CRABBING IN UM AL QUWAIN – LADIES WHO ONLINE

I’ve always been a country mouse, as I always prefer the countryside over the big city. I would take pleasure in seeing lush tree canopies and natural landscapes than seeing skyscrapers and busy streets. I live in Dubai, and though it has the perks, luxuries, and top-rated conveniences of a first-world country, I still miss the quiet and the clean fun of just being immersed in nature. So when a friend invited me for a camping and crabbing trip in Um Al Quwain, I didn’t pass up the opportunity to go, even if I didn’t fully understand what I will do exactly.

I got asked if I was free from Thursday night to Friday morning and if I was up for some bonfire and camping by the beach. Who would refuse that, right? As the temperature was starting to cool down, I remembered to bring some blankets and clothes to warm me up for the entire evening. I was already so giddy about the bonfire and camping by the beach. And then my friend told me that we were also catching crabs!

Crabs?! Are they the same crabs you find in the fresh supermarkets that sell fast like hotcakes? How do you catch them? I get a skin allergy from eating crustaceans, so I avoid eating them. But it still didn’t stop me from going. I was just so curious!

We started the weekend by driving to Um Al Quwain at past 10 pm. We stopped along the way to get some supplies and charcoal and finally looked for a spot to park the car. We were at the Um Al Quwain Open Corniche, and surprisingly, there were a lot of people already setting up their tents and starting their bonfire. I heard music in the air and people laughing nearby. I smelt delicious food around the area too! We then set up our camp and arranged the tents, beach chairs, and loudspeakers for our music. We enjoyed a delicious barbecue dinner as I imagined, and by the time I checked my watch, it was already 2 am! Time does flies when you’re having fun!

I learned that with catching crabs, one would need to go into the water when it is low-tide. And you will need to swim with your waterproof flashlight, goggles, and spear. You will also need to hold, point, and stick out the spear, to catch one shell-fish at a time. I was sold with the idea of experiencing it myself had it not for the cold waters. I don’t think I can brave the cold breeze and swim into the water to hunt for crabs at 2 am! However, I was up and cheering on every single guy who caught one. I got excited every time I saw a fresh piece. It was legit, and it was the same ones I see in the market (not skinny).

By the time it was morning, the tide was high, and the crabs were already too far away to catch. The guys told me this, so they arranged a different activity instead, and this time, it was fishing. I still could not fathom how ecstatic and animated they were with preparing their baits, casting their rods, and being idle after that. They were waiting for a catch, but watching them from the beach chair was painfully boring for me! I guess I was too worked up by the excitement I had about catching crabs that when I saw how catching fish was done, my level of interest went from level 10 to level 1. 

I get excited as soon as I feel the winter air, as I know the camping weather has started! I went camping and crabbing in Um Al Quwain for the third time already since last year, and I discovered how fun and refreshing it was to see the beach and the seagulls (and without any trace of a skyscraper in sight!). Oh and, I started eating the crabs too! I’m well aware of my medical condition. But that’s what anti-histamines are for, right? You can save your medical opinion to yourselves, but for me, eating YOUR fresh catch of crabs completes the overall fun of this camping and crab hunting experience! 

How about you, would you consider camping and crabbing in Um Al Quwain a fun way to spend your weekend?