We have been to Oman for Eid previously. Our last experience, in 2017, was a vastly different one to our more recent experience of Oman for Eid – a perfect long weekend of camping at the beach.
With the Eid holidays offering the perfect excuse for a short getaway, Jason, our boys Jasper (14) and Harley (11) and I team up with another family. The Cockerills, friends from the kids’ rugby club, have invited us for a weekend camping trip in Oman. The plan is simple: two nights, three days of beachside camping, no devices and pure relaxation.
A View to Beachside Sundowners
We pack the car on Saturday morning and hit the road around midday, meeting Andrew & Gillian at their house. Once the final arrangements have been made, we heard the boys into the car. This takes significant effort as they waste no time in teaming up against the adults – a recurring theme of the weekend. With cars packed and excitement building, we head off from Dubai, agreeing to stop at a service station for ice along the way. The border crossing into Oman is, much to our relief, much quicker than expected and we arrive at the designated beach, surrounded by rugged cliffs and the endless blue of the Gulf of Oman.
Setting up camp as first timers was a bit interesting. When we compared ourselves to the well-oiled machine of the Cotterills, we realised how underprepared we really were. Nevertheless, with the necessities of tents pitched and chairs unfolded, we break out the Esky (chiller boxes) and Andrew starts the campfire.
Meanwhile the boys have started up an impromptu game of beach rugby kicking off before we even had the chance to settle in. As the sun began its descent, we gathered for cheese, crackers and sundowners, watching the sky turn shades of orange and pink. With the waves gently lapping at the shore, the evening faded into a blissful night under the stars.
Morning Walks & Mother’s Day Feasts
Sunday morning greets us with soft golden light and the rhythmic sound of the ocean. Tea in hand, Gillian is treated to a (British) Mother’s Day gift before we’re sent on a walk, while the boys take charge of breakfast prep. With barefoot footprints trailing behind us in the sand, we wandered along the shore, chatting and soaking in the peacefulness of the morning.
We return around 45 minutes later to the delicious aroma of scrambled eggs and smoked salmon on toasted English muffins. Luckily it’s Mother’s Day and I benefit indirectly as the mum’s are treated first before the boys are allowed to devour the remainder of the meal.
Soon after, the kids, fueled up and full of energy, vanish into their own world—splashing in the turquoise waves, digging forts and attempting to body surf. The snorkeling equipment comes out and Jason & Harley head off together. The rest of the adults take a dip to cool off as the sun heats up the day. On return, Harley brings his hermit crab discovery over to show us. We have already seen them, there was a Hermit Crab Army present on the beach last night.
An Afternoon of Activities
After a mostly lazy morning and a late lunch of wraps and sandwiches, the stark rocky outcrops behind us provide another source of entertainment. We watch as a herd of goats comes skipping along the beach and crosses behind our camp. They’re not shy and rather inquisitive and we keep a close eye on them. We gently encourage them to move on after Andrew’s story of a previous camp trip where a goat stole (and ate!) one of the dish cloths. Soon they’re nimbly climbing the impossible slopes behind us, their bleats making their presence known even though they’re had to spot against the rocky landscape of the mountains.
The remainder of the afternoon brings another flurry of activity followed by some downtime before preparing dinner. The boys disappear again, this time down the beach with the group of kids from the next camp across. We watch them float on lilos and boogie boards down along the beach. Jason & Andrew do an ice run into town. Gillian and I take another swim, tasked with surreptitiously keeping an eye on the kids.
When they arrive back there’s ice creams and then the energy gets put into digging trenches in the sand. I kick back with my book for a while and there are more dips into the cool ocean as the heat of the day hits.
Disconnecting to Reconnect
With no devices and no distractions, the weekend becomes about simple pleasures. We read, play beach games and soaked up the warmth of the sun. The kids resurface only when hunger strikes. Between bites of sandwiches and chips they negotiate whether rash vests are truly necessary and the frequency of which sunscreen needs to be reapplied.
Gillian and I take another walk, relishing the female company, afternoon breeze and the sparkling bay before us.
As we arrive back, the sports have started in earnest. The boys are at play throwing Ollie around in the shallows. Soon, Harley casts his fishing line while the rest of the group set up for volleyball. There’s also beach cricket and a lot of frisbee – both in and out of the water.
As Sunday night rolls in, the campfire is relit and dinner of grilled steaks and salad gets underway. By the time dinner is finished and the marshmallows are brought out, we’re all exhausted from the busy day of doing as little as possible. The sun, sand and sea has taken it out of us.
We sit around watching the campfire, swapping stories and laughter, the crackling flames providing atmosphere and only a light jumper needed to keep the chill at bay. Looking up at the clear, starlit sky, I feel completely disconnected from the usual busyness of life—and entirely connected to the moment.
How To Do Monday
By Monday morning we’re really just getting settled in. None of us are ready to leave and the boys (and Andrew!) beg to stay another night. The morning starts in much the same way. Light the campfire for tea and coffee. Today there’s a swim before breakfast and we look up to the top of the rocky outcrops where goats bleat, their silhouettes standing out against the sky.
The rest of the morning proceeds in much the same way as Sunday. More swimming, frisbee, another snorkelling expedition. Gillian & I take another long walk. The kids are back on the lilos floating around in the sea.
Towards the early afternoon we start to pack up reluctantly, sad to be leaving but knowing we’ll be back. This weekend was everything a getaway should be—nature, laughter, good food and the rare gift of time spent together, fully present.
Good To Know
The UAE and Oman have several options for camping including beach, mountain and desert. They’re a take everything, including the kitchen sink affair and so, it’s best to be experienced, or, as in our case, go with someone who is.
Camping and offroad books designate suitable sites. As always, take your rubbish with you and leave the environment at least no worse off from your stay.
Would I Return?
Yes. Thank you Cockerills and until next time, Oman.
