The Half Desert, a well-known winter retreat at the intersection of Al Ain Road and Emirates Road, has seen a sharp increase in rental prices this season. Visitors who frequent the area for camping and outdoor gatherings have reported a threefold hike in tent rental rates, making it a costly affair compared to previous years.
Visitors Shocked by High Costs
Several residents who regularly visit the Half Desert expressed their concerns over the rising costs.
Jawad Jafari, an Iranian expatriate, was surprised when he recently tried to book a tent for a gathering.
"In December, I rented a tent for Dh100 per hour, which included lights, a music system, a grill, and water. However, when I inquired again recently, I was shocked to learn that the price had jumped to Dh300 per hour," said Jafari.
After negotiating with the caretaker, Jafari was able to lower the price to Dh200 per hour, but he still found the increase unreasonable.
Another frequent visitor, Mantuf Khan, said the price surge has forced his group to split costs to make their weekend outings affordable.
"We used to come here regularly, but now even a few hours put a strain on our budget," he said.
Caretakers Justify Price Surge
Caretakers managing the Half Desert tents attribute the price hike to increased demand.
Abdul Rahim Akhtar, a tent manager, explained that the base price for this season was set at Dh300 per hour, but discounts were offered during October and November due to lower visitor turnout.
"As the winter season peaked in January, the demand surged, and we are now charging the original rate without discounts," said Akhtar.
Another caretaker, Hameed Gul, pointed out that the pricing varies between weekdays and weekends.
"During weekdays, we receive fewer visitors, so we offer lower rates ranging from Dh50 to Dh100 per hour. However, on weekends, demand is high, so we charge the full price," he said.
Visitors Seek Affordable Alternatives
Despite the rising costs, the Half Desert continues to attract visitors who enjoy the unique desert camping experience. However, some are now considering alternative locations with lower or no rental fees.
"We have explored other locations on the outskirts of Sharjah and Ajman, where we can camp for free," said Khan.
As winter continues, visitors may look for more budget-friendly options, potentially affecting the Half Desert’s popularity among outdoor enthusiasts.
