SPONSORED: The iconic Al Mabeet Desert Camp at Al Wathba, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort and Spa will immerse diners in a Bedouin living experience.
Because nothing tops an Iftar experience with an unexpected twist – especially one that’s evocative of a bygone era – Al Mabeet Desert Camp is a must-visit this Ramadan. Located amidst the rolling dunes at Al Wathba Desert Resort & Spa, it will open for both Iftar and suhoor for the first time. Bonus: it’s just a 40-minute drive from Abu Dhabi.
An authentic celebration is in the works at this boutique Arabesque destination, complete with a Zarb cooking experience, storytelling around a bonfire, and exhilarating desert activities. Inviting guests to experience the day-to-day lives of Bedouin tribes, the desert’s original inhabitants, Al Mabeet provides a multi-sensory journey through the customs and traditions of the UAE. As a tribute to the nation’s rich and fascinating heritage, guests are invited to relax and savour a delicious meal whilst enjoying live entertainment. Traditional décor and the presence of the resort’s Arabian horses and camels, meanwhile, further add to the feel of an exclusive Bedouin escape.
Iftar will see the talented in-house team of chefs demonstrating the historical art of Zarb cooking, which involves barbecuing delicious meats deep underground. Alongside, guests can also select delicacies from a vast buffet of Middle Eastern seasonal favourites, plus a collection of expertly made Indian and Asian specialties. Appetisers will include an array of hot and cold mezze, fresh and crunchy salads, heart-warming soups, live stations serving freshly baked manakish, shawarma, and grilled meat and seafood. For the mains, dishes such as shrimp in harra sauce and chicken molokhia are expected. And rounding off the feast? All the classics – kataif ashta, kunafa, and umm ali. Iftar at Al Mabeet Desert Camp will be priced AED 195 per person including food, water, soft drinks, and traditional Ramadan beverages.
Suhoor will be just as elaborate, with the à la carte menu. The scrumptious spread will not only include a selection of Arabic and Levantine flavours, but also an extensive array of shisha available to order. Suhoor is available until 1am and priced à la carte. Those who wish to upgrade their dining experience and make a night of it can book a customised VIP area within the luxurious setting of the private camp.
Elsewhere, two other packages are on offer. The Midnight Surf and Suhoor package is priced AED 1,200 for up to six guests, offering access to a FlowRider machine that allows a group of friends to surf on artificial waves amidst the desert before enjoying suhoor. Incidentally, Al Wathba Desert Resort & Spa is the only desert resort in the UAE to offer this water-based activity.
GO: Email restaurants.alwathba@luxurycollection.com or call 02 204 4444 for reservations and more information.
