As New Year’s Eve approached and the city braced for road closures, packed venues, and hours of gridlock, some residents quietly chose a different direction. Instead of heading toward downtown fireworks or waterfront parties, they turned toward the desert, looking for space, calm, and a slower way to welcome the new year.

On Tuesday afternoon, Athira and Malu were spotted at a Day to Day store in Al Quoz, pushing a trolley filled with camping supplies. It was their first time planning a New Year’s Eve in the desert, and the shopping list reflected careful preparation rather than celebration flash. Charcoal, a portable grill, cooking tools, food, and newly bought camping chairs filled the cart.

“We knew the road closures would start early and traffic would be everywhere,” Athira said. “We didn’t want to spend the night stuck in the car or trying to move around the city.”

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Malu said the decision came from wanting something quieter. “This is our first time doing New Year’s Eve in the desert. We just wanted to avoid the chaos.”

The pair had not decided on a specific location yet, choosing instead to keep their plans flexible. They said they planned to explore and see where felt right before setting up for the night. Their total spending for the trip was expected to be between Dh700 and Dh800, covering all the essentials needed for an overnight stay.

“We didn’t already have camping gear, so we had to buy everything,” Athira said. “The chairs were important because we’re planning to sit outside for a long time.”

A short drive away, deeper into the desert, another group was already settling in for the night. For a group of Filipino friends, New Year’s Eve was not just a few hours of celebration but an overnight gathering that would stretch into the early hours of the new year.

They arrived with five tents, with more friends expected to join later, turning the area into a small campsite. As the sun set, the group was busy assembling a large shared tent where they planned to sit together and watch fireworks from a distance.

“We come to the desert every holiday and whenever we get the chance,” said Hernaline B. Papa, a Dubai resident. “It’s less stressful than any other activity, and we’ve mastered it.”

For the group, desert camping has become a tradition rather than a one off plan. Over time, they said, they learned how to prepare properly, from choosing the right spot to bringing enough food, water, and equipment to stay comfortable through the night.

“There’s no traffic, no pressure, and no rush,” said Lilibeth Y Bucan, also a Dubai resident. “We plan ahead, bring everything we need, and just enjoy the night together.”

Unlike city celebrations, which often require bookings, tickets, and fixed schedules, the desert offered freedom. The group said they could cook when they wanted, sit together without time limits, and sleep under the open sky once the celebrations ended.

Nearby, another family had turned their desert setup into something festive. Decorated tents stood out against the sand, with fairy lights and small details giving the campsite a welcoming feel.

Muhannad arrived with his wife at around 7pm, having driven all the way from Sharjah to spend New Year’s Eve in the desert. The couple came fully prepared, setting up their tent early to settle in before nightfall.

“We came all the way from Sharjah,” Muhannad said, explaining that avoiding city congestion was worth the longer drive.

His wife, he added, enjoys going the extra mile, even when it comes to small gestures. She had packed extra marshmallows, not just for their own campfire, but to hand out to people camping nearby.

“She always brings more than we need,” he said. “She likes sharing with everyone around.”

“We just want something simple,” Malu said. “Food, sitting together, and starting the year calm.”