BBQ Dinner Desert Safari Dubai
The complete, honest guide to the BBQ dinner desert safari Dubai: the full buffet menu dish by dish, whether it is halal, vegetarian, vegan and Jain options, exactly when dinner is served, and what it really costs. With Royal Arabian Safari the all-you-can-eat halal BBQ dinner is included free in every desert safari from AED 35, served under the stars after dune bashing and the sunset, alongside live shows. No advance payment, instant booking on WhatsApp.
BBQ Dinner Desert Safari Dubai: The Short Answer
The complete, honest guide to the BBQ dinner desert safari Dubai: the full buffet menu dish by dish, whether it is halal, vegetarian, vegan and Jain options, exactly when dinner is served, and what it really costs.
- How much does a BBQ dinner desert safari in Dubai cost?: The BBQ dinner is included free in every safari, which starts at AED 35 for self-drive, AED 50 by shared bus, AED 100 for a shared 4×4 with hotel pickup, or AED 799 for a private 4×4 for up to seven guests.
- How long is the desert safari with BBQ dinner?: About six hours in total, with pickup from around 3:30 to 4 PM and return by about 9 to 9:30 PM on the shared evening safari.
- What time is dinner served on the safari?: The full BBQ buffet opens at the camp at around 8 PM, after the dune bashing and the sunset.
- Where is the dinner camp located?: Our camp is in the desert near Al Awir, an easy drive from central Dubai, with the red dunes at Lahbab available for private setups.
- What drinks are included with dinner?: Unlimited soft drinks, mineral water, fresh juice, Arabic tea, sweet karak and coffee all evening, plus the welcome kahwa with dates on arrival.
- How do I book the BBQ dinner desert safari in Dubai?: Message us on WhatsApp at +971 58 228 2683 with your date, number of guests, pickup area and any dietary needs such as vegan, Jain, gluten-free or allergies.
Everything we run in Dubai, with the price on the card
All prices are per car, not per person, unless the card says otherwise. You are booking the operator directly.
4 hoursHalf-Day Dubai City Tour
Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Frame, Old Dubai, the Creek abra and the Gold Souk in a private 4×4.
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Private vehicle, no other guests
- Morning or evening, same price
- Photo stops, not a drive-past
8 hoursFull-Day Dubai City Tour
New Dubai in the morning, Old Dubai in the afternoon — Palm Jumeirah, Marina, the souks and the Creek.
- The only route reaching both Dubais
- Up to 6 people in one car
- Lunch stop where you choose
- Ends at the Fountain show
4 hoursOld Dubai and the Souks
Al Fahidi wind-tower district, the AED 1 abra across Dubai Creek, the Gold Souk and the Spice Souk.
- Abra crossing costs AED 1 each
- Short, flat walking
- Best in the morning
- Car waits, you walk
4 hoursDubai by Night
The Fountain show, Downtown at full light, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai Marina, JBR and Bluewaters.
- Starts around 5:30 PM
- Fountain show every 30 minutes
- Most of the stops are free
- Good after a day out
6 hoursDesert Safari From Dubai
Dune bashing, camel ride, sandboarding, a Bedouin camp with BBQ dinner and live shows.
- Private 4×4, up to 7 guests
- Hotel pickup and drop included
- Camp is DTCM licensed
- Shared seats from AED 35 per person
Full dayDubai to Hatta Tour
Hatta Dam, kayaking, the heritage village and the Hajar Mountains. No passport, no border crossing.
- 90 minutes each way
- Kayak hire paid on site
- Best October to April
- You set the timings
One wayDXB Airport Transfer
Meet and greet with a name board at arrivals, flight tracking, luggage handled, one fixed price at any hour.
- Name board at arrivals
- Flight tracked, delays covered
- No surge at 3 AM
- Fixed price, per car
By the hourCar with Driver, As Directed
No fixed route. Your own car and driver by the hour — shopping, meetings, whatever the day needs.
- AED 250 per hour sedan or SUV
- AED 350 per hour Land Cruiser
- Four-hour minimum
- Wait time included
Per attractionDubai Attraction Transfers
A private car to Burj Khalifa, the Mall, the Frame, the Palm or the seasonal parks, with the driver waiting outside.
- Waiting time included
- Salik, fuel and parking included
- Tickets bought direct, not by us
- Child seats on request
Per rideQuad Biking
An automatic quad on a marked desert track with a guide riding ahead. The cheapest way to add adrenaline.
- AED 200 single rider
- AED 300 double
- Guide rides with the group
- No licence needed
30 min blocksDune Buggy
A Can-Am buggy on the dunes, booked by ride time. Sold as an add-on to the safari, not instead of it.
