Camping season is here. From October to April, families across the UAE head to the desert, the mountains and the beach for a kashta, a barbecue or a night under the stars. A good trip depends on a few things: drinks that stay cold, a stove you can rely on, a grill that is easy to light, and a comfortable place to sit. At Souk Al Ras we sell around 160 camping and outdoor products, from ice boxes and gas stoves to tents, grills and camping tea sets. This guide helps you choose the right gear for your trip.
Quick answer
- Ice box: 28–40L for 2–4 people on a day trip; 40–60L or two coolers for 2–3 days; 80L for big groups.
- Cold for longer: pre-chill, use 2 parts ice to 1 part contents, use block ice, keep it in the shade.
- Stove: a single portable gas stove for small trips; a 2–5 burner stand for families and groups.
- Gas: cartridges for short trips; a refillable PKL cylinder (2–5 kg) for longer ones.
- Safety: never cook or burn charcoal inside a tent, and always carry a fire extinguisher.
- Brand: Omega 1 is one of the best-known camping brands in the UAE and the Gulf, and we carry more than 90 of its products.
1. Ice boxes: how to choose the right one
In UAE heat, the ice box is the most important item on the trip. Our ice boxes and water coolers from Oasis, Ashafa, Polar and Alsega are made in Saudi Arabia, by the same brands used at the Haramain, and are built from tough, impact-resistant plastic for desert use.
| Trip | Suggested size |
|---|---|
| Day trip, 1–2 people | 5–10 L ice box or a cooler bag |
| Day trip or one night, 2–4 people | 28–40 L |
| Family trip, 2–3 days | 40–60 L, or two ice boxes |
| Big group or several days | 80 L, or several coolers |
Use one ice box for drinks and one for food, so the food box is opened less and stays cold longer.
For drinking water, choose a water cooler with a tap, from 4L (1 gallon) up to 52L (13 gallons). See all ice boxes & water coolers.
2. How to keep ice longer in UAE heat
- Pre-chill the ice box the night before with a bag of ice, and put in drinks that are already cold.
- Use 2 parts ice to 1 part contents. A half-empty cooler warms up faster.
- Block ice lasts longer; ice cubes cool things faster. Many people use both.
- Keep it in the shade, under the car or a tent awning, and off the hot sand.
- Open it as little as possible, and fill empty space with towels or extra ice.
3. Gas stoves and burners
Choose by how many people you cook for:
- Single portable stove: light, comes in a carry case, and runs on gas cartridges. Ideal for tea, coffee and small meals. Our Omega 1 range includes Korean-made models.
- Multi-burner stand (2 to 5 burners): for families and groups, so you can cook rice, meat and tea at the same time.
- Katmer and saj griddles with a burner, for bread and breakfast in the desert.
Browse all gas stoves & burners.
4. Gas cylinders: cartridges or PKL?
| Type | Best for |
|---|---|
| Gas cartridges (300–500 g) | Single portable stoves, short trips. Easy to carry and replace. |
| PKL portable cylinder (500 g – 1 kg) | Small stoves and lamps on longer trips. |
| PKL refillable cylinder (2 – 5 kg) | Multi-burner stoves, family trips and the farm. Made in India, the type most UAE homes use. |
Safety tip: Before every trip, brush soapy water on the valve, regulator and hose. If bubbles appear, there is a leak. Never test with a flame. Keep cylinders upright, in a ventilated place, and close the valve when you finish cooking.
5. BBQ grills and fire
For a desert or beach barbecue, choose from foldable and portable charcoal grills, burger stoves, charcoal grill and fire pit sets, and complete portable grill sets with a cover. To light charcoal quickly, use fire starter gel and a blower, and pack grill tools so you are not cooking with your hands. See all BBQ & grills.
6. Tents, chairs and tables
- Tents: 6-person tents, automatic 8-person tents that open in seconds, and large beach tents for 9–10 people.
- Chairs: folding camping chairs, and majlis floor chairs for sitting around the fire.
- Tables: folding tables of 60–120 cm, and a cooler table that comes with two folding chairs.
See camping furniture & tents.
7. Tea and coffee in the desert
No kashta is complete without tea. A camping tea box set keeps the teapot, cups, a small stove and containers for tea, sugar and spices together in one box, ready to go. Take your coffee in a vacuum dallah: see our dallahs & flasks.
8. Your kashta checklist
- Tent, rugs, blankets and warm clothes (desert nights get cold)
- Ice box, water cooler and enough water for everyone
- Gas stove, gas cartridges or cylinder, lighter
- Grill, charcoal, fire starter gel and grill tools
- Camping tea box set and dallah
- Folding chairs and table
- Fire extinguisher, first-aid kit, torch and power bank
- Rubbish bags: leave the place as clean as you found it
9. Safety in the desert
- Never cook, grill or light charcoal or a heater inside a tent or any closed space: carbon monoxide can be deadly.
- Keep lamps and fire away from the tent, and never leave burning charcoal or a fire unattended, especially overnight.
- Keep a fire extinguisher and first-aid kit within reach.
- Do not camp in wadis or low ground when rain is possible.
- In Dubai, some camping areas need a permit, so check before you go.
Frequently asked questions
How long does ice last in an ice box?
It depends on the cooler, the amount of ice and the heat. To make it last longer: chill the ice box first, use two parts ice to one part food and drinks, use block ice, keep it in the shade and open it as little as possible.
What size ice box do I need for camping?
For 2–4 people on a day trip or one night, around 28–40L is enough. For a family trip of 2–3 days, choose 40–60L, or use two ice boxes. For big groups, an 80L ice box or several coolers work best.
Which ice box brands do you sell?
We sell ice boxes and water coolers from Oasis, Ashafa, Polar and Alsega, which are made in Saudi Arabia and are the same brands used at the Haramain, plus DELCASA, Coleman and Venice cooler bags.
Is it safe to use a gas stove inside a tent?
No. Never cook, light charcoal or use a gas heater inside a tent or any closed space, because of the risk of fire and carbon monoxide. Cook outside, away from the tent, and keep a fire extinguisher close.
How do I check a gas cylinder for leaks?
Brush soapy water on the valve, regulator and hose connections with the gas on. If bubbles appear, there is a leak: turn the gas off and fix it before use. Never test with a flame.
Which gas cylinder should I buy for camping?
For a single portable stove, gas cartridges (300–500g) are the easiest. For longer trips and multi-burner stoves, a refillable PKL cylinder (2–5 kg) lasts much longer.
When is the camping season in the UAE?
Camping season in the UAE runs from around October to April, when desert nights are cool. November to March is the busiest time.
Do you deliver camping gear across the UAE?
Yes. We deliver to all emirates in 1–2 working days, with same-day delivery available in Dubai and Sharjah for orders placed before 2 PM (arranged with our team on WhatsApp).
Shop camping gear at Souk Al Ras
Browse all camping & outdoor, or go straight to ice boxes & water coolers, gas stoves & burners, BBQ & grills, camping furniture & tents and camping gear & gas. Pay by card, cash on delivery or Tabby. Need help choosing? Message us on WhatsApp at +971 50 193 3053.
This guide was written by the Souk Al Ras team and first published on SoukAlRas.ae on 26 October 2026. © 2026 Souk Al Ras. All rights reserved.
