Dubai Desert: Vintage G-Class Safari & Bedouin Dinner

Summary

Vintage Mercedes ride, camel caravan and Bedouin dinner in Dubai’s wild Al Marmoom

You’ll cross golden dunes in a vintage G-Class Mercedes from Dubai to Al Marmoom Reserve, ride camels beneath wide skies, taste fresh Emirati coffee with locals, and share a five-course meal by firelight before stargazing far from city lights. Expect laughter, real stories—and maybe a new sense of calm you’ll remember long after.

What’s the experience like?

We were already bouncing along the sand when I realized how odd it felt to be riding through the Al Marmoom Desert Reserve in an old-school Mercedes G-Class. The seats were cracked but comfy, and our guide—Salim—kept pointing out tracks in the sand that I’d never have noticed. He said if we were lucky we might spot a gazelle. We didn’t, but honestly, I was too busy watching the colors shift across the dunes. The silence out here is different than anywhere else I’ve been—like your ears are waiting for something that never comes.

There was this one stop where everyone just kind of stood around awkwardly at first, but then Salim started telling stories about old Bedouin life—something about how they read the stars and knew which plants to trust. The air smelled faintly sweet from gahwa brewing back at the village (I could smell it even before we got there). When we finally reached the Bedouin camp, a woman handed me a tiny cup of coffee and some sticky dates; I tried to thank her in Arabic and she grinned like she’d heard worse attempts.

The camel caravan wasn’t as scary as I expected—just a slow sway, sand crunching under hooves, and everyone getting quiet for a bit. Back at camp, someone was making flatbread on a hot plate while kids ran around chasing chickens. The sunset made everything look coppery and soft. Dinner was five courses—I lost count after three because I kept going back for more luqaimat (those little dough balls with syrup?). There was music and dancing; at one point they dressed us up in abayas and kanduras for photos with a falcon that looked way more dignified than any of us did.

When they turned off all the lights for stargazing—just us, the telescope, and this huge sky—I felt weirdly small but also sort of peaceful. It’s hard to explain unless you’ve been out there yourself. Even now, sometimes when things get noisy back home, I think about that quiet stretch of desert outside Dubai and how it felt to just stand there with nothing but wind for company.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Al Marmoom Desert and Bedouin Village

• Travel to Al Marmoom Desert Reserve
• Ride Vintage G Class Mercedes
• Stop for desert photos and history talk
• Arrive at Bedouin Village, welcome with gahwa and sweets
• Enjoy camel caravan ride
• Watch Arabic coffee-making session
• Admire desert sunset and take photos
• See Emirati lady make flatbreads and luqaimat
• Enjoy 5-course Emirati dinner
• Experience traditional Bedouin entertainment
• Dress in Arabic attire and pose with falcon
• Stargaze with telescope after camp lights off
• Drive back to hotel in Dubai

Top questions

How long does the Dubai evening heritage safari last?

The tour duration includes hotel pickup and drop-off; expect around 6-7 hours total depending on traffic.

Is hotel pickup included for this desert safari?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from your Dubai hotel or accommodation is included in an air-conditioned vehicle.

Can children join the camel ride on this tour?

Children under 5 cannot join the camel ride but can stay at the village or follow along with an adult.

What food is served during the Bedouin dinner?

A traditional 5-course Emirati dinner is served at the Bedouin village camp; dishes may include flatbreads and luqaimat.

Is this safari suitable for pregnant travelers?

No, pregnant women are not permitted on this activity due to safety reasons.

Are vegetarian or special diets accommodated?

The set menu is traditional Emirati fare; contact ahead for dietary needs as options may be limited.

Is stargazing really part of this Dubai desert tour?

Yes, after dinner camp lights are switched off so guests can use a telescope for stargazing in the desert.

What should I wear for this evening desert safari?

Wear comfortable clothing suitable for warm days/cooler nights; traditional attire (kandura/abaya) is provided temporarily for photos.

What’s included

Your evening includes pickup from your Dubai hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle, a vintage open-air Mercedes G-Class ride through Al Marmoom Desert Reserve, guided camel caravan ride (with repeat option), entry to a Bedouin village with live Arabic coffee-making session, traditional sweets on arrival, five-course Emirati dinner with live entertainment, dressing up in local attire for falcon photos, stargazing with telescope access—and return transfer back to your accommodation.