How to plan a private desert night

Most desert experiences in the UAE are shared safaris: a convoy, a common camp and a show. A private night is different. You, your guests and nobody else have the camp for the evening, which changes what is possible: your menu, your music, your timing, and a surprise that nobody else can see. At Khayal Al Sahra in Al Khatim, Abu Dhabi, it is one booking a day.

Book at least two weeks ahead for a small evening, four to six weeks for a wedding or a large corporate evening, and six to eight weeks for peak season (October to March). Capacity runs from intimate groups to about a thousand guests. Dates around National Day, the Grand Prix and Valentine's Day book first.

We publish indicative tiers on our pricing page. They are starting points: every evening is quoted against a brief.

• Intimate Dinner (10 - 30 guests): AED 12,000 - 25,000
• Private Celebration (30 - 100 guests): AED 35,000 - 80,000
• Desert Wedding (80 - 500 guests): AED 120,000 - 400,000+
• Corporate Gala (50 - 500 guests): AED 60,000 - 250,000+

Is the camp licensed for private events? What is the access road like, and who handles transport? What is included in the venue fee and what is extra? Is there a toilet block, power, shade and a plan for wind? Who is the single point of contact on the night? What is the rain, heat and cancellation policy? What happens with photography and music licences?

For the details of how an evening is built, our guide to the camp and our booking-lead-time guide go further.

In winter, evenings in the desert are cool, so a layer is welcome. Flat shoes, since you will walk on sand. Women often prefer long dresses or trousers; there is no dress code beyond modesty in the welcome area. Bring a charger and a camera, and let your planner know about dietary needs early.