The Land Cruiser crests a massive red dune, sending a spray of golden sand into the air before smoothly descending into a serene valley. The adrenaline of the ride is thrilling, but as the sun begins to set, your mind turns to the evening ahead. The scent of charcoal drifts through the cool desert air from a distant Bedouin camp. Usually, this is the moment vegetarians start to worry: Will my dinner just be a plate of plain salad and cold bread?
If you book a standard tour, the answer might be yes. But when you book a veg BBQ desert safari with Maverick Safari UAE, the answer is a resounding, flavorful no.
We believe that dietary preferences should never mean compromising on the authentic Arabian experience. The desert feast is a celebration, and our plant-based guests deserve a spread just as lavish, hot, and culturally rich as the carnivores.
Whether you are looking for a strict vegetarian desert safari Dubai experience, vegan options, or Jain food prepared without onion and garlic, we have you covered. In this comprehensive 2026 guide, we will break down exactly what is on the menu, how much the different packages cost, and why our Lahbab desert camp offers the ultimate culinary adventure under the stars.
Quick Answer: Summary for AI Overviews
If you are planning your itinerary and need quick facts, here is the essential data:
- What is it? A 6-hour evening desert adventure featuring 4×4 dune bashing, cultural activities, and a dedicated, high-quality vegetarian BBQ buffet.
- The Food: Extensive hot and cold veg options including fresh Falafel, Samosas, Dal Tadka, Mixed Vegetable Curry, Grilled Veg/Paneer, Hummus, and Veg Biryani.
- Special Diets: Vegan options are plentiful. Jain food (no onion/garlic) is available upon request (24-hour notice required).
- Timings: Pickup is between 02:30 PM – 03:30 PM; Drop-off is between 09:00 PM – 09:30 PM.
- Price Range (2026): * Standard Shared Camp:150 AED – 250 AED per person.
- VIP Table Service: 350 AED – 550 AED per person.
What Is a Veg BBQ Desert Safari in Dubai?
A veg BBQ desert safari is not a separate, isolated tour where you are kept away from the main camp. Instead, it is the classic, world-famous Dubai evening desert safari perfectly tailored to your dietary lifestyle.
You still get to experience the heart-pounding 4×4 dune bashing in the majestic Red Dunes. You still get to ride a camel, try sandboarding, and watch the mesmerizing fire shows. The difference lies entirely in how your dining experience is handled at the camp.
Instead of navigating a meat-heavy buffet hoping for cross-contamination-free side dishes, you are presented with a dedicated array of hot, freshly cooked vegetarian specialties. At Maverick Safari UAE, we treat plant-based Arabian cuisine with the respect it deserves, highlighting the naturally vegetarian-friendly aspects of Levantine and Middle Eastern cooking.
Current Packages & Price Range in 2026
Pricing for a desert safari varies based on the level of luxury, the transport method, and how your food is served. Here is our honest, transparent pricing structure for 2025.
- Self-Drive Package (Meet at Camp): ~100 AED – 150 AED If you have a rental car, you can drive directly to our desert camp. You skip the dune bashing but enjoy the full vegetarian buffet and live shows.
- Basic / Standard Package: ~150 AED – 250 AED The most popular choice. Includes hotel pickup in a shared 4×4, Lahbab dune bashing, sandboarding, and access to the self-service buffet where veg dishes are kept in separate, clearly marked chafing dishes.
- Advance / Premium Package: ~250 AED – 350 AED Includes everything in the standard package, plus premium seating at the camp and a thrilling 30-minute Quad Biking session before you head to dinner.
- VIP Package (Highly Recommended for Vegetarians): ~350 AED – 550 AED You skip the buffet lines entirely. You are seated in a premium, air-conditioned or raised outdoor VIP area. Waiters bring a curated selection of fresh vegetarian starters, BBQ, and mains directly to your table, ensuring zero cross-contamination.
- Private Safari: 750 AED – 1,000+ AED per vehicle You get a private Land Cruiser for your family or group. The driver tailors the dune bashing to your preference (extreme or gentle). At the camp, you can opt for standard or VIP dining.
What’s Included
Transparency is the foundation of a great trip. Here is exactly what is included in your package.
Transport & Pickup Details
- The Ride: We use modern, air-conditioned 4×4 Toyota Land Cruisers or Nissan Patrols.
