Dubai desert safari is one of the most popular and must to do activity in your Dubai trip, but for most of the tourists, the main highlight is not the dune bashing and safari activities. They chose the desert safari to experience Arabic cuisine in the middle of the desert under the stars. A typical desert safari includes adventure, culture, and dining in a single experience. You can experience the dunebashing, sandboarding, camel ride, and sunset photography, and this experience leads to the desert camp, where you enjoy the buffet dinner, which includes Arabic and international dishes along with the live entertainment shows.
In this guide you will learn what is included, dinner types, food options and how to choose the right desert safari Dubai package for your desert trip.
What happens during Desert Safari Dubai with Dinner?
Your desert safari tour starts in the afternoon when the driver picks you up from your hotel, and the journey starts towards the desert. After the one-hour drive, you will finally reach the desert, where you will enjoy the desert safari activities. The first activity will be dune bashing, in which a 4 by 4 vehicle climbs up the high dunes and then slides over the soft sand. Then you will enjoy the fun activities like sandboarding and camel riding. Then you can make beautiful pictures at sunset. Finally, when the sunsets, the driver will drop you at the desert camp, where you can experience different things like traditional camp look, falcon photography, henna painting and Arabic costumes. Then you will be called for the buffet dinner, and at the same time you will experience the live shows like belly dance, tanoura shows and fire shows.
Desert Safari Dubai dinner menu and food options
The dinner offered at the desert camp is usually like the buffet arrangements, where you can find different varieties and tastes. This buffet dinner includes the international option along with indian food and Arabic cuisine.
The menu typically starts with different kinds of salads, hummus, Arabic mezze and light appetizers. These are followed by the dinner main course, including the chicken tikka boti, kebabs, biryani, pasta and sometimes lamb. A wide variety of veggie options available, including the mixed vegetables, daal, rice curries, naan and Arabic bread. At the end, you can experience the dessert, which is mostly the cake, fruit or custard. Overall, the desert safari with dinner will make your experience memorable.
Types of Desert Safari Dubai with Dinner packages
Desert safari Dubai with dinner available in different packages depending on the budget, comfort level and experience. Each evening desert safari package includes dinner, but the service, exclusivity, and seating vary.
Standard Desert Safari with Dinner
This is the most common and budget-friendly desert safari with a dinner option. In this pickup and drop off by bus and you have to enjoy the desert dinner in a buffet system, in which you have to reach the buffet arrangements and pick for yourself. In this package, the standard seating will also be provided at camp. It is an affordable option for those who want a complete experience at affordable rates.
VIP Desert Safari with Dinner
The VIP desert safari offers more luxury and comfortable arrangements. Your seat has been reserved at the camp, table service is including by which you can enjoy your trip without any hassle. It is suitable for families, couples and those who love the comfort.
Private Desert Safari with Dinner
In a private desert safari, the whole experience is exclusively arranged for you and your group. You can enjoy a private 4 by 4 pickup with personalized timing, at camp, and your private table has been reserved. It is suitable for couples, families and those who love privacy.
How much does Desert Safari Dubai with Dinner cost?
The desert safari packages start from AED 30 per person, which is known as self-drive desert safari, in which you have to reach the desert camp. This package includes the BBQ dinner. The VIP desert safari with dinner costs AED 120 per person. The price of private desert safari with dinner starts from AED 500 per group and in one group max 6 people can includes. All these packages include all safari activities, including the dunebashing, sandboarding, camel ride, sunset photography, and live entertainment shows at camp.
Standard vs VIP Desert Safari Dinner Experience
| Feature | Standard Desert Safari | VIP Desert Safari |
| Seating | Shared / Open seating | Reserved / Priority seating |
| Dinner Style | Buffet with queues | Faster service / less waiting |
| Crowd Level | More crowded | Less crowded & relaxed |
| Comfort | Basic setup | More comfortable setup |
| Price | Budget-friendly | Higher price (premium) |
| Experience Focus | Value for money | Comfort & convenience |
| Best For | Budget travelers, groups | Couples, families, premium seekers |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Desert Safari Dubai with Dinner worth it?
Yes, the desert safari in Dubai is worth it if you want to experience both adventure and dining at the desert camp. However, the value depends on the package you have chosen. It’s recommended to choose a VIP desert safari with better seating arrangements and dining options.
Is dinner included in all desert safari packages in Dubai?
All evening desert safari packages include the BBQ dinner along with safari activities. At the same time, the morning desert safari doesn’t include dinner.
Is vegetarian food available in desert safari Dubai with dinner?
Yes, the desert safari dinner includes a veg option, such as salads, rice, daal, and mixed vegetables, along with naan or Arabic bread.
Is alcohol included in the desert safari dinner packages?
Alcohol is not included in the standard safari packages, but you can purchase it at the desert camp for an additional charge.
What is the best time to enjoy a desert safari dinner in Dubai?
The best time to enjoy the evening desert safari with dinner is the cooler months from October to April, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor dining in the desert.
