From Smoke to Sizzle: The New Age of Camping BBQ in UAE
In the UAE, outdoor cooking isn’t just about food—it’s a cherished part of the culture that blends community, tradition and joy. Whether you’re gathered around a fire pit in Ras Al Khaimah, hosting a rooftop BBQ in Dubai, or setting up a family grill session at a park in Abu Dhabi, the essence remains the same: connection and flavour under the open sky.
What once started with simple campfires has now evolved into a new era of outdoor cooking. Now, sleek, high-tech portable grills, electric BBQs, and compact gas griddles make it easier than ever to enjoy delicious meals wherever you are. From the desert dunes to city balconies, the UAE’s BBQ culture is getting smarter, more convenient, and tastier than ever before.

A Quick Look Back: The History of Outdoor Grilling in the UAE
Before gas griddles and electric grills became popular, grilling in the UAE was all about the majlis experience. Families cooked over open fires during desert trips, using metal skewers to grill kebabs or fish, often over homemade pits in the sand.
You might still spot a few traditional charcoal setups in camping areas today, and the smell of grilled meat wafting through the dunes is a nostalgic reminder. But while the campfire created warm memories, it also meant long prep times, smoke, and lots of cleanup.
Today, with camping BBQ options getting smarter, you no longer need to spend hours waiting for the fire to be “just right.”
Game-Changer Alert: How the Portable Barbecue Grill Transformed Camping
The introduction of portable BBQs completely changed the way people camp in the UAE. You can now cook anytime, anywhere—no firewood or sand pits required. These compact units fit in the back of your car and heat up in minutes.
Here’s what makes them awesome:
- Quick to set up and pack down
- Perfect for BBQ outdoors and indoors
- Light enough to carry solo
- Compatible with small gas canisters or portable power banks
- Some models come with built-in wind guards and grease trays
With models like compact gas griddles and tabletop electric BBQs, you can cook like a pro even in the middle of the desert. And the best part? No smoke in your eyes and no sand in your burgers!
Explore top-rated Portable BBQs at YallaCamping.
Modern Griddle Features That Make Life Easier
Griddles have truly evolved over the years. They’re no longer just basic flat pans resting over open flames. Thanks to innovative engineering and modern design, today’s camping BBQ gear offers a whole new level of convenience, speed, and user-friendly features—perfect for both seasoned campers and weekend adventurers. Whether you’re cooking breakfast in the desert or grilling dinner on a breezy beach in the UAE, these new-age portable BBQ griddles are designed to make your experience smoother and tastier.
Modern features you’ll want to check out:
- Non-stick cooking surfaces that make food flip easier and cleanup faster
- Adjustable heat controls so you can grill meats and veggies at just the right temperature
- Removable grease trays to keep your setup clean and avoid messy spills
- Foldable legs and collapsible handles for effortless packing and portability
- Dual-burner options for cooking multiple items evenly at once
- Sturdy lids that also act as wind guards, keeping the flame steady even in breezy spots
- Integrated thermometers to help you monitor internal cooking temperatures without guesswork
- Versatile Cooking Options – Grill, sauté, fry, sear, and more

If you’re planning a short weekend getaway or gearing up for a full-fledged camping expedition, these practical features make a big difference. You’ll save valuable time and space, and avoid the hassle of juggling ingredients on tiny pans or dealing with unstable burners. Plus, the compact design means you won’t need to sacrifice room in your car or backpack.
Want the full outdoor cooking experience? Go for a Gas BBQ Griddle with added storage shelves, side hooks for utensils, and a built-in ignition system—so you can fire up the grill in seconds, without matches or lighters. It’s a game-changer for campers who want to cook like pros under the stars.
Trending Now: Flat-Top Electric Griddles For Both Indoors & Outdoors
Not all grills need gas or charcoal anymore. Electric Griddles are now a top choice for glamping setups, powered campsites, or even your apartment’s balcony. They’re easy to use, quick to clean, and most importantly, smoke-free.
Why they’re trending in the UAE:
- Perfect for beachside BBQs or staycations
- Low smoke = indoor-friendly grilling
- Just plug in and cook—no gas refills needed
- Safe for families and beginner campers
- Stylish designs that look great in any space

Planning a trip to the mountains or Fujairah beach? Pair your setup with a reliable power station and enjoy fresh BBQ meals without hassle.
Browse top Electric BBQ Griddles built for UAE adventures.
Foldable BBQ Accessories For Hassle-Free Travel
Accessories aren’t just extras—they’re essentials. But when you’re on the move, every inch of space counts. That’s where foldable and compact tools come in.
Must-have foldable BBQ tools:
- Foldable tongs and flippers with heat-resistant grips
- Collapsible tables that pop up in seconds
- Silicone brush sets that roll and pack easily
- Compact cutting boards and trays with handles
- Stackable plates & cups
Foldable accessories mean less space, less weight, and more flexibility. Whether you’re camping solo or grilling with friends, it’s the smart way to pack.
Check out BBQ Accessories that work as hard as you do.
Final Word
The UAE’s outdoor cooking scene has evolved from smoky campfires to sleek, portable BBQ setups that fit modern lifestyles. Whether you prefer a compact gas griddle, a stylish electric BBQ for outdoors and indoors, or a charcoal classic, today’s gear makes grilling simpler, faster, and more fun.
Pick your tools, plan your trip, and cook like a camping king—or queen. Grilling in the UAE has never looked (or tasted) better.