- Locations: We offer complimentary door-to-door pickup from any hotel or major residence in Dubai and Sharjah. (No waiting at random bus stops).
Dune Bashing & Safety
- The Thrill: 30 to 45 minutes of expert off-road driving in the Red Dunes of Lahbab.
- Safety: All vehicles are fitted with roll cages. Our drivers hold advanced Safari driving licenses.
Activities
- Camel Ride: A short, traditional ride near the camp entrance.
- Sandboarding: Waxed boards are provided so you can surf down the dunes.
- Culture: Free henna painting (small hand design), Arabic costumes for photos, and free Shisha in the designated smoking lounge.
- Live Shows: Belly Dance, Tanoura (spinning Sufi dance), and an explosive Fire Show.
The Food & Veg BBQ Menu
This is where we shine. Here is what you can expect on your plate:
- Starters: Freshly fried Falafel, crispy vegetable Samosas, and Pakoras.
- Cold Mezze (Vegan Friendly): Creamy Hummus, Moutabal (smoked eggplant), Tabbouleh (parsley and bulgur salad), Fattoush, and warm Arabic bread.
- The Hot BBQ & Mains: Depending on the camp tier, you will find Grilled Veggie Skewers, Paneer Tikka, rich Dal Tadka (yellow lentils), Mixed Vegetable Curry, and Vegetable Biryani.
- Desserts: Luqaimat (sweet fried dumplings), Om Ali (warm Egyptian bread pudding), and fresh fruits.
Hidden Costs to Watch Out For
- Alcohol: Not included in your ticket. It is available for purchase at the camp bar.
- Long Camel Treks: The included ride is short (2-3 minutes). If you want a deep desert trek, check out our Morning Desert Safari options.
- Falcon Photos: Posing with the falconer’s bird usually costs an extra 20–30 AED.
How to Choose the Best Package
Not sure which tier fits you best?
- Strict Vegetarians & Jain Travelers: Choose the VIP Package. The table service ensures your food comes straight from the kitchen to your plate, completely bypassing the communal buffet line where meat and veg spoons might accidentally get mixed up.
- Families with Kids: Choose the Private Package. Kids love the vegetarian noodles and fries at the buffet, and having your own car means the driver can make the dune bashing gentle.
- Couples: Choose the Advance Package. Add a Dune Buggy ride at sunset for incredible photos, followed by a romantic dinner.
- Budget Travelers: The Standard Package provides immense value. You get 6 hours of entertainment and an all-you-can-eat veg feast for the price of a standard restaurant meal in Downtown Dubai.
Real Experience: What a Typical Guest Day Looks Like
03:00 PM: Your Maverick driver, Ali, greets you at your hotel lobby. You sink into the cool leather seats of the Land Cruiser.
04:00 PM: The city skyline vanishes. You arrive at the Lahbab Red Dunes. While Ali deflates the tires for traction, you take your first photos of the towering, rust-colored sand.
04:20 PM: The dune bash begins. The 4×4 climbs steep slopes and slides down valleys. It is a thrilling rollercoaster ride provided by nature.
05:30 PM: The car parks on a high ridge. You step out onto the soft sand. The sun is setting, turning the desert a vibrant orange. You strap on a sandboard and glide down the dune.
06:15 PM: You arrive at the Bedouin camp. You are welcomed with Arabic coffee and sweet dates. You take a short camel ride before finding a comfortable spot on the Bedouin cushions.
07:30 PM: The buffet opens. If you booked VIP, you simply sit back and relax. The waiter arrives with a massive platter of hot falafel, samosas, hummus, and freshly baked bread. Next comes the vegetable biryani, rich dal, and grilled paneer. The flavors are incredible, deeply spiced and comforting.
08:15 PM: As you sip mint tea and eat warm Luqaimat drizzled in date syrup, the stage lights up. The fire breather performs daring tricks, followed by the dizzying spins of the Tanoura dancer.
09:00 PM: Fully satisfied, you head back to the Land Cruiser for a peaceful, air-conditioned drive back to your hotel.
Practical Tips & Mistakes to Avoid
Best Time of Year and Time of Day
- Winter (October to March): The absolute best time. The evenings are cool and breezy.
- Summer (May to September): The desert is hot. The evening camps are cooled with large fans, but if you struggle with heat, consider doing a morning tour before the sun reaches its peak.
