Yes, for most travelers the camp dinner is worth it. It turns the safari into a full evening: a BBQ buffet with Arabic dishes, unlimited soft drinks, and three live shows (belly dance, Tanoura and a fire show) under the stars. The experience depends on how crowded the camp is and how you are seated, which is where Premium and VIP upgrades make a real difference.

Forum threads about Dubai safaris often end with the same doubt: is the dinner and show part good, or is it a touristy buffet you could skip? Here is an honest look at what happens at the camp, so you can decide.

What happens at the desert camp?

After dune bashing and sunset photos, you arrive at the camp around 5:15 PM in winter. A typical evening on our Evening Desert Safari looks like this:

Timings move later in summer, because pickup moves to 3:00 to 3:30 PM to match the later sunset.

What food is served?

• Starters: hummus, mutabal, fattoush and tabbouleh.
• BBQ: lamb kofta, chicken tikka, kebabs and grilled vegetables.
• Mains: lamb ouzi, chicken biryani and vegetable rice.
• Desserts: fruit and Arabic sweets, often including luqaimat.
• Drinks: unlimited soft drinks, water, tea and coffee.

All meat is halal. Vegetarian dishes are always available, and vegan or gluten-free meals can be arranged with 24 hours notice. Jain food is available on request.

Are the camps crowded?

This is the most common complaint about cheap safaris. Popular camps can host a large number of guests on busy winter evenings, which means queues at the buffet and seats far from the stage. Three things reduce the crowd factor:

1. Go on a weekday: Sunday to Wednesday evenings are quieter than weekends and holidays.
2. Upgrade your seating: the Evening Desert Safari + VIP (AED 199 per person, 5 guests or more) gives you VIP seating, a VIP dinner menu and a less crowded camp area.
3. Skip the queue: the Premium Desert Safari (AED 399 per person) gives you priority access, reserved seating near the stage and dinner served to your table.

Buffet vs table service: which is better?

Are the shows worth staying for?

Yes. The Tanoura dancer spinning in lit skirts and the fire show are the highlights for most guests, and children usually love them. The belly dance is performed with live drums. During Ramadan, belly dance is replaced with traditional music and pickup moves later, usually after Iftar.

When is skipping dinner a better idea?

If you want only the dunes and photos, or you have an early flight, the Morning Desert Safari is a short private trip with no dinner, back by noon. If you want more time in the desert instead of less, the Overnight Desert Safari adds stargazing, a night in a private tent and a sunrise camel trek.

Frequently asked questions

Is dinner included in a Dubai desert safari?

On our evening safaris, yes. Every evening package includes a BBQ buffet dinner with unlimited soft drinks, water, tea and coffee, plus three live shows.

Is the desert safari food halal and is there vegetarian food?

All meat is halal and vegetarian dishes are always available. Vegan, gluten-free and Jain meals can be arranged on request.

Are desert safari camps crowded?

Camps can be busy on winter weekends. Go on a weekday or choose an upgrade with reserved seating and table service to avoid queues.

What shows are at the desert camp?

Belly dance with live drums, Tanoura dance and a fire show. During Ramadan, belly dance is replaced with traditional music.

Is a premium desert safari worth the extra cost?

If you dislike queues and crowds, yes. You get reserved seating near the stage and dinner served to your table, which makes the evening calmer and more comfortable.

Choose the evening that fits you. Compare the Evening Desert Safari, Premium and VIP options and every other tour on our packages page.