- AED 800 per 30 minutes
- Two-hour minimum
- Helmet and briefing included
- Decide before you arrive
Dubai Desert Safari Packages & Prices
Every package below runs from our own camp in Dubai. Pick how you want to reach the camp — the safari and dinner are the same in all of them.
AED 35 per personSelf-Drive Desert Safari
Drive your own car to our Dubai camp, park free, and join the full safari and dinner. The cheapest way in.
- Free parking at the camp
- Full camp programme & dinner
- Dune bashing with our drivers
- No pickup — you arrive yourself
AED 50 per personShared Bus Transfer
A seat on our bus from a central Dubai pickup point and back. Cheapest seat that includes transport.
- Return transfer by bus
- Central Dubai pickup point
- Full camp programme & dinner
- Fixed departure time
AED 100 per personShared Hotel Pickup
A shared 4×4 collects you from your Dubai hotel and returns you after dinner. Door to door.
- Hotel door pickup & drop
- Shared 4×4 with other guests
- Dune bashing on the way in
- Full camp programme & dinner
AED 799 per carPrivate Car Desert Safari
A private 4×4 for your group only, up to 7 people, hotel pickup and drop. One price for the whole car.
- Private 4×4 — your group only
- Up to 7 people in one price
- Hotel pickup & drop
- Flexible departure time
+AED 50 per personVIP Sitting Area Upgrade
Premium private majlis seating at the Dubai camp. Add it to any option above.
- Private majlis seating
- Away from the main crowd
- Table service
- Adds to any package
Add-Ons & Extras
Customise your safari — add any of these to your chosen package.
Add-Ons You Can Book on the Day
These are optional extras at the Dubai camp. You can add any of them when you book, or decide once you are there — the price does not change either way.
AED 200 single / 300 doubleQuad Biking
Ride an automatic quad on the Dubai dunes. AED 200 for a single seater, AED 300 for a double seater.
- Automatic — no gear changing
- Single seater AED 200
- Double seater AED 300
- Helmet and briefing included
AED 800 / 30 min · 2h minCan-Am Dune Buggy
A two-seat Can-Am buggy on the open dunes for 30 minutes. The strongest ride we run.
- Two-seat Can-Am buggy
- 30 minutes on the dunes
- Helmet & goggles included
- Driver must be 18+
AED 30 per personFalcon Photo Experience
Hold a trained falcon on your glove and get the photo. Thirty seconds, and it is the picture people keep.
- Trained falcon & handler
- Glove provided
- Your own camera or phone
- Children can hold it too
AED 300 for twoLong Camel Ride
A proper long camel ride for two people across the dunes, not the short loop everyone gets.
- Two people on the ride
- Long route across the dunes
- Handler walks with you
- Photos taken for you
AED 150 per vehicleExtra Dune Bashing
An additional dune bashing run in the 4×4 after the standard one, priced per vehicle not per person.
- Extra run in the 4×4
- Priced per vehicle
- Share the cost with your group
- Ask the driver at the camp
AED 50–150Professional Photography
A photographer shoots you on the dunes at sunset and hands over edited images the same evening.
- Professional photographer
- Sunset dune shoot
- Edited images same evening
- Package depends on shot count
Add-Ons & Extras
Customise your safari — add any of these to your chosen package.
What is a BBQ dinner desert safari in Dubai?
A BBQ dinner desert safari in Dubai is an evening desert tour that ends at a Bedouin-style camp with an all-you-can-eat halal BBQ buffet served under the stars, alongside live belly dance, LED Tanoura and fire shows. With Royal Arabian Safari the full BBQ dinner is included free in every safari from AED 35, and dinner is served at the camp from around 8 PM. The buffet is fully halal and covers both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, with a live grill, Arabic mezze, hot mains, fresh salads, warm bread and Arabic desserts, plus unlimited soft drinks, tea, coffee and water.
Here is what almost no other page will give you plainly: the actual dish-by-dish menu, a clear statement that the meat is halal, and honest detail on vegan, Jain, gluten-free and allergy options. Most operators write a vague line about grilled meats and salads and stop there, and not one of the top-ranking pages confirms halal in writing. Below you will find the real spread, when each course lands, the price with the dinner included free, and answers to every common question.
