When the weather cools and the desert skies turn clear, Al Ain’s Jebel Hafit Desert Park transforms into a haven for food lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. This year, the beloved Meats & Mountains Jebel Hafit 2025 festival makes its much-awaited comeback on November 29 and December 20, 2025. Expect smoky grills, golden dunes, and that unmistakable scent of firewood drifting through the crisp evening air.
The food festival is an experience where great food, community, and culture meet under the desert stars.
A Feast That Brings the Fire Back to the Mountains
At its heart, Meats & Mountains is all about live-fire cooking and the joy of sharing good food in the great outdoors. Visitors can indulge in everything from flame-grilled tomahawks and juicy ribeyes to smashed burgers and other smoky delights fresh off the grill.
Adding a local touch, Emirati favourites such as lugaimat and karak will round off the feast, reminding everyone that no UAE celebration is complete without a sweet bite and a warm cup of tea.
What makes this festival truly special is its setting. With Jebel Hafit’s rugged peaks on one side and sweeping dunes on the other, it’s an evening that captures the soul of the desert. As bonfires light up the mountain backdrop and live music fills the air, visitors are invited to slow down, eat well, and celebrate together.
Not just a BBQ Festival
While the fire pits and food stations are at the heart of Meats & Mountains, there’s plenty more to explore. The event creates a mini desert village atmosphere—families can take part in kite-flying sessions, roast marshmallows around the bonfire, and enjoy performances by local musicians.
This year, organisers have placed a strong focus on community and connection. It’s not a rushed food fair; it’s an open-air gathering where people come to unwind, share stories, and experience the hospitality that defines the UAE’s desert culture.
Visitors who want to make the most of the weekend can extend their stay by booking glamping tents or nearby hotels, many of which offer exclusive festival packages. Whether you prefer a rustic campsite or a cozy cabin, there’s a spot for every kind of adventurer.
Dates, Tickets, and All You Need to Know
The Meats & Mountains Jebel Hafit 2025 festival will be held on two Saturdays, November 29 and December 20, 2025, from 3:30 PM till late.
Tickets start from AED 360 per adult and AED 90 for kids, with early-bird discounts available until November 15, 2025. Entry includes access to live performances, food zones, and all community activities throughout the evening.
Guests can also upgrade their experience with camping or glamping add-ons, turning the event into an overnight desert retreat. The festival’s organisers recommend arriving early to explore the park’s trails and catch the sunset from Jebel Hafit’s viewing points before the grills are fired up.
For those travelling from Dubai or Abu Dhabi, Al Ain is around a 90-minute drive, making it an easy weekend getaway. Parking and family facilities are available on-site.
A Celebration of Emirati Heritage and Outdoor Living
Meats & Mountains goes beyond food—it’s a celebration of the UAE’s love for the outdoors. The event captures the essence of Emirati gatherings: cooking together, sitting around a fire, and enjoying stories under the stars.
By hosting the festival at Jebel Hafit Desert Park, organisers are also highlighting one of Al Ain’s most iconic heritage sites. Known for its archaeological significance and striking landscapes, the park is part of the UNESCO-recognised Al Ain heritage area. Events like Meats & Mountains help connect new generations to this environment while supporting local tourism and small food producers.
The festival also reinforces a growing appetite across the UAE for open-air, community-based experiences. As urban residents look for ways to slow down and reconnect, events like this serve as a reminder that the desert remains one of the country’s most soulful settings.
Planning Your Visit?
If you’re heading to Meats & Mountains this winter, a few tips will make your experience even better:
- Dress in layers: Desert temperatures can drop quickly after sunset.
- Book early: The early-bird window closes on November 15, and spots fill up fast.
- Bring your appetite: With premium meats supplied by leading regional brands, the food is worth the drive alone.
- Stay the night: Make it a mini staycation and wake up to Al Ain’s mountain sunrise.
The combination of food, music, and mountain views promises a night unlike any other.
A Night of Flame, Flavour, and Friendship
As the flames rise and music echoes off Jebel Hafit’s cliffs, Meats & Mountains promises more than just a meal—it’s a sensory escape from city life.
Tickets are already available, and if past editions are any indication, they won’t last long. So gather your friends, bring your appetite, and head to Al Ain for a desert evening of fire, flavour, and community spirit.
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