Desert Dining in Dubai- United Arab Emirates

What is It- Despite the glitter of the city in Dubai and the wide variety of restaurants there, visitors sometimes want to experience a meal in the desert during their trip. There are three ways to do this. One way is to book a full day excursion to one of the local oases or the Hajar mountains or arrange an overnight trip to stay in a tent or cabin there. Another way is to book a room at one of the top resorts like Bab Al Shams or Al Maha Resort and Spa which are located out in the desert and offer full services to guests. But the most common approach is to book a half day desert safari and Bedouin feast. These late afternoon and evening adventures include a ride through the desert by jeep and usually “dune bashing” up and down the sand dunes. The safari will then take you to a modern desert encampment where a buffet feast will be prepared incorporating local favorites and plenty of meats. Other cultural activities such as camel riding, belly dancing, musical performances and a falconry demonstration are often included. 

For our desert experience we decided to attend the elaborate feast and Bedouin village experience which the Bab Al Shams provides for its guests and those from other leading Dubai hotels at the Al Hadheerah Restaurant. The Al Hadheerah has a large outdoor pavilion outfitted with carpets and lanterns. It serves Arabic cuisine featuring dozens of different dishes of lamb, chicken, and fish prepared in wood fire ovens and roasted on spits which are served at ten cooking stations. In addition to the abundance of meats, there are fruits, vegetables, vegetarian dishes, rice, potatoes, and everything else you can think of at the buffet. A large selection of alcoholic beverages, juices, soft drinks, teas, and coffee keep everyone well-hydrated. 

There are so many different serving stations and choices that the receptionist guides you through the food offerings on the way in. Once seated, you can visit the cooking stations for food, drinks and desserts as needed throughout the evening. More important than the quantity though is the quality of the food available. While the cooking at Al Hadheerah is done above ground instead of in traditional earth pits in the desert sand, the meats are tender, and the sauces add interesting flavors to the food. We tried out the lamb, chicken, seafood, and other meat offerings and went back for more several times.

The facilities at the restaurant include large tables for groups and families along with intimate tables for couples to relax and enjoy the stars. There is also live entertainment throughout the evening that includes light music, a band, belly dancers and Dabkeh dancers. This is followed by a live performance of a desert adventure story featuring horses, camels and heroes that plays out on the hillside above the stage. Adjacent to the dinner area is a model of a traditional Arab village displaying arts and crafts and a falconry exhibition. Some people might find the cultural immersions presented at the restaurant to be a bit hokey but when you are outside with family and friends under the sky eating good food, the entertainment adds to the dining experience rather than distracts from it. 

Interesting Facts- Reservations are required for the dinner and the show. Beverage selections and entertainment may be limited during the holy month of Ramadan. The restaurant and hotel are currently closed for facility upgrades and renovations and are expected to reopen in winter 2023. 

How to Get Here- Bab Al Sharms is located about 45 minutes outside of the Dubai city at the end of the D63 expressway near the Emirates equestrian center. However, the area is quite remote, so it is recommended that you take a prepaid excursion there or make sure your taxi driver knows the way to restaurant which is adjacent to the hotel. 

When to Go- Heat is excessive and extreme in the desert during the late spring and summer so plan your visit accordingly, However, temperatures drop significantly after dusk in the desert, so the restaurant schedules its feasts to provide a comfortable experience for guests. 

Cost- Dinner, entertainment, and soft drinks costs about $120 per person for adults and $50 per person for children.