Desert Your Worries in Kashta
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Looking for a cure for weekends losing their edge? Thankfully, things can never get dull around here, because Kashta season is here! Kashta is a beloved Saudi winter tradition that involves outdoor activities and gatherings. So, if you’re anything like us and get excited over all things outdoors, then you’ll love an open-air picnic as much as we do. Think dune bashing, stargazing, cozying up by the bonfire, and sipping hot tea—now that’s hitting the sweet spot!
Come desert your worries in a Kashta in Saudi — Just remember to have comprehensive car insurance sorted beforehand to have your back, especially when nature throws a curveball!
What does Kashta mean in Saudi?
Not familiar with “Keshta”? It’s the Saudi winter getaway. Basically, it’s camping in the desert or a picnic, depending on how long you stay. Usually, this involves gathering around a wood-burning fire, swapping stories, playing cards or carrom, all while enjoying traditional meals and delicious Arabic coffee. Saudis deeply connect with the desert—it’s a core part of their identity and a hub for entertainment and outdoor fun. That’s why this Khaleeji tradition consistently lands on TripAdvisor’s Top 10 list of exciting things to do in Saudi!
If you’re planning a Kashta in Saudi, there are camping dos and don’ts you should know. For your convenience, we’ve put together a quick guide to prep you and your car for a fantastic—and safe—desert experience.
Prep your car for a Kashta in Saudi
Since you are going on a long trip the first thing, you should do is ensure your car is ready. Here are a couple of things to keep in mind before you hit the road:
- Keep up on maintenance and do some routine safety checks: change the oil, and filter if needed.
- Check the tires and their pressure, and also check for a spare.
- Fill up! Never go on a road trip before you learn how much fuel your car consumes & how to save gas
- To avoid submersion, don’t overload and strain your car.
- As tempting as it may be, avoid off-roading since car insurance doesn’t cover those damages.
Gather your gear for emergencies
- In every season, The Civil Defense urges all campers to pack a first aid kit and a fire extinguisher.
- Make sure you have the right coverage for your upcoming adventure: Does your insurance cover personal accidents? Does it include roadside assistance? How about compensation for stray camel accidents?
Ps. Use a Saudi price comparison platform compare insurance rates online & check out all the perks you can get when you buy car insurance online in Saudi!
There is no planet B
There are no limits to the things you can do, and the fun you can have on a Kashta trip in Saudi. Nonetheless, you have to show some respect for mother nature:
Root for Trees!
Some people would not think of camping without a campfire, because gathering around fire is steeped in history and tradition. But today, cutting trees to collect firewood’s is no longer a necessity for cooking, lighting, or warmth. It does more harm than good. In the past decades, the Kingdom has witnessed serious environmental degradation caused by the overuse of fires and the increasing demand for firewood. Today, Saudi is on a mission to turn the desert green, to plant 10 billion trees to rehabilitate 40 million hectares of land to tackle climate change.
Collecting firewood for camping
Anyone who cuts down a tree or plant in Saudi Arabia will be fined 5,000 Saudi riyals, and jailed for up to 10 years. This is out of keenness to achieve environmental sustainability, which is part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan.
Show your appreciation for the environment and your support for the Green Saudi Initiative! Instead of cutting trees, try using:
- Imported firewood: wood is all the same! The main difference between your local firewood and imported firewood is that the first comes from an environment that is scarce with trees and rain that cannot afford to lose a single tree, whereas the latter comes from an area with an abundant supply of wood.
- Gas heater & portable grills.
Respect Wildlife
Hunting is a popular pastime and has been an established recreational activity for many years and is considered a way of life. Hunting is permitted in Saudi, but strict regulations are imposed to protect wildlife. These include:
- Issuing a hunting permit on Fitri platform.
- The hunting period in Saudi starts on November 1st and ends on January 2021.
- Hunting endangered birds and animals on MEWA’s list is banned.
- Also, hunting is banned in prohibited areas.
- Strictly using licensed air guns in Saudi to hunt. In order to renew an expired firearm license, you can send a request on Absher platform
Insurance is assurance
No matter where you travel, it is essential to take all precautions before heading out. Make sure that there is no prohibition or need for permission from authorities for the places you plan to embark upon, or the activities you want to try, and most importantly, make sure to stay safe on the road. Speaking of safety, don’t forget to check your car insurance coverage.
Luckily for you, finding the right coverage for your car insurance is easy. Use a price comparison website and get free car insurance quotes from multiple companies in just one place
