Dinner in Desert

Planning a night out in Dubai that offers both adventure and authentic culture? The Dinner in Desert tour provides an engaging mix of adrenaline, entertainment, and delicious food, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Arabian desert. While it’s a well-organized experience that packs in a lot, it’s important to know what to expect and how it suits your travel style.

What draws us to this tour are the thrilling dune bashing, the chance to see traditional entertainment like belly dancing, and the opportunity to indulge in authentic Middle Eastern cuisine. We also appreciate that the experience includes several free activities—camel rides, henna, sandboarding—which add value without extra cost. However, some travelers might find the group size of up to 200 people a bit overwhelming, and a previous review mentioned concerns about safety in transportation.

This tour is best suited for those seeking a full evening of desert adventure paired with cultural shows. If you’re traveling with family, friends, or even as a solo traveler curious about Dubai’s desert life, it offers a good dose of entertainment and sightseeing. Just keep in mind that it’s a longer, active evening, so it’s ideal for those ready to spend around six hours exploring and dining under the stars.

Key Points

• Authentic desert experience with dune bashing, camel rides, and sandboarding.
• Family-friendly activities, including henna painting, sheesha, and entertainment.
• Delicious international buffet with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.
• High-energy entertainment like belly dance, Tanura dance, and fire shows.
• Comfortable transfers in air-conditioned vehicles, with pickup included.
• Potential safety concerns noted by a reviewer regarding transportation logistics.

What to Expect from the Tour

Transport and Timing

The tour begins with a pickup around 2:30 pm in a 4×4 Land Cruiser, which is great for those wanting an adventurous ride directly into the desert. The entire experience lasts approximately 6 hours, making it a reasonably paced evening activity. The journey includes 45 minutes of dune bashing—a highlight for many—giving you that quintessential Dubai desert thrill. The return transfer is comfortable and air-conditioned, dropping you back at your Dubai hotel, which adds to the convenience factor.

The Desert Camp Atmosphere

Once you arrive at the desert camp in Lahbab, you’ll be greeted with a traditional Arabic welcome, including tea and coffee. The camp is well-maintained and equipped to handle a large number of travelers, with plenty of opportunities for photo shoots in traditional Arabic dress—a fun keepsake. The free activities here are plentiful: camel riding, sandboarding, and henna painting—all designed to enrich your desert experience without additional cost. Be aware, some reviewers mentioned safety issues, like inadequate seating for larger groups, so if safety is a priority, it’s worth noting that the tour involves a lot of moving parts.

Activities and Entertainment

The dune bashing is often the most adrenaline-pumping part, with many describing it as “fun” and “exciting.” One traveler noted, “We did the ride on the sand dunes, which was really fun.” The camp also hosts a belly dance show and Tanura dance, performed on traditional Arabic music, which adds a cultural flavor. A fire show caps off the evening with visual spectacle, making for great photos and a lively atmosphere.

Food and Drinks

The buffet dinner is a key highlight. It features Middle Eastern grilled meats, breads, and fresh salads, offering a satisfying end to your desert adventure. The menu caters to both vegetarians and meat-eaters, and the all-you-can-eat format means you can sample a variety of flavors without worry. Refreshments such as unlimited water, tea, coffee, and soft drinks are included, though alcohol is not, which is common for desert tours.

Entertainment and Cultural Highlights

Besides the culinary delights, the entertainment is a major draw. Expect an enchanting belly dance, a captivating Tanura dance, and the fire show—all performed on a full light and sound stage. The live performances add a festive vibe and make the evening feel immersive.

Things to Keep in Mind

While the tour offers a lot, it’s not without considerations. One review expressed concern about safety regarding car seats for six people, which suggests that if you prioritize individual safety, you should verify vehicle arrangements. Also, alcoholic beverages and quad biking are not included, and if those are important to you, you’ll need to seek additional options.

Is It Worth the Price?

At $65 per person, this tour provides a comprehensive desert experience that includes transport, activities, dinner, and entertainment. When you consider the variety of free activities and the quality of shows, it offers good value, especially for first-time visitors wanting a taste of classic Dubai desert life. However, if you’re looking for a more boutique or personalized experience, you might find this tour a bit crowded or commercial.

