Skip to Content

This unique food festival is back for two days only!

Are you ready for the most unique food festival in town? Back once more for just two days – here’s why you shouldn’t miss out on Meats & Mountains at Jebel Hafit Desert Park!

Taking place on Saturday, 29 November & 20 December, 2025, the festival offers a bold celebration of BBQ culture, outdoor adventure, and Emirati heritage and modern expressions.

Meats & Mountains festival

The desert food festival runs from 3:30 pm till late, so you can make the most of the weather as you enjoy an open-air gathering like no other in Al Ain. Think stunning desert meets majestic mountain landscapes, all while you enjoy delicious food and amazing entertainment.

Meats & Mountains first launched in 2022 and is back again, bigger than ever before! The annual open-fire food festival showcases home-grown culinary talents in an unforgettable outdoor experience, blending the love of great food, nature, and fire.

The event is curated annually by Ola El Jaroudi and Tarek Sultani, the visionary couple behind Cucina del Sul, the Middle East’s leading curator of social culinary experiences.

What’s on the agenda for Meats & Mountains this year?

First things first, if you book your tickets before 15 November, you get special offers on early bird bookings.

As for the rest of the festival, it’s basically a meat lover’s paradise (as the name suggests!).

Expect an authentic culinary journey featuring a variety of BBQ stations, from hanging large tomahawks & ribeyes to smashed burgers and more live-fire concepts alongside traditional favourites like Lugaimat and Karak.

What do we know about the menu line-up so far? First up, there’s Simon Yammine, a culinary artist who shot to fame with the most epic outdoor cooking videos. The rest of the line-up is expected to be revealed over the weeks to come, so watch this space for more updates!

Meats & Mountains festival

Of course, there’s plenty of vibe-setting entertainment lined up. You could easily make yourself a delicious plate as a bunch of talented homegrown musicians set the tone for a magical day out.

There are also plenty of activities, including an Art Trail, kite flying, and even roasting marshmallows on bonfires under the night sky.

Given the scale of the festival and with something for everyone in the family, why not make a whole day of it? For those looking to enjoy an overnight stay, there are several accommodation options that cater to all preferences available. Enjoy exclusive rates at the partner camping, glamping, and hotel stays – does it get any better than this?

Of course, you’re also welcome to bring and set up your own tents for that extra camping vibe. Alternatively, some tickets also have tents and other necessary materials included.

Following the festival, you can enjoy breakfast at Hafit Foothills Lounge, near the Activities Hub (not included in the event price) on the next day. Alternatively, you’re welcome to bring your own breakfast too, of course.

Meats & Mountains festival

With the proteins powered by Meat Avenue and Transmed, Meats & Mountains bring together the best in culinary craftsmanship and community spirit, powered by premium quality ingredients and a shared passion for exceptional food experiences.

Meats & Mountains is more than a festival of flavours. It is a celebration of food, cultural expressions and community that invites guests to escape the mundane and reconnect with nature and friends in the heart of Al Ain’s stunning landscape. 

Don’t miss out on the party of a lifetime at Jebel Hafit Desert Park!

Details:

Date: 29 November & 20 December
Time: 3:30 pm till late
Price: Starting AED 360 per person, AED 90 for children under 12 years old. For tickets, visit Meats & Mountains

Follow Secret Abu Dhabi for more news, events and all the hottest updates in the capital and beyond

Caroline

Caroline is a dedicated journalist whose interests lie at the intersection of lifestyle, food, and sustainability. When she's not exploring exotic locales or experimenting in the kitchen, she can be found playing with her cat, Lily or trying to read a book.