- Title: BAHRAIN: Fun in the desert as Bahrainis begin camping season
- Date: 30th December 2013
- Summary: SAKHIR DESERT, BAHRAIN (DECEMBER 28, 2013) (REUTERS) CAMPING TENTS SET UP / TRAFFIC PASSING IN THE DESERT PEOPLE STANDING ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WATCHING CARS AND BIKES AS THEY DRIVE BY YOUNG MAN SHOWING OFF HIS QUAD BIKE WHEELING ON REAR TWO WHEELS CAMPERS ENJOYING THE WEATHER WITH THEIR MOTORBIKES FAMILIES ENTERING THE GO-KART AREA CHILDREN ON GO-KARTS BOUNDARY FENCE OF
- Embargoed: 14th January 2014 12:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Bahrain
- Country: Bahrain
- Topics: People,Lifestyle
- Reuters ID: LVACQ9K6YVITSP41EJ3UW9C8W8I4
- Story Text: As the temperature drops and the schools shut for the holidays, families in Bahrain flock to the desert for the annual camping season.
Bahrain's Sakhir desert is not the usual sea of sand. Located 30 kilometres south of the capital, Manama, it is an oasis of rock strewn escarpments.
Sakhir is home to the old and new - the Al-Sakhir Palace built in the 1870 and the University of Bahrain and Formula One's Bahrain International Circuit.
In December, the desert also becomes home to thousands of families, wanting to escape the bustle of city life, and set up camp to enjoy weekends of relaxation and fun.
"Of course, as you may know the Sakhir area has been well-known for a long time when the royal families, our fathers and forefathers used to come here during winter breaks and enjoy the area. Despite the fact that it is a small area, our hearts are big," said Engineer Ahmed Abdul Aziz Al Khayat from Bahrain's Ministry of Works. He's one of the thousands who have arrived in the camp on Saturday (December 28).
But camping in the desert has not always been all fun.
Early this year, local media reported that campers have been warned not to set up camp near oil and gas facilities located in the desert on the risk of exposure to toxic fumes.
The proximity of the country's oil and gas fields to the camp site and the popularity of camping have prompted organisers to issue zoning rules and guidance.
Special areas are set up for young people, families and trade activities. A separate area has been set aside for motorbikes and horses, while campers have also been warned against improper disposal of garbage.
Local media reported that 11,000 tonnes of rubbish were removed by cleaners after last year's camping season. Those who are found guilty of littering face hefty fines.
The camping seasonin March. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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