The Dubai desert safari with BBQ dinner serves grilled meats, vegetarian and halal options, salads, child-friendly portions and soft drinks at the desert camp. The exact menu list is finalised once the camp partner agreement is signed.
What to expect from the BBQ buffet
The standard evening desert safari includes the BBQ dinner — this page exists to give you the menu detail in advance. Dinner is buffet-style at the Bedouin-style camp. Grills are live: you collect what you want, the chef tops up the trays through service. The menu emphasis is grilled meats, salads and rice/bread — Middle Eastern leaning rather than fully international hotel-buffet. Drinks (soft drinks, water, tea, coffee) are unlimited; alcohol is camp-partner-licence-dependent and served via a separate cash bar where licensed.
Typical BBQ buffet items
- Grilled chicken (shish tawook style)
- Grilled lamb / mutton (kofta and kebab cuts)
- Grilled beef (kebab strips, depending on camp partner)
- Grilled fish (varies by partner camp)
- Vegetable kebabs (capsicum, onion, mushroom, courgette)
- Rice (Middle Eastern style — biryani-leaning, vegetable rice)
- Hummus, baba ganoush, mutabbal, tabbouleh, fattoush salads
- Arabic bread (khubz, regag) and dipping options
- Fresh-cut salad bar (cucumber, tomato, lettuce, olives)
- Dessert table — varying selection (umm ali, kunafa, fresh fruit, sometimes Western desserts)
Vegetarian, vegan, halal, allergy notes
- All meat is halal — Middle Eastern partner camps run halal kitchens by default.
- Vegetarian — full coverage with kebabs, salads, rice, hummus, falafel.
- Vegan — possible but mention at booking so the kitchen has prepared vegan options. Default vegetarian items often include dairy.
- Gluten-free — possible at most camps; mention at booking. Rice and salad bar are typically safe; bread + some sauces are not.
- Nut allergies — mention at booking. Kitchen handles separately but cross-contamination risk in a buffet line is real, so severe allergies should plan around that.
- Kids' meals — chicken nuggets, plain rice, plain pasta variant typically available alongside the buffet on request.
Drinks at camp
- Unlimited soft drinks (Pepsi range), Arabic coffee, mint tea, water
- Karak chai (sweet milk tea) commonly served on arrival
- Fresh juice depending on camp partner (some serve, some do not)
- Alcohol — camp-partner-licence-dependent; cash bar where licensed; not available at some partner camps
FAQ
BBQ dinner FAQ
Is dinner included in the safari price?
Yes — every standard evening safari booking includes the BBQ buffet dinner. It is not an add-on.
Can I add extra dishes or order off-menu?
Buffet is set per camp. Off-menu requests need pre-arrangement at the booking stage; some camp partners accommodate, some do not.
What if I have a severe allergy?
Mention at booking. Buffet cross-contamination is a real risk; for severe allergies (nut, shellfish), the kitchen can prepare a separate plated meal — confirm with the booking team.
Are there enough vegetarian options?
Yes. Vegetarian guests routinely report adequate variety. Vegan needs pre-arrangement.
Can children be picky eaters?
Plain pasta, plain rice, chicken nuggets are routinely available on request. Mention 'picky kids' in WhatsApp at booking.
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