The full BBQ dinner menu, dish by dish
| Station | When | What is on it | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Welcome | On arrival | Arabic dates, mixed nuts, kahwa, karak tea | Everyone |
| Starters | Before the buffet opens | Soup of the day, warm vegetable starter, soft drinks, water, juice | Children, light eaters |
| Salads and mezze | Buffet opens | Hummus, moutabal and a full cold mezze line | Vegetarians and vegans |
| Grill | Buffet opens | The barbecue, cooked at the camp | Main course |
| Dessert and drinks | Through the evening | Unlimited soft drinks, water, tea and coffee | Everyone |
This is the part every other page leaves out. Instead of a vague line about grilled meats and salads, here is the real spread served at our Dubai desert camp. The buffet is fully halal and laid out across several stations so you can build whatever plate you like, vegetarian or non-vegetarian, and go back as many times as you want. Menus rotate a little with the season and the size of the group, so treat this as the typical buffet rather than a fixed printed card; if you want to confirm a specific dish for your night, just ask us on WhatsApp.
Welcome and starters
The moment you reach the camp, before the main buffet opens, you are met with the traditional welcome: fresh Arabic dates, mixed nuts and a small cup of kahwa, the lightly spiced Arabic coffee, along with sweet karak chai. A warm starter is served from around 6:30 PM to keep you going while the shows begin and the grill heats up.
- Fresh Arabic dates and mixed nuts
- Kahwa (Arabic coffee) and karak tea on arrival
- Soup of the day and a warm vegetable starter
- Soft drinks, water and fresh juice from the moment you sit down
Salads and Arabic mezze
The cold station is genuinely generous and is where vegetarians and lighter eaters do very well. Expect a full mezze line rather than one token bowl of salad.
- Hummus and moutabal (smoky grilled aubergine dip)
- Tabbouleh and fattoush, the classic Levantine salads
- Stuffed vine leaves (warak enab)
- Fresh green salad, coleslaw and pasta salad
- Arabic pickles, olives and labneh
From the live grill (non-vegetarian, halal)
This is the heart of a BBQ dinner: a live grill where the meat is cooked fresh in front of you rather than reheated from trays. Everything from the grill is halal-certified. A typical line-up includes:
- Shish tawook, marinated grilled chicken skewers
- Lamb and mutton kebab
- Chicken and beef kofta (spiced minced skewers)
- Grilled chicken pieces
- Grilled fish when in season, such as hammour
- A mixed grill platter for the table
Hot mains
Alongside the grill, the hot station carries the bigger dishes so nobody leaves hungry, with substantial vegetarian options sitting right next to the meat dishes.
- Chicken biryani and a separate vegetable biryani
- Butter chicken or chicken curry
- Dal (lentil curry) and mixed vegetable curry
- Grilled and steamed seasonal vegetables
Rice, sides and bread
- Steamed basmati and saffron rice
- French fries and grilled corn
- Fresh Arabic bread (khubz), roti and saj bread, warm from the camp
Desserts
The sweet station is properly Arabian and is included in the same buffet, not charged on the side.
- Umm Ali, the warm Egyptian bread pudding
- Luqaimat, crisp dumplings drizzled with date syrup
- Fresh seasonal fruit such as watermelon and melon
- Arabic sweets and, on most nights, ice cream
If you have a sweet tooth, the luqaimat are the thing to try while they are hot. For the full evening around this meal, including the dune drive and the shows, see our evening desert safari Dubai guide.
Is the BBQ dinner halal? Vegetarian, vegan and dietary needs
| Diet | Catered as standard | Tell us in advance? |
|---|---|---|
| Halal | Yes — the whole buffet is halal | No |
| Vegetarian | Yes — the mezze and salad line is full size | No |
| Vegan | Yes, from the cold station | Helpful, so we set aside enough |
| Nut allergy | Nuts are served at the welcome | Yes, always |
| Other allergies or medical diets | Handled case by case | Yes, when you book |
This is the question we are asked most, and the one almost no competitor answers in writing, so here it is plainly. Yes, the BBQ dinner is fully halal. All the meat at the grill is halal-certified, prepared the standard way, with no pork and no alcohol used in the cooking. For Muslim guests, GCC families and anyone who eats only halal, you can order from any station with confidence.
Vegetarian guests
Vegetarians are very well looked after rather than handed a single side dish. Between the full mezze line, the vegetable biryani, dal, mixed vegetable curry, grilled vegetables, salads, bread and the dessert station, a vegetarian can build a complete and satisfying dinner without touching the grill. Many of our guests travel as mixed vegetarian and non-vegetarian groups and everyone eats well at the same table.
Vegan, Jain, gluten-free and allergies
These need a little notice, and we would rather be honest than promise something blindly. Vegan, Jain (no onion or garlic), gluten-free and specific allergy requirements can be catered, but please tell us in advance on WhatsApp when you book so the camp kitchen can prepare for you properly. The buffet already contains many naturally vegan and gluten-free items, such as hummus, salads, grilled vegetables, rice and fresh fruit, so even without notice there is plenty to eat; advance notice simply lets us add dedicated dishes and keep them separate.