In-Depth Look at the Itinerary

Lahbab Dunes and Adventure

The journey kicks off in Lahbab, where you’ll experience dune bashing—a rollercoaster ride over the sand dunes that many find exhilarating. The 45-minute dune bashing is a highlight, providing plenty of photo opportunities with the shifting sands and desert vistas. The camel ride is also included, offering a more traditional mode of desert travel. Reviewers have appreciated how friendly and accommodating the guides are, with one noting their guide spoke excellent English and was quite considerate, especially when traveling with infants.

Activities at the Camp

Once at the camp, your traditional welcome sets a warm tone. The henna painting is free and quick, perfect for trying out some desert-inspired body art. The sandboarding is another fun, free activity that adds an adventurous touch. Be mindful that some reviews have expressed safety concerns about seating arrangements—especially when the group gets large—so if you’re traveling with children, it’s best to communicate your needs in advance.

Cultural Shows and Evening Entertainment

The belly dance and Tanura performances are lively and colorful, performed on stage with professional flair. The fire show is especially popular, with performers spinning flames in a choreographed routine. These acts are designed to entertain and give you a taste of Arabian nightlife, adding a vibrant end to your desert adventure.

Dinner Experience

The buffet dinner is set outdoors under the stars, with a focus on authentic Middle Eastern flavors. The barbecued meats and fresh salads are often highlighted as satisfying, and the option for vegetarian dishes ensures inclusivity. The unlimited drinks are a thoughtful addition, allowing you to relax and enjoy the evening without concern for extra charges.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

Families with children might find this tour particularly appealing, thanks to the included activities and the lively shows. Those wanting a comprehensive desert night with transportation, entertainment, and a hearty meal will find it delivers plenty of bang for the buck. If you’re a solo traveler or part of a group wanting a lively, activity-packed evening, this tour offers a good way to meet fellow travelers.

Conversely, if safety concerns or a more intimate experience are your priority, you might prefer smaller, more personalized options. Also, those who dislike large crowds or are sensitive to group logistics might want to weigh the group size of up to 200 in planning their trip.

Final Thoughts

Dinner in Desert presents a lively, well-organized way to experience Dubai’s iconic desert landscape while enjoying traditional entertainment and food. The mix of adventure, culture, and cuisine makes it ideal for those looking to explore beyond the city’s skyscrapers without sacrificing comfort. The included activities are diverse, and the shows are professionally performed, making for a memorable evening.

While some safety concerns were noted, overall, the tour offers good value for its price. It can be a great choice for families, first-time visitors, or anyone eager to experience the magic of the desert with a touch of Dubai’s vibrant entertainment scene.

For travelers seeking a lively, activity-filled night that combines adventure and culture, this tour hits the mark. Just remember to communicate your needs and check safety arrangements if you’re traveling with young children or have specific safety concerns.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included in the tour?
Yes, pickup is offered in an air-conditioned vehicle, and the tour starts around 2:30 pm.

How long does the entire experience last?
The tour lasts approximately 6 hours, including pickup, activities, dinner, and return to your Dubai hotel.

Are activities like camel riding and sandboarding free?
Yes, these activities are included at no extra cost. You can enjoy camel rides, sandboarding, and henna painting as part of the tour.

What kind of food is served for dinner?
The buffet features Middle Eastern grilled meats, breads, and fresh salads, with vegetarian options available.

Is alcohol available during the tour?
No, alcoholic beverages are not included or available as part of this experience.

Is this tour suitable for families with young children?
Yes, it is generally suitable, especially since activities like camel riding and henna are family-friendly. However, safety and seating arrangements should be checked if traveling with infants, considering some reviews raised safety concerns.

This comprehensive review aims to give you a balanced view of what to expect from the Dinner in Desert tour in Dubai. Whether you’re after adventure, culture, or just a fun night out under the stars, it offers a solid, enjoyable experience worth considering.