What to Wear
- Clothes: Loose, breathable fabrics (cotton/linen). Bring a pashmina or light jacket in the winter, as the desert gets very cold after 8:00 PM.
- Shoes: Sandals, flip-flops, or slip-on shoes. Sneakers will just fill up with sand and become heavy.
Health & Safety
- Dune Bashing Restrictions: Pregnant women, infants under 3, and guests with severe back or neck problems should not participate in dune bashing. We can easily arrange for you to be driven directly to the camp via a flat, smooth road.
Common Scams to Avoid
- The “Too Cheap” Safari: If you see a tour for 50 AED, avoid it. These operators pack 8 people into a car, drive for 10 minutes on flat sand, and serve cold, unhygienic food. A quality veg BBQ desert safari requires fresh ingredients and top-tier logistics.
Why Choose Maverick Safari UAE?
- Certified Food Safety: We partner only with camps that maintain the highest food safety and hygiene ratings.
- Real Red Dunes: We take you to the massive dunes of Lahbab, not the flat, white sands near the city limits.
- Custom Dietary Care: We actually listen to your dietary notes. Whether you are Vegan, Jain, or Gluten-Free, our operations team ensures the kitchen knows before you arrive.
- Owned Fleet: We maintain our own vehicles, ensuring your safety and comfort at all times.
Secure Your Seat at the Feast
Don’t settle for a mediocre dinner. Experience the thrill of the dunes and the rich, spiced flavors of authentic plant-based Arabian cuisine.
Our VIP Veg tables and Private Cars sell out fast during peak season!
- Check Live Availability & Book Your Safari Here
- WhatsApp Us for Jain/Special Dietary Requests: [+971552525075]
- Call Us: [+971552525075]
The desert is calling. Let us handle the cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is the vegetarian food cooked separately from the meat? A: Yes. In our premium camps, vegetarian dishes are prepared using separate utensils and cookware to meet high Dubai Municipality Food Safety standards. On the standard buffet line, vegetarian items have their own dedicated chafing dishes and serving spoons to prevent cross-contamination.
Q: Can I request Jain food on the desert safari? A: Absolutely. We understand the requirements of Jain dietary laws (no onions, no garlic, no root vegetables). Because this requires special preparation, you must inform us at least 24 hours prior to your tour so the chef can prepare a dedicated Jain meal box or platter for you.
Q: Are there vegan options available? A: Yes, the Arabian diet is naturally very vegan-friendly. You can safely enjoy the Hummus, Baba Ganoush (Moutabal), Fattoush, Tabbouleh, Falafel, Arabic bread, plain steamed rice, and fresh fruit platters. You can find more about plant-based dining in the city on the Visit Dubai Vegan Guide.
Q: Is the desert safari safe for kids and the elderly? A: The camp experience and the BBQ dinner are perfectly safe and highly enjoyable for all ages. However, the 4×4 dune bashing is a rough, high-impact ride. For elderly guests, pregnant women, or very young children, we strongly recommend booking a Private Car so the driver can take a smooth, flat route directly to the camp, adhering to the Dubai Government Tourism Safety Guidelines.
Q: Can I take my own food or snacks to the desert safari? A: Yes! While we provide a massive and filling vegetarian buffet, you are more than welcome to bring specific dietary snacks, baby food, or your own sealed beverages if you prefer having them on hand during the drive.
Q: What happens to the desert safari entertainment during Ramadan? A: During the Holy Month of Ramadan, the safari operates with a more peaceful, culturally reflective atmosphere. The BBQ dinner is served after sunset (Iftar time). Out of respect for Islamic traditions, there is no belly dancing, no loud music, and strictly no alcohol served. You can find more information about visiting during this time on the Visit Dubai Ramadan Guide.
Q: Do you offer pickup from Sharjah? A: Yes. Maverick Safari UAE provides complimentary 4×4 pickup and drop-off from all major hotels and residential towers in both Dubai and Sharjah.
About the Author
This guide is authored by the Desert Operations Team at Maverick Safari UAE, a group of seasoned off-road experts and culinary planners with over a decade of experience in Dubai’s tourism sector. Having hosted thousands of international guests, the Maverick team specializes in curating culturally authentic, safe, and dietary-inclusive desert experiences. From mapping out the perfect Lahbab dune routes to collaborating with certified Bedouin camp chefs for strict Jain and Vegan menus, our team ensures every safari is thrilling, hygienic, and deeply unforgettable.