Children and fussy eaters
There is no need to worry about children at a BBQ dinner safari. Plain grilled chicken, rice, fries, bread, fresh fruit and ice cream are all on the buffet, which covers most younger and pickier eaters easily. High chairs can be arranged on request if you are travelling with a baby.
When is dinner served? The full evening timeline
Every competitor page tells you the safari is six to seven hours and leaves it there. Nobody tells you when you actually eat. Here is the real running order, with the dinner clock included, so you can plan around prayer times, young children or an early start the next morning. Times shift by 15 to 20 minutes with the season and sunset, but the sequence holds.
| Time | What happens |
|---|---|
| 3:30 – 4:00 PM | Hotel pickup in an air-conditioned 4×4, or meet us at the desert edge if you self-drive |
| 5:00 – 5:45 PM | Dune bashing across the dunes, with a pause for golden-hour photos |
| 6:00 PM | Arrive at the camp; welcome dates, Arabic coffee and karak tea |
| 6:15 – 7:30 PM | Camel ride, sandboarding, henna, falcon photo and Arabic-costume photos |
| 6:30 PM | Warm starters, soup and unlimited drinks begin at your table |
| 7:30 PM | Live shows start: belly dance, then LED Tanoura and the fire show |
| ~8:00 PM | The full halal BBQ buffet opens; the live grill is fired up |
| 8:30 – 9:00 PM | Desserts, more shisha and tea as the shows continue |
| 9:00 – 9:30 PM | Drive back to your hotel, or stay later on a private booking |
Why dinner comes after the dune bashing
The order is deliberate. The dune drive happens first, on an empty-ish stomach, which is far kinder if you are prone to motion sickness, and the sunset falls during or just after it for the best photos. By the time the buffet opens you have earned your appetite, the temperature has dropped, and you can eat slowly while the shows play out. If you would rather skip the drive and go straight to the camp and the food, that is easy to arrange and is covered in the price section below.
Prayer times and timing requests
There is a quiet area at the camp for prayer, and because dinner runs to a known schedule you can time your plate around Maghrib and Isha without stress. If your group needs an earlier or later dinner, tell us when booking and we will do our best to fit the camp around you.
Price: the BBQ dinner is included free, from AED 35
Here is the difference that matters. On most Dubai pages the headline price is the dinner package, and you pay AED 99, 115 or 150 for the evening with the BBQ. With us the BBQ dinner is included free in every safari, and the safari starts at AED 35. You are not paying a separate premium for the food; the full halal buffet, the live grill, the shows and the activities all come inside the price below.
| Package | Price | BBQ dinner |
|---|---|---|
| Self-drive (you drive to the camp) | AED 35 / person | Included free |
| Shared bus (seat in a group transfer) | AED 50 / person | Included free |
| Shared 4×4 with hotel pickup | AED 100 / person | Included free |
| Private 4×4 (up to 7 guests) | AED 799 / vehicle | Included free |
The private 4×4 is the value option for families and groups: AED 799 for up to seven people is roughly AED 86 a head with the dinner, pickup and the whole evening included, which undercuts the typical Dubai private rate of AED 750 to over AED 1,000 and beats most online ticket prices outright. See the full Dubai desert safari price guide for every option side by side.
How our price compares for a BBQ dinner
The top-ranking Dubai pages quote AED 99 to AED 150 per adult for an evening safari with BBQ dinner, and several add child prices on top. Because our dinner is bundled into the safari from AED 35, the honest comparison is simple: you get the same all-you-can-eat halal buffet and the same shows for less, from a DTCM-licensed operator with a 4.9-star rating from more than 5,000 guests.
Want the dinner without the dune bashing?
Plenty of guests come mainly for the food, the shows and the desert sunset, not the off-road drive. That is completely fine. You can join on a camp-only basis and go straight to the BBQ dinner, the camel ride and the entertainment with a gentle transfer instead of the dune bashing. The full version of this is on our desert safari without dune bashing page.
Optional dinner upgrades
The buffet and standard seating are included; these are genuinely optional extras, all pre-booked at a discount this week with the original prices crossed out:
- VIP table-side seating at the front, near the stage: AED 50 per person
- Table-side shisha brought to your seat: AED 50 (a corner shisha area is already free)
- Falcon photo with a real falcon: AED 10–30
- Long private camel ride: AED 300 for two people
None of these are needed to enjoy the dinner; the full meal and the shows are included for everyone.
Drinks, seating and the shows with your dinner
What you can drink, and how much
Drinks are unlimited and included, not counted or charged per glass. From the moment you sit down you have free-flowing soft drinks, mineral water, Arabic tea, sweet karak and coffee throughout the evening. The welcome kahwa and dates set the tone, and the tea keeps coming through dessert. To be fully honest about one thing other pages stay vague on: the included drinks are non-alcoholic. We run a family-friendly, halal camp, so alcohol is not part of the standard package.
