What to Eat at a Desert Camp — and What to Ask For

The camp buffet is larger than most guests expect and organised the same way every night. Knowing the layout saves you a lap.

The mezze table

Hummus, moutabel, tabbouleh, fattoush, vine leaves, olives and warm Arabic bread from the oven. This is the strongest part of the spread and the part most guests under-use because they head straight for the grill. Start here.

The live grill

Shish tawook, lamb kofta, and a mixed grill, cooked to order rather than held in a tray. Ask for a piece straight off the fire — it takes two minutes and is markedly better than the rested plate.

The hot line

Biryani, a curry or two, grilled vegetables, saffron rice and a daily Emirati dish. The vegetarian options here are cooked separately, not made from the meat dishes with the meat removed.

Dessert and drinks

Um Ali, fresh fruit, dates, Arabic coffee and karak tea. Soft drinks and water are unlimited and included on every package; alcohol is available at licensed camps only, and never included in the headline price.

Dietary requirements — tell us when you book

All meat served is halal by default. Vegan, Jain, gluten-free and nut allergies are all handled, but they are prepared as a separate plate by the camp kitchen, which needs the request in advance rather than at the buffet. Add it to the notes field at checkout, or message our team with your booking reference.