Royal Dinner at the Desert Fortress with Transfers

This is a desert evening centred on food, hospitality and shows. It takes place at a fortress-style camp, the Sahara Desert Fortress, in the heart of the Dubai desert, on the Dubai-Al Ain Road. The ticket includes round-trip transfers, so there is no need to drive back yourselves at night, and you can simply enjoy the evening.

Welcome and a walk around the camp: you start with a traditional Arabic welcome and a soft drink. Then you explore the camp: a camel ride, a horse ride and a falcon display. There is also henna painting, and an Arabian souq with a spice souq where you can wander between the stalls.

The dinner: a five-star-style buffet with live cooking stations, including a live barbecue station and a shawarma station. Mineral water, soft drinks, tea and coffee are included. Alcoholic drinks are not included and carry an additional charge.

The show: a full evening of live entertainment, with Arabic music, a whirling tanoura dance, a fire show and belly dancing. Weather and operational considerations may change the timings and the order of activities.

Extras: sheesha is at an additional charge. A quad bike or buggy can be added on request, at an additional charge. A kosher meal is also possible on request, at an additional charge.

Who can take part: an adult is aged 12 and over, and a child is aged 3 to 11. The evening suits couples, families and groups of friends.

What to wear and when to arrive: wear comfortable, modest clothes that suit local customs and the weather. Arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled time, follow the staff's instructions on site and bring a photo ID.

What is and is not included: the ticket includes round-trip transfers, a traditional Arabic welcome and a soft drink, the dinner buffet, mineral water, soft drinks, tea and coffee, and the activities and shows described here. Alcoholic drinks, sheesha, a quad bike or buggy and a kosher meal are not included.

Cancellation: this option is cancellable.

The falcon display connects you to an ancient tradition. Falconry is the traditional art and practice of training and flying falcons, and it has been practised for more than 4,000 years. It was originally a means of obtaining food, and over time it also acquired social and recreational values and a connection to nature. The tradition is passed from generation to generation through mentoring, within families and in training clubs. UNESCO has inscribed it on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, and the United Arab Emirates is one of the 24 states on the list.

If Arabic coffee is served to you, this is the customary way to receive it. Arabic coffee was inscribed in 2015 on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, and it is a symbol of generosity in the Emirates. The guest receives and returns the cup with the right hand. The most important or oldest guest is served first. The cup is filled only a quarter full and can be refilled, and the custom is to drink at least one cup and no more than three.

More about falconry: the bond between the falconer and the bird is a central part of the tradition. Supporting entities also operate around the field, such as falcon hospitals and breeding centres, and makers of traditional equipment.

More about Arabic coffee: serving and drinking Arabic coffee is a daily ritual for communities, groups and individuals. It is also served at weddings and tribal gatherings. It is customary for the person drinking to shake the cup lightly to signal that they are finished.