- Unlimited soft drinks, mineral water and fresh juice
- Arabic tea, karak chai and coffee all evening
- Welcome kahwa (Arabic coffee) with dates on arrival
- Shisha available at the camp in the designated area
Where you sit for dinner
The classic desert dinner is eaten majlis-style on low cushioned seating around the camp, with carpets, lanterns and the open sky overhead. That seating is included free for everyone. If you would like to be right at the front near the stage with a little more space and comfort, the optional VIP table-side seating puts you in the best spot for the shows and your plates, for AED 50 per person pre-booked. Couples and special occasions often add it; it is never required to enjoy the meal.
The shows that play while you eat
A BBQ dinner in the desert is as much a show as a meal, and the entertainment runs right through dinner so you watch while you eat. The evening features around eight live performances on the camp stage:
- Belly dance, the signature opener as the buffet warms up
- LED Tanoura, the spinning illuminated Sufi dance
- Fire show, the dramatic late-evening highlight
- Live music and further stage acts through the night
The timing is arranged so the biggest acts land while the buffet is open, which is why dinner at our camp feels like an evening out rather than just a meal. Photography during the shows is welcome.
Dinner in the desert Dubai: private, romantic and group options
A BBQ dinner in the desert means different things to different guests. For some it is a lively shared camp with shows and a buffet; for others it is a quiet, romantic dinner under the stars. We run both, so here is how to choose.
The shared BBQ dinner safari
This is the classic and best-value option: you join the main camp, eat from the full halal buffet, and enjoy the belly dance, Tanoura and fire shows with everyone else. It is sociable, lively and ideal for first-timers, families and groups, from AED 35 with the dinner included.
Romantic dinner for couples
For an anniversary, a honeymoon or a proposal, a private setup turns the same desert into something far more intimate: a dedicated table away from the crowd, the sunset to yourselves and a quieter pace. The food is the same generous halal spread, with the option of table-side service. The full romantic version is on our desert safari Dubai for couples page, and the most private setups are arranged on WhatsApp.
Private and group dinners
For a family gathering, a birthday or a corporate evening, a private 4×4 from AED 799 keeps your group together, and larger private camp dinners can be arranged for bigger parties. For the most exclusive, fully bespoke desert dinners, see our luxury desert safari Dubai page; bespoke pricing is quoted on WhatsApp.
When is the best time for a BBQ dinner safari?
A BBQ dinner safari runs all year because dinner is at night, when the desert is cool. The most comfortable months are from October to April, when evenings are pleasant for sitting out. In the hotter months the camp is shaded and the breeze picks up after sunset, so the dinner is still very enjoyable; the summer self-drive rate is also the easiest way to keep the cost down. Friday and Saturday evenings are busiest, so for a quieter dinner choose a weeknight.
What to bring to a desert dinner
Very little. Wear light clothing with a layer for the evening, as it cools down once the sun sets, and bring a charged phone for photos of the shows and the food. Everything else, the meal, the drinks, the seating and the entertainment, is provided. For a month-by-month guide see our what to wear for a Dubai desert safari page.
Where the dinner camp is
Our camp sits in the desert near Al Awir, an easy drive from central Dubai, with the option of the red dunes at Lahbab for private setups. Hotel pickup is included on the shared 4×4 and private options, so most guests never need to find it themselves.
BBQ dinner desert safari Dubai: quick facts
What
An evening desert safari ending at a camp with an all-you-can-eat halal BBQ buffet and live shows.
Halal
Yes, fully halal. All grilled meat is halal-certified; no pork, no alcohol in cooking.
The menu
Live grill, Arabic mezze, biryani and curries, salads, bread and Arabic desserts.
Dinner time
Buffet opens around 8 PM at the camp, after dune bashing and the sunset.
Price
Included free in every safari from AED 35; private 4×4 for up to 7 from AED 799.
Vegetarian
Full veg, vegan and Jain options; tell us in advance for vegan, Jain or allergies.
