Desert Camp Evening with BBQ Dinner & Shows Dubai

The desert camp in the red dunes south of Dubai

The camp lies among the red dunes south of Dubai, about an hour's drive from the city centre, far enough for the skyline to disappear behind the sand. It is built in an eco-friendly way, with tents, low majlis seating on carpets and cushions, wooden walkways and soft lantern light, and it keeps its guest numbers modest, so the evening feels relaxed rather than crowded.

On arrival you are welcomed with Arabic coffee poured from a dallah and luqaimat, the golden fried dough balls drizzled with date syrup that Emiratis serve at gatherings. This desert camp in Dubai suits travellers who want the atmosphere of the desert without the jolts of a 4x4 dune drive: families with young children, older travellers and anyone who simply prefers a calm evening. With the default option our vehicle brings you here and back.

Camels, falcons and sunset over the dunes

Before dark there is time to meet the animals that shaped desert life. You can feed the camels and take a short ride around the camp, and the ride can be repeated as many times as you like. A falconer introduces a trained falcon, explains how Bedouin families used these birds to hunt in the open desert, and lets you hold one on a gloved arm for a photo.

As the sun sinks, the dunes turn from gold to deep red, and the camp's seating faces the best of the view. A camel ride in the Dubai desert at this hour makes a beautiful picture, though riding is not advised for anyone with back problems or aged 60 and above. Henna artists are on hand too, painting simple floral designs on the hand that last for several days.

Live BBQ dinner: Emirati, Moroccan and Arabian flavours

Dinner is cooked in front of you at a live BBQ: skewers of lamb, chicken and kofta from the grill, alongside a buffet of Emirati, Moroccan and wider Arabian dishes. Expect fragrant rice dishes, slow-cooked stews in the Moroccan style, Arabic mezze such as hummus and moutabal, fresh salads and warm bread, with sweets to finish. Water and soft drinks are unlimited.

All the meat is halal, and the kitchen is known for its traditional Emirati cooking, which is what makes this desert camp with BBQ dinner stand out from the busier safari camps. Seating is at low tables and cushions facing the stage, and the staff keep the coffee and tea flowing through the evening. Vegetarian dishes are part of the buffet every night.

Fire, horses, folk dance and stargazing

The shows start after dinner. A fire performer spins flaming torches and staffs against the black sky, riders show off the grace of Arabian horses, the breed that has carried desert people for centuries, and Yola dancers twirl and toss ceremonial rifles to the beat of drums in a folk dance that is still performed at Emirati celebrations.

Then the lights are lowered for the quietest part of the evening. Away from the city, the desert sky fills with stars, and a guide sets up a high-powered telescope to show you the Moon's craters and, when they are visible, planets such as Jupiter and Saturn. Stargazing in the Dubai desert is at its best on clear winter nights around the new moon, when the Milky Way can be faint but visible.