Barbecues have been banned at the Jebel Hafeet mountain – one of the UAE's most popular tourist destinations.



The decision has been taken by officials to protect the area's ecosystem following reports of visitors leaving rubbish behind.



However, Al Ain Municipality has said that visitors can still barbecue in open and desert areas as well as Al Sulaimi and Al Mebrazah parks.



Those setting up barbecues are urged to abide by public hygiene standards, while teams will be carrying out cleanliness inspections.



Meanwhile in Dubai, barbecuing is allowed only in designated areas following a ban on grilling on public beaches in 2010.



For a much more environmentally friendly alternative, why not grab a picnic and head out into one of the city's beautiful parks.



While the weather outside is perfectly cool, Time Out Dubai has rounded up the best places for you to shake off that blanket and crack out the sandwiches.