BBQ dinner desert safari Dubai: key facts
A BBQ dinner desert safari in Dubai is an evening desert tour that ends at a Bedouin-style camp with an all-you-can-eat halal BBQ buffet served under the stars, alongside live belly dance, LED Tanoura and fire shows. With Royal Arabian Safari, a DTCM-licensed Dubai operator, the BBQ dinner is included free in every safari from AED 35, and dinner is served at the camp from around 8 PM, after the dune bashing and the sunset. The buffet is fully halal, with all grilled meat halal-certified, and covers a live grill of shish tawook, kebab and kofta, Arabic mezze such as hummus, moutabal and tabbouleh, hot mains including chicken and vegetable biryani and curries, fresh salads, warm Arabic bread, and desserts such as umm ali and luqaimat, plus unlimited soft drinks, Arabic tea, karak and coffee. Vegetarian options are plentiful, and vegan, Jain, gluten-free and allergy needs are catered when guests give advance notice. Prices are self-drive AED 35, shared bus AED 50, shared 4×4 with hotel pickup AED 100 per person, and a private 4×4 for up to seven guests AED 799; the dinner is included in every package, and many operators instead charge AED 99 to AED 150 per adult for the same evening. Bookings are made on WhatsApp at +971 58 228 2683 with no advance payment.
BBQ dinner desert safari Dubai: frequently asked questions
Is the BBQ dinner desert safari in Dubai halal?
Yes. The BBQ dinner is fully halal. All the meat at the grill is halal-certified, there is no pork, and no alcohol is used in the cooking. Muslim guests and GCC families can order from any station with confidence.
What is on the BBQ dinner menu?
A typical buffet includes a live grill of shish tawook, lamb and mutton kebab and kofta, Arabic mezze such as hummus, moutabal, tabbouleh and fattoush, hot mains including chicken and vegetable biryani and curries, rice, fresh salads, warm Arabic bread, and desserts such as umm ali and luqaimat with fresh fruit. Menus rotate a little with the season.
How much does a BBQ dinner desert safari in Dubai cost?
The BBQ dinner is included free in every safari, which starts at AED 35 for self-drive, AED 50 by shared bus, AED 100 for a shared 4×4 with hotel pickup, or AED 799 for a private 4×4 for up to seven guests. Many other operators charge AED 99 to AED 150 per adult for the evening, so check whether the dinner is actually included in the price you are quoted.
Is the BBQ dinner included or charged extra?
It is included free in every one of our packages from AED 35. The full halal buffet, the live grill, the drinks and the shows all come inside the price, with no separate dinner charge. Only genuine extras such as VIP table-side seating or a falcon photo are optional.
What time is dinner served on the safari?
The full BBQ buffet opens at the camp at around 8 PM, after the dune bashing and the sunset. Welcome dates, coffee and a warm starter are served earlier, from about 6:30 PM, and desserts and tea continue until around 9 PM.
Are there vegetarian options at the BBQ dinner?
Yes, and plenty of them. Between the full mezze line, vegetable biryani, dal, mixed vegetable curry, grilled vegetables, salads, bread and the dessert station, a vegetarian can build a complete dinner without touching the grill. There is no separate vegetarian price.
Are there vegan or Jain options?
Yes, with advance notice. Vegan and Jain (no onion or garlic) meals can be prepared if you tell us when you book on WhatsApp. The buffet already has many naturally vegan items such as hummus, salads, grilled vegetables, rice and fruit, and advance notice lets the kitchen add dedicated dishes.
Is the food all you can eat?
Yes. The buffet is unlimited and you can return to any station as often as you like. Drinks are also unlimited and included, not counted per glass.
What drinks are included with dinner?
Unlimited soft drinks, mineral water, fresh juice, Arabic tea, sweet karak and coffee all evening, plus the welcome kahwa with dates on arrival. Shisha is available at the camp in the designated area.
Is alcohol available at the BBQ dinner?
The included drinks are non-alcoholic. We run a family-friendly, halal camp, so alcohol is not part of the standard package. We prefer to state this clearly rather than leave it vague.
Can I do the BBQ dinner without the dune bashing?
Yes. You can join on a camp-only basis and go straight to the dinner, the camel ride and the shows with a gentle transfer instead of the off-road drive. See our desert safari without dune bashing page for the full version.
Is the BBQ dinner safari good for children and families?
Very much so. Plain grilled chicken, rice, fries, bread, fresh fruit and ice cream all feature on the buffet, which suits younger and pickier eaters. High chairs can be arranged on request, and a private 4×4 keeps a family together.
What shows are there during dinner?
Around eight live performances run through dinner, including belly dance, the LED Tanoura spinning dance and a fire show, plus live music and further stage acts. The biggest acts are timed to play while the buffet is open.
Can I have a private or romantic desert dinner?
Yes. For couples, a private setup gives you a dedicated table away from the crowd, the sunset to yourselves and optional table-side service, with the same halal spread. See our desert safari for couples and luxury desert safari pages, and the most private setups are arranged on WhatsApp.
Is there an extra charge for vegetarian meals?
No. Vegetarian guests pay the same price as everyone else; the vegetarian dishes are part of the same included buffet.
How long is the desert safari with BBQ dinner?
About six hours in total, with pickup from around 3:30 to 4 PM and return by about 9 to 9:30 PM on the shared evening safari. Private bookings can run later.
