The Bedouin Oasis dinner is aimed at travellers who want the atmosphere of a desert night without the bumpy drive. The experience takes place at a camp laid out in traditional style, with low seating, rugs, lanterns and fire pits, and a spread of Arabic and international dishes served in the open air. Guests are welcomed with Arabic coffee and dates, the customary greeting in the Gulf, and then settle in for an evening of food, conversation and entertainment. The desert setting makes the difference: away from city lights the stars are far brighter than most visitors expect, and the air cools pleasantly after sunset in the cooler months. Compared with a full safari, the pace is slower and quieter, which suits couples, families with young children and older travellers. Some visitors treat it as the final evening of a trip, while others choose it as a relaxed first night. The camp can also be used as a base for overnight stays in tents, and there are separate products for those who want to sleep in the desert. If you only have one evening, it is a good way to taste the hospitality of the Emirates in a setting that feels authentic rather than staged.
How it works
The dinner is sold as a stand-alone experience with transfers from Ras Al Khaimah hotels, and it normally lasts about four hours from pickup to return. Arrival is around late afternoon so you can see the light change, followed by dinner and entertainment. Prices depend on group size, and there are additional options for romantic setups or private seating, which cost much more. Read what is included, particularly drinks and any activities.
What to expect
Expect a buffet or set menu with grilled meats, salads, breads and desserts, and ask in advance for vegetarian dishes. Live music or a show may be part of the evening. Alcohol policies differ between camps, so check before you go. The desert gets cold on winter nights, so bring a jacket, and wear shoes that cope with sand. Mosquitoes and flies are uncommon in the cooler months, but sunscreen and a hat are useful earlier in the day.
Making the most of it
Arrive early enough to see sunset and walk to a small dune for photographs. Couples can ask about private tables, while families with children will appreciate that there is space to roam. For a more active day, do a morning activity such as sandboarding and keep the evening for the dinner. If you want to extend the experience, consider an overnight stay at the same camp.
Good to know
This experience is quieter than a standard safari, but it is still a social evening, with other guests at nearby tables and music in the background. Couples who want real privacy should ask about private seating at the time of booking, and anyone celebrating a birthday or anniversary can sometimes arrange a cake or a decoration for an extra cost.
Dress in smart casual clothes you can sit on the floor in, and pack a warm shawl or jacket for the cooler months. The drive is on desert tracks for part of the way, so those prone to car sickness should sit at the front.
What to expect
The experience
A dinner at a Bedouin-style desert camp with Arabic coffee, a barbecue or buffet meal and entertainment, with transfers from Ras Al Khaimah hotels.
Best time
October to April, when evenings are pleasantly cool.
How long
About four hours including transfers.
Tips
Bring a warm layer for winter, ask for vegetarian meals in advance and check whether drinks are included.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Travellers who want the desert atmosphere without dune bashing.
- Families
- Relaxed and spacious, with plenty of room for children.
- Couples
- Request a quiet table and arrive for sunset.
- Pair with
- A morning hike or a beach day.
- Time needed
- An evening.
Good questions
What is a Bedouin Oasis dinner?+
A dinner at a desert camp styled on traditional Bedouin hospitality, with Arabic coffee, a hot meal, music and stargazing.
Does it include dune bashing?+
No. The experience is centred on the camp and the meal, so it is calmer than a full safari.
Can vegetarians eat there?+
Usually yes. Ask when you book so the camp can prepare suitable dishes.
Is alcohol served?+
Policies differ by camp and product. Check the description before you go.
Can I stay overnight?+
The same camp offers overnight tent stays as a separate experience.