If you ask most Americans what they know about the Middle East, the first thing comes to their mind is a vast desert with a person riding a camel at a slow pace. They are right, the Middle East has a huge landscape of desert, it looks empty but it's full of life and fun to discover. 

​Despite the harsh weather conditions, the Bedouin tribes built an integrated lifestyle for their families and livestock in the desert. Even though these people are now living an urban lifestyle, camping in the desert is considered the most popular activity for them.

To ensure an enjoyable camping trip in the desert, here are five things to consider:

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1) Pick the Right SUV
An SUV helps you to traverse the sandy terrain and go into the desert dunes. It is the best choice for enjoyable camping, especially if you want to camp in a place far from the public road. You can use your regular car, but be careful to not be bogged in sand. Remember to fill up your tank and bring an extra tank of gas with you.

2)  When and Where
Due to the extreme heat in these countries, winter and spring is the best time to camp. However, the weather in the desert is volatile and unstable and it can be very cold or very hot. It is more convenient to install the tent in the shade to avoid moving the tent over and over again.

3) Choose the Tent
It is best to use an opaque roof to avoid overheating. I highly recommend a single-wall tent, which provides protection from sand and dust only for summer. And for when it’s cold, a double-walled, waterproof tent with a nylon cover outside and a net as an inner curtain is helpful.

4) The Essentials
The map and compass look old-fashioned, but are important in case you get lost in the middle of the desert with no signal. During the daytime, it is important to have sunglasses, sunscreen and a head cover to avoid sun stroke. For night-time when the temperate drops very low, it is vital to have extra warm clothing.  And, of course, a headlamp or flashlight, first aid supplies. Finally, matches, a lighter, and firewood to start a fire. Arabs usually use Al-Qaurdh or Al-Samer wood, for their low smoke and high quality, as their embers remain ignited for a long period.

5) Food
Food is a really big part of the trip! Bring your snacks and a container to store your beverages. For this experience, try to cook Arabian food such as Kabbsa or something easy like egg sandwiches. Keep the desert clean by collecting the leftovers so they are not consumed by the lizards or insects.

Camping in the golden sands is a unique experience that gives you a connection with nature, allows you to learn more about yourself, and to learn how camping has affected the Arab life and their cultures. Following these five tips will help you have a fun adventure!

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