Where is the dinner camp located?
Our camp is in the desert near Al Awir, an easy drive from central Dubai, with the red dunes at Lahbab available for private setups. Hotel pickup is included on the shared 4×4 and private options.
Is gluten-free food available?
Yes, with advance notice. Many buffet items such as grilled meats, salads, rice and grilled vegetables are naturally gluten-free, and the kitchen can prepare dedicated gluten-free dishes if you tell us when booking.
How is this different from a normal evening desert safari?
It is the same evening, viewed through the food. An evening safari is the whole experience of dune bashing, sunset, camp and shows, while this page focuses on the BBQ dinner itself: the menu, halal status, dietary options and dinner timing. The dinner is included in the evening safari either way.
How do I book the BBQ dinner desert safari in Dubai?
Message us on WhatsApp at +971 58 228 2683 with your date, number of guests, pickup area and any dietary needs such as vegan, Jain, gluten-free or allergies. There is no advance payment and you pay on the day.
Hungry for the desert?
Message us your date, guests, pickup area and any dietary needs and we will set up your BBQ dinner desert safari, the full halal buffet and shows included free with your safari from AED 35. DTCM-licensed, all you can eat, no advance payment, instant answers on WhatsApp.
Book on WhatsAppPhotos From Our Dubai Desert Camp
These are our own guests and our own camp, not stock photography. If you want more, ask on WhatsApp and we will send the latest batch from this week.
Book Your Dubai Desert Safari
Send the form and we reply on WhatsApp with the exact pickup time for your area. Nothing is charged online — you pay the driver or at the camp.
Related Desert Safari Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you run desert safaris and tours in Dubai as well as Abu Dhabi?
Yes. We are an Abu Dhabi based DCT-licensed operator running our own camp in the Al Khatim desert, and we also arrange Dubai desert safaris and Dubai city tours. If you are staying in Dubai but want the taller, quieter Abu Dhabi dunes and the lower price from AED 35, we run transfers from Dubai.
What is included in the Abu Dhabi desert safari?
Every evening package includes 4×4 dune bashing, a short camel ride, sandboarding, a sunset photo stop, Arabic costume for photos, henna for ladies, a full BBQ buffet dinner with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, unlimited soft drinks, water, Arabic coffee and tea, a shisha corner, separate washrooms and around eight live shows including tanoura, belly dance and a fire show.
How much does a desert safari in Abu Dhabi cost?
Booking direct with us: AED 35 self-drive, AED 50 shared bus from Al Wahda or Mazyad Mall, AED 100 shared hotel pickup, AED 799 for a private 7-seater car and AED 999 for a private Land Cruiser. Agencies and hotel desks typically charge AED 180 to 250 per person for the same evening because they add commission on top of an operator price.
What time does the desert safari start and finish?
Pickup is usually 3:00 to 3:30 PM and you are back in the city around 10:00 to 10:30 PM. Timings follow sunset, so in December pickup moves earlier and in June it moves later.
Where does the desert safari take place?
At our own DCT-licensed camp in the Al Khatim desert, roughly 80 km east of Abu Dhabi city along the E22 Abu Dhabi to Al Ain highway, about a 50 to 60 minute drive. The Al Khatim ridges rise over 100 metres, which is considerably taller than the roadside dunes some operators use, and there is far less traffic on the sand.
How do I book?
Message us on WhatsApp with your date and group size. We reply with the exact total, no deposit and no booking fee, and you pay at the camp on the day. Free cancellation applies up to 12 hours before.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes on the AED 100 shared pickup, the AED 799 private car and the AED 999 Land Cruiser, covering the whole city including the Corniche, Al Maryah, Al Reem, Downtown, Khalifa City, Mussafah, Yas Island, Saadiyat, Shabiya and the airport. The AED 50 package departs from Al Wahda Mall or Mazyad Mall, and AED 35 is self-drive using a GPS pin we send you.
Do I need a 4×4 for the self-drive option?
No. You drive on tarmac to a meeting point, so any standard car or rental reaches it comfortably. Our team takes over there in a proper 4×4 for the dune bashing.
How long is the dune bashing?
Around 40 to 45 minutes with short breaks. Tyres are deflated to roughly 15 psi first so they float on the sand. Intensity is adjustable at any point — tell your driver you want it gentle and it becomes a scenic drive.
Is dune bashing safe?
Yes with a licensed operator. Every passenger wears a seatbelt, vehicles are maintained and insured, drivers are trained specifically for dune driving, and vehicles travel in convoy so recovery is immediate. You can ask to stop at any time.
Can I do the safari without dune bashing?
