Dinners in Dubai

From the sparkling waters of Dubai Creek to the sandy dunes of the desert, Dubai dinners have something for everyone.

You can take your dining experience to new heights and indulge in the unique and fantastical experience that this opulent city has to offer. Choose between tradition, adventure, and elegance; all the best attributes of Dubai come to life at dinner time.

Here's all you need to know about dinner tours, one of the most captivating gastronomic experiences in Dubai.

What are the best dinner experiences in Dubai?

Dubai Marina dinner cruise

Step into a realm of pure indulgence as you embark on an opulent journey aboard a magnificent 5-star cruise boat, where elegance, entertainment, fine dining, and sightseeing unite in perfect harmony.

This 90-minute dinner cruise in Dubai is catered for by one of the city’s renowned hotels and serves up nothing but elegance with the city’s shimmering skyline as the backdrop. The evening is filled with delectable Arabian dishes and traditional music, with some cruises even adding a puppet show.

Dinner in the Sky

This dinner tour in Dubai is one of the most unique experiences in the world. Take your dinner to dizzying heights as you are hoisted above the Dubai marina on a platform. Here, a chef will prepare a delectable 3-course meal that you get to enjoy along with epic views of some of Dubai’s most fantastic landmarks.

Are there any combo experiences with dinner in Dubai?

Camel Ride, Falconry, and BBQ Dinner in Dubai

Your adventure starts with a thrilling desert safari, dune bashing across the sandy expanses. Feel the sand beneath your feet as you zoom down the slopes for some sandboarding as the sun starts to dip slowly toward the horizon.

Next, you'll be invited to a traditional Bedouin camp, a quintessential oasis amidst the desert's majesty. Experience the time-honored allure of camelback riding and a falconry display, connecting with the essence of the desert's nomadic heritage. Also, indulge in the art of henna painting and watch a traditional Tanura show.

Culminate this unforgettable adventure by treating your taste buds to a delectable feast. At the Bedouin camp, savor the tantalizing flavors of a BBQ dinner, relishing the taste of succulent meats, complemented by Arabic coffee, fresh dates, falafel, and shawarma—an array of culinary delights that embrace the rich gastronomic heritage of the region.

Which places are visited?

If you fancy a dinner tour in Dubai, you can choose between staying in the glistening confines of the city or breaking out of its boundaries and heading to the desert:

The Desert

Visit the desert and enjoy dinner at a Bedouin camp, where this mystical landscape offers an authentic glimpse into the region's rich heritage. The Rub al-Khali desert is one of the most captivating sandy expanses in the world and is the perfect setting for a dinner tour. You will enjoy several adventurous activities but also tap into the traditional spirit of the UAE, seeing the many faces that this seemingly uniform landscape has to offer.

Dubai Creek

The Dubai Creek flows through the bustling metropolis, offering a unique blend of old-world charm and modern allure. A dinner cruise on the tranquil waters of Dubai Creek promises an enchanting evening, where visitors can relish the captivating views of iconic landmarks as they pass by. The shimmering city lights dance upon the water's surface, illuminating the night as guests indulge in a delectable dining experience.

How much do dinner experiences in Dubai cost?

The most popular dinner tour in Dubai is a Bedouin experience in the desert, and prices start from as little as US$30 per person. This is for the basic 4 hours experience and you can also book a 7-hour tour for around US$50.

There is a range of packages available and you can also book a premium option for around US$110 per person, guaranteeing a luxury experience. Dinner tours in Dubai’s desert have many different optional extras, like quad bike rides that can be booked separately, and prices differ between operators.

Dinner cruises on Dubai Creek cost between US$35 and US$70 per person, and many cruises offer free entry to children.

Dinner in the sky tickets are available from US$170 per person and includes a 3-course dinner.

What is included?

If you are visiting the desert for a dinner tour in Dubai, you are in for a jam-packed itinerary. Your experience includes pickup and drop-off at your selected location, a 4x4 dune bashing ride, camel rides, a sunset photo stop, henna, a live show, a falconry demonstration, sandboarding and a shisha pipe. This is all on top of the sumptuous dinner on offer that includes soft drinks.

Dinner cruises have optional hotel pick-up that you can choose as part of an upgraded package. You will enjoy dinner on the cruise as well as unlimited soft drinks and there is live entertainment on board. Some cruises charge an extra fee for top-deck access.

Where do dinner experiences in Dubai usually start?

A dune bashing and dinner experience in Dubai includes pick-up from your hotel. For the dinner cruises and dinner in the sky experience, you will need to make your way to the designated meeting point. Tour operators will send express instructions on where to meet at the Dubai marina.

How long does it last?

Tours to the desert that include dinner last between 4 and 7 hours, depending on the package you book. Dinner cruises and dinner in the sky are much shorter and only last between 1.5 and 2 hours.

When is the best time for a dinner adventure in Dubai?

The best time for a dinner tour in Dubai is between November and March, during the cooler winter months. These months generally have pleasant temperatures, making them ideal for outdoor dining experiences, whether it's on a dhow boat, a rooftop, or in the desert under the stars.

Travel suggestions

• Dubai is a cosmopolitan city, but it's also conservative. Opt for smart-casual attire, keeping shoulders and knees covered, especially if the dinner tour includes cultural elements.
• Popular dinner tours, like dhow cruises or desert safari dinners, can fill up quickly. Reserve your spot early.
• If you're attending a traditional Emirati dinner, always respect local customs, such as waiting for the host to eat first.
• Inform the tour operator in advance if you have any dietary preferences or allergies.