As the UAE cools down, the desert becomes the country’s most atmospheric dining room. Great food, open-air settings, and the unmistakable golden-hour desert experience, they offer it all. From casual cafés tucked among the dunes to starlit fine-dining experiences, these five spots allow you to make the most of winter.
Zuma Ras Al Khaimah
Set at The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert, Zuma brings its modern Japanese izakaya experience to the dunes. Expect sushi, sashimi and robata-grilled dishes, including signatures such as miso-marinated black cod and spicy beef tenderloin, alongside drinks and weekend brunch. It brings a two-level setup with a rooftop terrace and restaurant opening onto the desert for a polished and distinct Zuma experience.
Hidden Café
Hidden Café returns to Al Marmoom for the cooler months with a relaxed, campfire-led desert setting. The menu features casual and crowd-pleasing items like burgers, coffee, shakes and desserts, while the experience extends beyond food with camel rides, dune buggies and evening entertainment. It’s an easy, family-friendly choice for a laid-back desert evening.
One Degree Café
One Degree Café sits in Mushrif National Park, offering a more traditional Arabian-inspired desert atmosphere. Expect speciality coffee, burgers, shakes and desserts in a setting of palms, dunes and warm evening lighting. It’s ideal for a low-key sunset coffee run or a casual dinner under the stars.
8th Café
Located in Margham, 8th Café blends desert views with a coffee, cars, and community concept. Alongside coffee and casual bites, visitors can expect activities such as archery and play areas. The vibe is playful and social, making it a good pick for groups, families and anyone looking for a slightly different desert outing.
Sonara Camp
Sonara Camp brings a truly immersive eco-luxury dining experience inside the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. Guests arrive for sunset drinks and desert activities before a seasonal Mediterranean-Middle Eastern dinner, with falconry and fire performances adding to the evening.