Yes. Book the self-drive package and come straight to the camp, or ask for a direct transfer on a private car. You still get the sunset, camel ride, sandboarding, dinner and every show. This is the right choice for pregnant guests and anyone with back, neck or heart conditions.
What food is served at the camp?
A full BBQ buffet: salads and mezze including fattoush, hummus and Arabic bread; rice dishes, dal, pasta and mixed vegetable sabzi; chicken tikka, shish taouk, lamb seekh kebab and fish from the grill; Om Ali and fresh fruit for dessert. All 100% halal, with unlimited soft drinks, water, Arabic coffee and tea.
Are vegetarian and special diets catered for?
Vegetarian options are always available as standard, and the whole buffet is halal. Vegan, Jain, gluten-free and allergy requirements can be accommodated with advance notice — tell us when you book and we will confirm what will be on the table.
Is alcohol available?
No. Alcohol is not served or permitted at our camp and guests should not bring their own. Unlimited soft drinks, water, Arabic coffee and tea are included, and shisha is available at the camp.
What should I wear?
Loose, light-coloured clothing that covers shoulders and knees, and closed shoes such as trainers you do not mind filling with sand. From October to April bring a jacket — camp temperatures drop to 13 to 22 degrees after sunset. Avoid flip-flops, heels and skinny jeans.
Is the desert safari better in Abu Dhabi or Dubai?
For dunes, quiet and price, Abu Dhabi. The Al Khatim ridges rise over 100 metres against generally lower Dubai dunes, there are far fewer vehicles on the sand, the night sky is darker and entry starts at AED 35 against roughly AED 90 to 150 in Dubai. Dubai is more convenient only if you are already staying there.
Planning a Day in Abu Dhabi From Dubai
Most guests who book the dunes with us also want a day in the capital. These guides cover the practical detail:
- Abu Dhabi city tour from Dubai — the full-day run down the E11 and back, with realistic timings
- Abu Dhabi to Dubai taxi fare — real fares for taxi, bus and Uber between the two emirates
Book this tour
No deposit and no card details. Message us and we confirm the plan and the exact price before you commit — answered at any hour.
- Send your date and guest countYour date, how many of you, and where we collect from. That is all we need.
- We send the plan and the pricePer car, not per person. You see the route, the timings and the exact figure first.
- Pay the driver on the dayCash or card, after the run. Free cancellation up to 12 hours before pickup.
Answered 24 hours · No deposit · No booking fee · Licensed operator
If we have to cancel, what happens?
A cancellation policy that covers your obligations but not ours is only half a document. Here is our side of it, in writing.
If we have to cancel your booking — for weather, a vehicle issue, or driver illness — we will contact you as soon as we know and rebook you at no charge on the next date that works for you. You pay nothing for the cancelled booking.
If we need to send a different vehicle than the one you booked, we will ask you first rather than turning up in something you did not book.
This is separate from your own cancellation rights, which are unchanged: you can cancel free up to 12 hours before pickup. Because we take no deposit and no booking fee, there is no money of yours sitting with us either way — nothing to chase, and nothing to wait for.
Desert safari from Dubai: the timeline, hour by hour
Here is exactly how the evening unfolds, from the moment we collect you to the drop-off back in Dubai. Times shift a little with the season and the sunset; the sequence stays the same.
| Time | Stage | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| 3:00 – 3:30 PM | Pickup | We collect you from your Dubai hotel or residence — or you drive yourself to the camp using the GPS pin we send. The drive takes about 50 to 65 minutes depending on traffic. |
| 4:00 – 4:30 PM | Dune bashing | Your driver takes you across the dunes in a 4×4. Tell us if you want it gentle or lively — you control the intensity. |
| 5:00 – 5:30 PM | Sunset stop | The drive pauses on a high dune for the sunset, the best light of the day and the best photographs of the trip. |
| 5:30 – 6:00 PM | Camel ride and sandboarding | Ride a camel across the sand and try sandboarding down the dunes. Both included, both suitable for all ages. |
| 6:30 PM | Arrive at the camp | Settle into the Bedouin-style camp with carpet and cushion seating. A welcome starter is served; henna, Arabic costumes for photos, and the falcon are all here. |
| 7:00 – 8:00 PM | Live shows | Eight live performances including belly dance, the glowing LED Tanoura and a fire show, while the desert cools around you. |
| 8:00 – 9:00 PM | BBQ buffet dinner | A full BBQ buffet with separated vegetarian and non-vegetarian sections and halal meat, plus unlimited soft drinks, water, tea and coffee. Shisha in the designated area. |
| 9:30 – 10:00 PM | Drop-off | We drive you back to your Dubai hotel, or you head home from the camp. |
Your confirmed pickup time is the one we send on WhatsApp the day before.