I know what you all must be thinking, ‘there’s no way they possibly expect us to go to the desert right now in the middle of summer’. But I’m not talking about any old fashion trip to the desert, where you ride a camel or hold a Falcon on your arm. That’s all been long done and dusted. What I have here for you today is a hand-picked list of some of the best Desert dining experiences that the UAE has to offer. This list will take you on a journey throughout the Emirates, from Abu Dhabi all the way to Ras Al Khaimah. Don’t think that dining under the stars is just a winter experience. Rediscover your love for the desert with these 5 hidden gems.
Also read: New Restaurants In Dubai That Opened In 2023 That You Must Try Once
1. Sonara Camp, Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah
There is only one thing I can say about Sonara Camp, and that is you absolutely get the best of both worlds. I’m not kidding. With locations in both Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah, there is no escape. This stunning desert retreat offers a unique blend of luxury accommodations and thrilling outdoor activities, all set against the spectacular views of the majestic desert landscape. Dining in the desert has never been more exhilarating than with Sonara Camp; with live entertainment and bustling music, you’ll enjoy their delicious gourmet meals prepared by top chefs.
MyPOV: always a great time at Sonara Camp here in Dubai –@sprinklr #SprinklrSource23 pic.twitter.com/KiEtWDEHiW
— @salesforce R Ray Wang 王瑞光 #DF23 #ExploreSAS (@rwang0) April 26, 2023
Located in the Dubai Desert Conservationist Reserve, Dubai and the Ritz-Carlton Al Wadi desert in Ras Al Khaimah, you can pick whichever Emirate best suits your taste. Or even go to both, no one is judging here. Sonara Camp not only offers world-class food but comes accompanied by incredible all-around desert experience packages. You can dune bash your way through sunset and relax with an unbelievable meal surrounded by the starry desert sky.
Book your desert adventure in Dubai here
And for Ras Al Khaimah book here
2. Mavia by Mysk Al Faya Retreat, Sharjah
If you’re looking for a serene and rejuvenating escape from the hustle and grind of city life, then Mavia by Mysk Al Faya Retreat in Sharjah is the perfect destination for you. Nestled in the heart of the Al Faya Mountains, this luxurious retreat offers breath-taking views of the surrounding desert landscape. Mavia’s international cuisine, produced by locally sourced food, will send your tastebuds dancing through the desert dunes. Mavia’s interior has floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing you to capture the stunning views of the desert while being provided shelter from the heat and sun.
A luxurious contextual modern architect approach to rebuild two single-story, stone-built structures from the 1960s into a contemporary boutique hotel and restaurant, with the addition of a newly built saltwater spa building known as Mysk Al Faya Retreat. pic.twitter.com/jEHmcIRcyP
— Hadara Magazine (@HadaraMagazine) August 25, 2020
Their all-day services give you the freedom to explore the incredible world-class amenities Mysk Al Faya retreat has to offer. From relaxing in the hot springs and indulging in spa treatments to exploring the nearby hiking trails and soaking up the local culture, there is something for everyone. Even thinking about driving down to the Sharjah desert and experiencing the peace and tranquillity that Mavia has to offer feels like I’m sending my mind to the best staycation ever. Let this become your reality when you book your table at Mavia.
To make a reservation click here
Also read: 7 Best Vegan Restaurants In Dubai That You Have To Try Once
3. Mesa at Terra Solis, Jebel Ali Dubai
Picture this: You’re having dinner with your friends, with a nice cold refreshing drink in your hand, and you’re set against the stunning backdrop of the Jebel Ali desert. So where do you think you are? Exactly right, Mesa at Terra Solis by Tomorrowland. Terra Solis, located in Dubai Heritage Village in Jebel Ali, offers an incredibly unique ‘Glamping’ experience, making it the ultimate desert destination. Their in-house restaurant offers the finest taste of Mediterranean food with exceptional hints of international flavours inspired by the Tastes of the world’. Dine in a remarkable desert location that will leave you in awe from the very beginning.
MESA at #Tomorrowland, a sneak peek of what awaits you at Terra Solis in Dubai. A wonderful new chapter in the beautiful surroundings of the Arabian Dunes will soon be written.
Prepare for a culinary experience full of surprising moments, delicious food and more. pic.twitter.com/6xWk8J02BH
— terrasolisdubai (@terrasolisdubai) July 23, 2022
From dancing under the stars to relaxing in the luxurious pool and spa facilities, there is something for everyone at Terra Solis. And with a variety of accommodations to choose from, including private villas and glamping options, you can tailor your experience to your preferences. Make your reservation and enjoy the scenic views and the unbelievable vibes at Mesa.
Book your table here
4. Longbeach Campground, Ras Al Khaimah
Here are two words I never thought I’d put together before – ‘desert’ and ‘beach’. I know it kind of sounds like two complete ends of a spectrum, but Longbeach Campground makes this unbelievable idea possible. Located on the shores of the Arabian Gulf, this beautiful campground offers serene ocean views with an incredible desert background. Whether you’re looking to swim in the warm waters of the Gulf, explore the nearby hiking trails, or simply relax on the sandy beach, Longbeach Campground has your stay covered.
Launching Soon: Longbeach Campground, a magical glamping staycation in Ras Al Khaimah
#beachcamp #camping #family #glamping #longbeach #rak #RasAlKhaimah #thingstodoinrasalkhaimah #watersports #wowrak https://t.co/W1KALRqfrB pic.twitter.com/hxEoOQMo9y— WOW-RAK (@WowrakInfo) September 26, 2020
How does beach dining breakfast at 9:00 AM and then all-day food and drink services at the infinity pool bar sound to you? Sounds like the ultimate dream come true to me. Longbeach Campgrounds provides an incredible dining experience with its two outdoor dining areas. All food menus are carefully curated to give you the best desert beach dining experience possible, from nightly BBQ dinners to live cooking stations, and the cherry on top is all-day drinks by the beach.
Sadly, Longbeach Campground is said to be closing its 6th season in June, so with less than a month left, there is no time like the present to make your reservation and enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime desert beach dining experience.
Make your reservation here
Also read: This Restaurant In JLT Is Serving Dubai’s Biggest Bahubali Bhatura
5. Suhail at Qasar al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, Abu Dhabi
We’ve been on an incredible journey so far, navigating through the deserts of Dubai, Sharjah, and even Ras Al Khaimah. But now it’s time to make our way to the capital city with Suhail at the 5-star Qasar al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, Abu Dhabi.’ Sunset cocktails and fine dining under the stars’ is the experience that Suhail promises you’ll have. Their rooftop steakhouse and exquisite Wine list, with a Wine Guru to help with your meal pairing, will leave you in marvel over their incredible craftsmanship. With an expansive view of the magnificent Abu Dhabi desert while dining, you’ll satiate more than just your hunger for food but also your thirst for life.
The Qasar Al Sarab Resort offers a unique and luxurious desert escape for the whole family. They’re sumptuous accommodations that feature traditional Arabian design and modern amenities; you can unwind in comfort and style. They also offer a range of unique cultural experiences to immerse yourself in the local Emirati culture. So, whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway or family-friendly fun, Suhail at Qasar al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara offers a genuinely unforgettable desert dining experience combining luxury and cultural immersion.
Book your table here
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