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| Duration | Departure Point | Pick up Time | Pick up & Drop off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel / Apartment | Yes |
| Duration | Departure Point | Pick up Time | Pick up & Drop off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel / Apartment | Yes |
Arabian Tour Pacakges 
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If there’s anything that captures Dubai’s soul here, past the skyscrapers and the heaving malls it’s the romance of the desert itself, endless, gilded and everlasting. On my most recent visit, I was searching for something that would bring me closer to the region’s true heart. That is, until I learned about the Bab Al Shams Desert Dinner Experience, a meal that’s famous the world over. And let me tell you, it was every bit of Arabian fairytale I’d dreamed up and then some.
We got to Bab Al Shams for Bab Al Shams Desert Dinner just before sunset, and it felt like we’d entered another world. The drive alone, too, with its open stretches of shimmering sand at Al Qudra, amped things up. And I strolled through the traditional fort-like entrance, with warm lanterns lighting the way and the smell of oud and spices in the air. It had that certain feel, that hypnotizing combination of old-world Arabian magic and top-notch five-star luxury I so desperately craved about the Bab Al Shams Desert Resort, Dubai.
The drive to Bab Al Shams takes about 45 minutes from Downtown Dubai.
Sunset is the best time to arrive for the most stunning desert views.
Free parking is available if you're driving yourself.
Many Bab Al Shams Desert Resort tour packages offer hotel pickup and drop-off I highly recommend it.
Bring a camera every corner is insanely Instagrammable.
The desert dinner experience is at its heart at Al Hadheerah, the open-air restaurant time forgot tucked somewhere deep in the dunes. It’s not merely dinner, it’s a total Arabian night. The setup for Bab Al Shams Desert Dinner is impressive: open kitchens, live cooking stations, and traditional tents spread out on the sand. As I settled into my seat under a star-studded night sky, the belly dancers, musicians and even a horse show put on a live performance around me. It was like walking into ancient Arabia.
Al Hadheerah serves authentic Emirati and Middle Eastern cuisines.
The buffet includes grilled meats, fresh seafood, traditional stews, and decadent desserts.
The live entertainment includes Tanoura dance, camel caravans, falconry displays, and fire shows.
You can sit outdoors under the stars or under one of the charming Bedouin tents.
It's a great idea to come hungry — the food options are endless and absolutely delicious.
At Bab Al Shams Desert Dinner, each mouthful at Al Hadheerah was a work of art. I piled my plate with succulent lamb ouzi (slow-cooked lamb with rice and spices), freshly baked Arabic bread straight from a clay oven and mezze spreads of hummus and moutabal. The dessert bar was just as divine, with baklava, date puddings and fresh fruits. The rustic magic of the open-fire cooking, and watching the chefs work in real time only intensified the experience.
Be sure to try the lamb ouzi it’s a traditional Emirati must.
Don’t miss the live grill section where chefs prepare kebabs and seafood right in front of you.
Vegetarians, rejoice there are plenty of plant-based options too.
Save room for dessert: Arabic sweets like Umm Ali and pistachio baklava are divine.
Try the Arabic coffee and dates served traditionally at the entrance.
The real differentiator for Bab Al Shams is the ambience. Sitting at a candlelit table beneath the starry sky, swaying to the soft rhythms of live Arabic music mingled together with the breeze of the desert, it’s absolutely unforgettable. Sand cushions your step, the smell of grilled meats permeates the air, and the torches glow, making this straight out of a fairy tale.
Dress comfortably but smartly; think resort-casual with a touch of Arabian flair.
Evening temperatures can get cool a light shawl or jacket is a good idea.
Arrive early to watch the sun dip below the dunes it’s breathtaking.
For couples, ask for a more secluded table for a truly romantic evening.
For families, the front row near the performances is a real treat for kids.
If you’re anything like me (which I know you are) and constantly on the prowl for affordable ways to make luxury a habit, listen up. Guests who book the Bab Al Shams Desert Dinner experience on their own through the resort’s website will often find seasonable discounts, including deep discounts during the summer and Ramadan months. Or going through reputable tour companies one can get packages with transportation, dinner and extras such as camel riding and falconry for an even better price.
Look for off-peak discounts — mid-week bookings are often cheaper than weekends.
Combine your dinner booking with other Bab Al Shams activities like spa treatments for bundled savings.
Some Dubai tour packages include Bab Al Shams dinner as part of a bigger itinerary.
Check platforms like GetYourGuide or Viator for verified experiences and customer reviews.
Always confirm if your tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off — it saves money and time.
Through a bit of trial and error, I discovered that the best way to book is early a minimum of two weeks before you would actually like to go on your date. Bab Al Shams is popular for private events, weddings, and VIP visits, so spaces are snapped up fast. If you want a completely personalized experience for Bab Al Shams Desert Dinner, your private table, champagne service, and special dietary considerations, I would also recommend booking directly through the resort.
Choose a package that includes transportation if you don’t want to rent a car.
Double-check cancellation policies — flexibility is a plus in case your plans change.
Specify dietary preferences when booking; the staff are incredibly accommodating.
Consider upgrading to premium seating for a closer view of the shows.
Ask about special seasonal dinners or festive menus (they go all out during holidays!).
Dubai is not short of desert dinner experiences — from budget camps to über-luxurious resorts — but Bab Al Shams strikes the ideal middle ground. It’s authentic without being touristy, and luxurious without being stuffy. The ambience is cozy and convivial, and every detail — from the music to the mint tea — is just so.
Al Hadheerah feels genuinely Arabian, not just staged for tourists.
The quality of food and entertainment surpasses many other desert dinners.
The backdrop of Bab Al Shams' fort architecture adds a layer of magic.
It's accessible from the city, yet feels a world away.
The overall experience is polished, making it great for special occasions.
Absolutely. The Bab Al Shams Desert Dinner is more than a meal; it’s a venture into another world, a sliver of the Arabian desert heritage. Whether it’s your first time in Dubai or you’re just looking for something different, nothing compares to this experience. My evening there ended with a full heart, full tummy and a camera roll that was bursting with gorgeous memories.
