Dubai Municipality has officially opened applications for temporary winter camps for the 2025–2026 season, starting Tuesday, October 21, at 10am.
Residents who wish to set up a family winter camp can now apply through the “Dubai Now” app or via the Dubai Municipality website — wintercamp.dm.gov.ae — by filling out the Temporary Winter Camp Permit Application Service form.
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For users applying via the Dubai Now app, login with UAE Pass is required.
Table of Contents
Permit validity and eligibility
According to the municipality, the temporary winter camp permit is intended strictly for family and personal use, and cannot be rented out or used for commercial purposes by hotels, private companies, or other entities.
Approved permits will be valid from November 1 until the end of April, aligning with the official camping season. Applicants must reserve a camp for at least three months, up to a maximum of six months, covering the full winter season.
Required documents for application
To apply for the winter camp permit, applicants need to upload the following documents:
- Copy of the applicant’s passport
- Copy of the Family Book
- Bank account details, including IBAN, bank name, and account holder’s name — required for the deposit refund
Applications are reviewed by Dubai Municipality before approval, with all documents verified to ensure compliance.
Where the camps are located
Designated plots for the 2025–2026 season will be in Al Aweer, one of Dubai’s well-known camping zones. The area is equipped to offer a secure, family-friendly environment, allowing residents to enjoy the desert landscape during the cooler months.
Each plot will be allocated with clear boundaries, and permit holders must adhere to safety rules. Camps must be fenced, and any unauthorized expansion or construction outside the allotted space is not allowed.
Electronic services and permit management
Through the municipality’s online portal, permit holders can:
- Download a copy of the permit
- Extend the permit duration
- Request an insurance refund once the camping period ends
Dubai Municipality emphasized that permits help maintain safety, cleanliness, and environmental protection standards, ensuring that Dubai’s desert areas remain accessible and enjoyable for all.
How to apply
- Website: wintercamp.dm.gov.ae
- App: Dubai Now (login with UAE Pass)
Application opens: October 21, 2025, at 10am
Camping season: November 1, 2025 – April 30, 2026
How Much Does the Permit Cost? (The Breakdown)
Now for the all-important question: what does it cost?
Based on the most recent fee structure, the pricing is broken down by size and duration, with a refundable deposit.
- Permit Fee: The main cost is calculated at 44 fils per square metre, per week.
- Maximum Size: A single camp plot cannot exceed 400 square metres.
- Security Deposit: A refundable insurance deposit of AED 2,000 is required. This is returned to you after the season, provided you’ve followed the rules and left the site clean.
- One-Time Fees: There is also a set of one-time administrative fees, including:
- Knowledge and Innovation Fee: AED 20
- Demarcation Fee: AED 100
- Local Fees: AED 5
Example Calculation: If you book the maximum 400 sq. m plot, your weekly permit fee would be AED 176 (400 * 0.44). For a full six-month (approx. 26 weeks) season, the permit cost would be around AED 4,576, in addition to the AED 2,000 refundable deposit and AED 125 in one-off fees.
Key Rules for Campers
The municipality has set clear guidelines to ensure the camps are safe and used as intended. The most important rule is that this permit is for family use only.
- Permits cannot be rented out, sub-leased, or used for any commercial purposes by hotels or private companies.
- Permit holders must fence their allotted camp space.
- You are only allowed to set up your camp and related activities within your allotted space. Unauthorized structures or using areas outside your permit limits are not allowed.
These rules are in place to maintain the family-friendly atmosphere and the safety standards Dubai Municipality is aiming for.
A tradition that celebrates Dubai’s winter outdoors
Every year, hundreds of families take part in Dubai’s winter camping tradition, transforming desert plots into cozy family retreats filled with cultural activities, gatherings, and outdoor fun. With temperatures dropping and the desert breeze setting in, the 2025–2026 camping season promises another opportunity to experience Dubai’s natural charm in a safe and regulated way.
