter weather sets in, camping season has officially kicked off in the UAE. This time, however, it will be a socially distanced outing and your adventure pack must include face masks and sanitisers

Covid guidelines explained for those eying trips to the desert

The weather is fine and it’s that time of the year where residents and tourists step out barbequeing, pitching tents or sleeping under the stars. In the era of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the UAE authorities have set clear guidelines and tightened security measures to ensure campers abide by Covid-19 measures.

In Sharjah, only families can share tents and if friends would like to come along, they will have to keep a safe distance.

In Abu Dhabi, as desert camps resumed operations last month, a set of safety rules had also been implemented. Disinfection must be carried out regularly and any person with flu-like symptoms should not be allowed entry.

Sand skiing and sand boarding equipment, horse and camel saddles, horse riding reins and falcon holders must be cleaned and disinfected after every use.

Police operations ramped up

The authorities have ramped up patrol operations in the desert, monitoring the public’s compliance with both camping rules and Covid-19 safety protocols.

The Sharjah Police, for one, have set up a mobile operations room. Maj-Gen Saif Al Zeri Al Shamsi, Commander-in-Chief of the Sharjah Police, said they are keeping an eye on quad-bikers and dune-bashers. Such desert adventures should be done responsibly and only at designated areas.

“Reckless behaviour and violations of rules may lead to accidents and result in inconvenience for families and tourists who come to these areas,” Maj-Gen Al Shamsi said. “Following complaints from residents living near camping areas such as Faya, Badair, Al Saifah, Al Batih, Al Dhaid and Mleiha, the Sharjah Police have recently intensified patrols to catch reckless drivers.”

Patrols are mandated to immediately confiscate vehicles caught performing stunts or those driving their SUVs outside designated zones, the officer said, adding that they will continue to run awareness campaigns.

Campers are also urged to carry a garbage bag and clean up after themselves. Those who will be caught littering will have to pay hefty fines in most places.

(With inputs from Dhanusha Gokulan)

reporters@khaleejtimes.com