The Ultimate Al Quaa Packing Checklist: Everything You Need to Survive a Night in the UAE’s Pitch-Black Desert

Anyone who is planning a trip to Al Quaa, which is popularly known as the Milky Way Spot, knows that preparation is key to enjoying one of the darkest and most spectacular night skies in the UAE. It is an offbeat desert paradise, an almost 90-minute drive away from Abu Dhabi where one can enjoy amazing views of the Milky Way, but be equipped with basic amenities and without any other services.

For astrophotographers, campers or anyone looking for a break from the lights, the right equipment can make an almost magical trip or a torturous evening in the desert.

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Bring the Right Camping Essentials

There are no permanent facilities in Al Quaa and visitors are required to have all their needs met in the area. A good tent, sleeping bag, camping mat and folding chairs are a must have for a cosy night’s sleep.

In summer, light weight sleeping equipment will generally be adequate if you are visiting. However, in colder months, desert nighttime temperatures can plummet, increasing the need for warm blankets.

Pack Plenty of Water and Food

One of the highest priorities in the desert is to stay hydrated. Always bring in extra water to drink than you think you will need, particularly if with friends or family.

If you are going to cook, plan to have easy to prepare meals and snacks, fruits, and a portable BBQ. There are no convenient places such as stores or restaurants nearby so you’ll want to pack all necessary items before leaving Abu Dhabi.

Don’t Forget Your Power Sources

Al Quaa is located in a remote area; No electrical outlets, charging stations. A power bank will help ensure that your smartphone, camera, GPS unit or emergency devices will operate all night long.

One tip when venturing on long photography hikes or adventures, bring extra camera batteries, memory cards along to stay on top of the juice during those higher Watermilk time periods.

Lighting That Protects Your Night Vision

Lights are essential in safely moving about a camp, but bright white lights can reduce the ability of the eye to adapt to darkness.

This is best met by using a headlamp that has a red light setting, so that you see well, but you do not affect your star sighting ability. Limit cell phone light after landing to embrace the magnificent nighttime sky!

Vehicle Preparation Matters

The main road to Al Quaa is paved and accessible. But a 4×4 is highly recommended if you are planning on entering the dunes further out where light pollution is lower. Two-wheel-drive vehicles should be parked securely in the sand next to a better-established harder road and not cross to dunes.

Safety and Emergency Supplies

Bring along a basic first-aid kit, sunscreen [spf30+], insect repellent, wet wipes, tissue, garbage bags and any personal medication that you might need. Coverage is often mobile, it is therefore also a great idea to get maps offline beforehand, or tell them where you will be going.

Best Time to Visit

The best days for appreciating the Milky Way are seemingly during a ‘New Moon’ phase, when the moon is not completely full and obscures the brightest stars. Spin away the galactic core, which is thought to be the brightest in July and August, despite the warm night time weather; the prime Milky Way season is May–October.

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Leave No Trace

Al Quaa’s main attraction is definitely its pure natural beauty. Visitors are encouraged to leave the desert in the same condition that they entered. Remember to take your trash with you, put out campfires properly and don’t harm the surrounding dunes for future generations to enjoy this amazing dark sky site.

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