Winter is camping season in the UAE. Dubai Municipality has announced that its 2026–2027 winter camping season at Al Ruwayyah runs from 1 November 2026 to 30 April 2027, and weekend trips to the desert, the mountains and the coast are already being planned. If your trip lasts more than a day, keeping food cold is one of the biggest challenges, and dry ice is one option.
Dry ice is much colder than ordinary ice and leaves no puddle of water. But it also needs more care. This guide explains when dry ice makes sense for camping in the UAE, how to pack it, and the safety rules that matter most.
Camping rules and permits differ by emirate and location, so check requirements with the relevant municipality before you go.
Do you actually need dry ice for camping?
Not always. For a one-night trip, ordinary ice or reusable gel ice packs are often enough, and they are simpler to handle.
Dry ice is worth considering when:
- Your trip lasts two or more days.
- You are carrying frozen food or meat that must stay frozen.
- You are going somewhere remote, where you can’t restock ice.
- You want to avoid water soaking your food.
Dry ice is not suitable when you have young children handling the cooler, when you can’t keep the area ventilated, or when you are not comfortable following the safety rules below.
What dry ice is in one minute
Dry ice is solid carbon dioxide at about -78.5°C. It doesn’t melt. It turns straight into carbon dioxide gas, which is called sublimation. That gas is what makes it dangerous in enclosed spaces, because it can displace the air you breathe.
How to pack dry ice in your cooler
- Pre-chill your cooler. Put ordinary ice or gel packs in it for a few hours first, or keep it in the shade. A warm cooler uses up dry ice much faster.
- Use a sturdy insulated cooler. The better the insulation, the longer the dry ice lasts.
- Place the dry ice on top. Cold air sinks, so dry ice at the top cools everything below it.
- Wrap it in paper or cardboard. This stops it touching food directly, which can freeze items solid.
- Keep drinks away from direct contact. Cans and bottles can freeze and burst.
- Fill empty space with towels, extra food or gel packs, because gaps speed up loss.
- Never seal the cooler airtight. The gas builds pressure. Leave the lid slightly open, or open the drain plug so gas can escape.
- Open the cooler as little as possible.
You can also combine dry ice with ordinary ice. Keep the dry ice away from water, because water makes it disappear faster.
Safety rules for camping with dry ice
1. Keep it out of the tent and out of the sleeping area.
Carbon dioxide is heavier than air and collects in low spots, including the floor of a tent or camper. Store the cooler outside, in the shade and away from where anyone sleeps.
2. Ventilate your vehicle.
Don’t carry dry ice in a sealed passenger cabin. Put the cooler in the boot or cargo area, and keep air moving by opening a window slightly or using the ventilation system. Be especially careful with children and pets, since the gas collects at low levels.
3. Never touch it with bare hands.
It can cause cold burns within seconds. Use cryogenic gloves or thick gloves and tongs.
4. Keep children away from it.
Never let children handle dry ice or swallow it.
5. Watch for warning signs.
Headache, rapid breathing, dizziness or drowsiness can mean too much carbon dioxide. Move to fresh air straight away and get medical help if symptoms don’t go away.
6. Dispose of leftovers safely
Leave the remains outdoors in the open air, away from the tent, pets and children, to sublimate. Don’t throw dry ice into a sink, toilet or sealed bin.
How long will dry ice last on a UAE camping trip?
It depends on the cooler, the size of the dry ice, the temperature and how often you open the lid. Large blocks last longer than small pellets. Daytime sun in the desert, even in winter, will speed it up, so keep the cooler in the shade and covered.
For more detail, read our guide to how long dry ice lasts in an insulated box and our explanation of dry ice pellet and block sizes.
How much dry ice do you need?
There is no single figure. It depends on how many days you’re away, the size of your cooler, how full it is and the weather. Tell us your trip length, cooler size and what you’re keeping cold, and we’ll suggest a quantity and type.
Getting your dry ice before the trip
- Order close to your departure. Dry ice sublimates over time, even in a good container.
- Bring your own insulated cooler, or ask about our insulated dry ice containers.
- Plan collection or delivery for the day you leave. Ask us what delivery options are available for your area.
If you’re searching for dry ice near me before a weekend trip, see our page on dry ice near me in the UAE. You can also read about dry ice in Dubai and the full range from IceJet dry ice in the UAE.
Camping checklist
- Insulated cooler, pre-chilled
- Dry ice, in the right size and quantity
- Cryogenic gloves or thick gloves, and tongs
- Paper or cardboard to wrap the dry ice
- Gel packs or ordinary ice as backup
- Space to keep the cooler outside the tent
- Ventilation plan for your vehicle
- Permits and local rules checked
Frequently asked questions
Is dry ice safe for camping?
Yes, if you keep it ventilated, handle it with gloves, never seal it airtight, and keep it out of tents and closed vehicles.
Can I put dry ice in a normal cooler?
Yes, in a sturdy insulated cooler, as long as it is not sealed airtight and gas can escape.
Can I keep the cooler in my tent or camper overnight?
No. Store it outside, away from where you sleep.
Can I carry dry ice in my car?
Not in a sealed cabin. Use the boot or cargo area and keep the vehicle ventilated.
Will dry ice freeze my food?
It can, if food touches it directly. Wrap the dry ice and keep delicate items and drinks away from it.
Is dry ice better than ordinary ice for camping?
For longer trips and frozen food, often yes. For a short trip, ordinary ice or gel packs are simpler.
How do I get rid of leftover dry ice?
Leave it outdoors in the open air, away from the tent, children and pets, until it has gone.
Can IceJet supply dry ice for camping trips?
Yes. Contact us with your trip length, cooler size and location.
Get dry ice for your next trip from IceJet
Planning a camping trip this winter? Tell us how long you’re away, the size of your cooler and where you’re heading, and we’ll recommend the right dry ice and quantity.
