Winter is approaching, making it an ideal time to organize safari trips and camping experiences for residents and visitors seeking desert adventures. For tour companies in the region, business flourishes as temperatures drop. However, to conduct outdoor activities, specific requirements must be fulfilled. Tour companies must obtain camping permits through the Department of Economy and Tourism's (DET) website. Here's a guide to acquiring an e-permit for desert camping in Dubai:
Before Applying
Companies need to register on the portal. This requires a trade licence, the manager's Emirates ID and passport copy, and a no-objection certificate (NOC). Any Dubai-based venues or event organizers looking to host events in the city must sign up, including those operating in free zones. The annual subscription on the portal costs Dh300, plus a Dh10 innovation fee and Dh10 knowledge fee. Registrations are typically finalized within one business day. Certain details, such as the company's profile, name, and address, must be entered in Arabic, according to the DET's website. Applicants should also hold a valid trade licence for operating as an event organizer or venue in Dubai, with activities compatible with the e-permit being sought.
Before applying, companies must have a valid safari permit with 10 vehicles owned and registered under them, or five vehicles plus a bus with a minimum of 45 seats. Additionally, a minimum of five tour guides should be employed by the company. Safari drivers and tour guides must be under the company visa; freelancers are not permitted. Safari permits are valid for one year or until the expiry of the tenancy contract. Upon expiration, a new permit application should be made.
Applying for the Camping Permit
After registering on the e-portal, companies can apply for permission to organize desert camping trips. Required documents include an NOC from Dubai Civil Defence, a copy of a tenancy contract from the Dubai Municipality, and a permit from the Dubai Municipality. For each tour guide, companies need a copy of the tour guide's DET ID and a copy of their residency visas.
Fees and Processing Time
Fees range from Dh5,000 to Dh25,000 per year, depending on the camp size. The process can take up to one business day. Steps include logging into the e-permits portal using the company manager's account, locating the existing valid safari permit, clicking 'add a camp permit', receiving approval from the DET, attaching additional required documents, paying fees via the portal, and submitting the application.
