Dinner in the Dubai Desert Safari

About this activity

The Dubai Desert Safari is a must-do experience for any traveler seeking a blend of adventure, cultural immersion, and traditional Arabian hospitality. One of the most memorable highlights of the safari is the standard desert camp dinner — a mix of buffet cuisine, live entertainment, and authentic ambiance that appeals to families, tourists, and corporate groups alike.

The journey usually starts around 3:00 PM with a 4×4 pick-up from your hotel. After an exhilarating dune-bashing ride across the golden sand dunes, the convoy stops for sunset photography before heading to a traditional Bedouin-style desert camp. Here, guests are welcomed with Arabic coffee and dates — a symbol of Emirati hospitality.

At the camp, a wide range of pre-dinner activities awaits. You can enjoy camel rides, try sandboarding, get henna designs applied, or dress in traditional Arabic attire for photos. There’s also a communal shisha corner and options to try quad biking or pose with a falcon for a souvenir shot.

Dinner is served buffet-style and features both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Guests can expect grilled meats (chicken, lamb), rice, curries, salads, pasta, and Arabic desserts. Unlimited soft drinks, tea, and coffee are included. While alcohol is not part of the standard package, some camps may offer it at an additional cost.

Evening entertainment is central to the experience. The lineup usually includes a Tanoura dance performance, a belly dance show, and a thrilling fire show — all performed on a central stage. These performances continue as guests enjoy their meal, enhancing the cultural richness of the evening.

The dining area is designed in traditional Majlis style, with guests seated on cushions around low tables under the stars. The setting is family-friendly and casual, with amenities like restrooms and the option to request chair seating if needed. Camps are generally accessible to all, though not always wheelchair-friendly due to the sand terrain.

By around 9:00 PM, the camp winds down and guests begin the return journey to Dubai. Most are dropped back at their hotels by 10:00 PM, ending a 6-hour immersive experience.

This standard dinner safari is ideal for first-time visitors and group events, offering a perfect balance of fun, flavor, and cultural charm in the heart of the Arabian desert.