A Dubai desert safari dinner menu is more than just a meal—it’s a cultural and culinary experience that brings together the rich flavors of Arabic cuisine, live entertainment, and the magic of the desert. Whether you choose a standard safari buffet or indulge in a luxury, non-stop dining experience in a premium safari, you’ll be treated to a lavish spread of grilled meats, fresh salads, Middle Eastern delicacies, and international favorites.
This guide explores everything you can expect from a desert safari dinner, including premium and luxury buffet options, live BBQ stations, vegetarian-friendly dishes, and desserts that complete the experience.
A Non-Stop Fine Dining Experience: For those who seek exclusivity, luxury, and uninterrupted service, our Premium Desert Safari Dubai offers non-stop buffet dining experience.
✅ Unlimited Live BBQ – The grill never stops, offering continuous servings of grilled meats.
✅ Personalized Service – Dedicated staff serve fresh food throughout the night.
✅ Exclusive Seating – Enjoy the meal in a private VIP lounge with superior comfort.
✅ Expanded Menu – A wider selection of premium meats, seafood, and international dishes.
✅ Luxury Ambiance – Enjoy candlelit dining, enhanced table settings, and gourmet dessert platters.
For guests on a regular VIP desert safari or overnight desert safari, the buffet-style dinner offers a variety of Middle Eastern, Indian, and international dishes. The experience starts with traditional Arabic hospitality and progresses into an extravagant meal featuring grilled meats, rice dishes, vegetarian specialties, and desserts.
✅ Budget-Friendly Arabic Feast – Enjoy an affordable yet delicious buffet featuring traditional Middle Eastern dishes.
✅ Live BBQ Experience – Relish freshly grilled chicken, lamb kebabs, and beef skewers, sizzling right off the BBQ.
✅ Variety for All – With vegetarian and Non-Vegetarian options, the buffet caters to all tastes without breaking the bank.
The first thing you’ll experience upon arrival is a traditional Arabic welcome, a centuries-old gesture of hospitality.
What You Receive:
☕ Gahwa (Arabic Coffee) – Made from lightly roasted coffee beans, infused with cardamom and saffron, served in tiny cups.
🌴 Fresh Dates – Traditionally served with coffee, dates are nutrient-rich and symbolize hospitality in Arab culture.
🍵 Karak Chai – A creamy, spiced tea brewed with black tea, cardamom, and evaporated milk for a rich taste.
🥤 Soft Drinks & Water – Unlimited refreshments to keep guests hydrated
🌹 Rose Water & Mint Drinks – Served in some premium safaris for a refreshing start.
These drinks help guests refresh after an adventurous dune bashing or camel ride.
Cultural Insight:
Did you know? Emirati Gahwa has UNESCO heritage status and is served in a special dallah (coffee pot) with small finjan cups.
🔹 Premium Safari Upgrade: Guests in VIP desert safaris get additional Turkish coffee, saffron-infused milk, and premium Medjool dates.
Before the main buffet opens, guests can enjoy a variety of appetizers, including:
All mezze are served with fresh Arabic bread and dips.
The BBQ section is one of the main attractions of a desert safari dinner. Skilled chefs grill meats over an open flame, ensuring juicy, smoky flavors in every bite, checkout complete BBQ dinner in safari details.
✔ Shish Tawook – Grilled chicken marinated in yogurt, garlic, and lemon
✔ Lamb Kofta Kebabs – Minced lamb blended with Middle Eastern spices
✔ Beef Kebabs – Tender beef grilled over charcoal
✔ BBQ Chicken – Marinated in Arabic spices for a rich, smoky flavor
✔ Grilled Fish – Fresh fish seasoned with lemon and herbs
✔ Vegetarian BBQ – Paneer skewers, roasted mushrooms, and spiced vegetables
🔥 Premium Safari Exclusive: Enjoy non-stop servings of all BBQ items without limits!
Checkout more Arabic dishes to try in desert safari tour.
Once the buffet opens, guests can enjoy a variety of authentic Arabic, Indian, and international dishes.
✔ Chicken Biryani – A fragrant, spiced rice dish with saffron & marinated chicken
✔ Lamb Mandi – Slow-cooked lamb served over aromatic rice
✔ Steamed White Rice – A simple, mild option
✔ Freshly Baked Arabic Bread – Pita, khubz, and markook
✔ Chicken Curry – A rich, mildly spiced dish cooked with coconut milk
✔ Vegetable Tagine – A Moroccan dish of slow-cooked vegetables in aromatic spices
✔ Pasta with Cream Sauce – A non-spicy option for kids and families
✔ Stir-Fried Noodles – A Chinese-inspired dish with soy sauce and vegetables
🔥 Premium Safari Exclusive: Includes lobster, king prawns, and premium meat cuts and it is also main feature of Desert safari without dune bashing.
Vegetarian and vegan guests can enjoy:
✔ Grilled Vegetable Skewers
✔ Chickpea & Lentil Stews
✔ Vegetable Couscous
✔ Stuffed Vine Leaves (Warak Enab)
Indulge in classic Middle Eastern and Western desserts, including:
✔ Baklava – Flaky pastry with nuts and honey
✔ Umm Ali – Egyptian-style bread pudding with nuts and raisins
✔ Luqaimat – Emirati-style fried dumplings drizzled with date syrup
✔ Chocolate Cake & Vanilla Pudding
🔥 Premium Safari Exclusive: Enjoy a gourmet dessert platter & Arabic sweet selection.
✔ Unlimited Arabic Tea & Coffee ☕
✔ Soft Drinks & Juices 🥤
✔ Shisha (Hookah) Lounge – Available in multiple flavors
| Feature | Standard Buffet | Premium Buffet |
|---|---|---|
| Live BBQ | Limited servings | 🔥 Unlimited & Non-Stop |
| Exclusive Seating | Shared area | 🌟 VIP Private Lounge |
| Premium Meats | Standard selection | 🦞 Lobster, Prawns, Wagyu Beef |
| Service | Self-serve buffet | 🏆 Personalized Table Service |
| Desserts | Standard selection | 🍰 Premium dessert platter |
Whether you choose a classic buffet or an exclusive VIP dining experience, the desert safari dinner menu is an unforgettable culinary journey.
A desert safari dinner is a special part of the Dubai experience, where guests enjoy a night filled with tasty food, music, and culture under the stars. While the dinner is a highlight, the location also plays a big role in making the evening unforgettable. From the vast dunes of Lahbab to the peaceful Al Qudra desert, each area offers its own charm and beauty. If you want to explore where to enjoy these amazing experiences, check out the best desert safari locations in Dubai to find the perfect spot for your next adventure.