Hurghada: Arabian Nights Under Stars

Stars, mezze, and a changing show make this a fine Hurghada night out. I like the four-course Egyptian meal, which includes mezze, soup, mixed grill, and dessert, and I like that you can eat at an easy pace instead of being pushed through dinner. The rooftop view, Bedouin-style decor, and live Arabic music give the evening more character than a standard hotel buffet.

The main caution is the entertainment. The program changes nightly, and some evenings may include belly dancing, a whirling dervish, singers, percussion, snakes, or a traditional guitarist. But the advertised fortune teller or storyteller may not appear, and a quiet night with only two dancers can feel a little thin.

At $35 per person, the meal and setting offer strong value, especially if you are hungry. Service is another bright spot, with Adel, Samir, Haitham, Mustafa, Merva, and other staff repeatedly praised for being attentive and friendly. Just remember that transportation, shisha, and alcoholic drinks cost extra.

Key points to know before you book

• Four courses arrive at a relaxed pace: Expect mezze, soup, a mixed grill main course, and dessert, with generous portions.
• The rooftop setting is the real opener: You dine under the stars at Serry Beach Resort, with sea views and Bedouin-inspired seating.
• The show changes from night to night: Belly dance, Arabic music, tanoura, singers, percussion, and surprise acts may appear.
• Adel and Samir receive especially warm praise: Ask for patient service if you want each course explained and served without rushing.
• The $35 price covers the main experience: Drinks, shisha, and transport are not part of the standard price.
• Entertainment can vary sharply: One evening may feel packed with action, while another may offer only a small musical or dance program.

Arriving at The Rooftop Terrace in Serry Beach Resort

The Arabian Nights dinner takes place on the rooftop of Serry Beach Resort in Hurghada. That location matters. You are not simply sitting in a dark restaurant while performers pass through. The evening begins with an open rooftop view, sea air, stars overhead, and a Bedouin-inspired design that gives the meal a clear Egyptian setting.

I like the contrast between the polished resort and the rustic desert touches. It creates a more dressed-up night out without turning the experience into a stiff formal dinner. The venue is described as clean and well maintained, including the sanitary areas, which is a small but useful comfort when you are spending several hours at the table.

Pickup is optional from hotels and locations inside Hurghada city. You arrange the details after booking, while transportation remains an extra cost. If you are staying outside the city, do not assume pickup is included. Confirm the meeting point and price before setting off.

The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible. Pets are not allowed.

The four-course dinner: come hungry

The strongest part of the evening is the food. The set menu is built around four stages, and the portions are large enough that you should arrive with a real appetite.

Arabic mezze to start

The meal opens with a broad selection of Arabic mezze. This is the part I would look forward to most if you want to sample Egyptian and regional flavors without ordering several separate dishes.

The mezze has earned praise for its freshness, variety, and presentation. Tabbouleh receives special attention, with one diner calling it the best they had tasted. You can expect the opening course to offer several textures and flavors rather than one heavy plate, making it a good introduction to the meal.

This is also where the slow service pace helps. You are not expected to clear every dish in a few rushed minutes. Adel is specifically praised for bringing each course at the right time and explaining what was being served. That kind of attention is useful if some mezze are new to you.

Soup and the mixed grill

Soup follows the mezze, then comes the main course: a mixed grill platter. The menu description supplied for the experience does not list every meat or side dish, so I would not promise a precise platter. What is clear is that the main course is substantial, and several diners struggled to finish everything.

One particularly practical detail is that leftover food may be packed for you to take away. That is unusual for an evening performance meal and reinforces the generous portions. If you have a small appetite, pace yourself during the mezze instead of filling up immediately.

The meal is not presented as experimental fine dining. One diner felt the food was less refined than the elegant setting suggested. That is a fair way to frame it: you are paying for a generous, flavorful Egyptian dinner in a theatrical rooftop setting, not for a tasting menu built around tiny portions.

Dessert, including warm Umm Ali

Dessert completes the meal, and Umm Ali is a highlight. This traditional Egyptian dessert is described as warm, creamy, and filling. One server, Adel, even brought extra Umm Ali to the table, a detail that captures the generous service style many people experienced.

If you have already eaten heavily, dessert may be the point where you finally admit defeat. I would still save room. The meal is designed as a full evening, not a quick plate before a show.

What the entertainment is really like

The show is deliberately changeable. The nightly program may include belly dancers, singers, Arabic musicians, percussionists, a whirling dervish, snake performances, or other surprise acts. That variety is part of the appeal, but it also means you cannot treat the advertised list as a guaranteed schedule for your date.

Arabic live music forms an important part of the experience. One evening featured a live band beginning around 8 p.m., followed by a tanoura dance at about 9 p.m. Tanoura performers spin in colorful costumes, and in some cases diners may be invited to try a turn themselves. The live music helps keep the meal from feeling like a simple dinner with a show bolted on.

Belly dancing is another common feature. On some nights, the dancer moves around the tables, which can take time and may create pauses in the flow of the evening. A snake act has also appeared, with the snake placed on women’s shoulders for photographs. Any photographs or tips connected with that act may involve an extra payment, so ask before agreeing.

The surprise element works best if you are happy to enjoy the mood rather than demand a tightly timed production. I would book this for the overall night, not for one specific performer.

There is a real difference between the best and quieter evenings. Some programs have included several performers and strong audience participation. Other nights have offered only a guitarist and a traditional show, or two dancers. If you are choosing this mainly for a major stage production, keep expectations modest.

The fortune teller is part of the experience description, but it may not appear every night. The same applies to a storyteller. If that is the feature you most want, contact the venue in advance and ask what is planned for your date.

Service that shapes the evening

Service is one of the most praised parts of the dinner. Adel appears repeatedly as a warm, attentive server who explains dishes, checks on tables, and allows guests to enjoy the courses without pressure. Samir receives similar praise for accurate timing, patience, and careful attention to group needs.

Haitham, described as a manager, also receives credit for looking after tables. Mustafa and Haitham have been praised for being kind and attentive, while Merva is described as a pleasant host. These details matter because the dinner unfolds over several courses, drinks, music, and performances. Good timing makes the whole evening feel comfortable.

One especially touching account involved an eight-year-old child who became frightened by something in her hair. Adel and Haitham helped calm and entertain her, allowing the family to continue enjoying the night. That suggests the staff can handle families with warmth rather than treating the dinner as an adults-only production.

Shisha is available, but it is not included in the ticket. Emad, who has served shisha, is described as cheerful and funny. Since shisha is an extra, ask for the price and flavor options before ordering.

Is $35 good value?

For $35, you receive the rooftop setting, Arabic mezze, four-course dining, Bedouin-inspired surroundings, and access to the live entertainment. Drinks, alcohol, shisha, and transport are separate. Even so, the price compares well with the amount of food and the length of the evening.

The best value comes if you treat this as dinner plus a cultural performance. Buying four courses separately, adding live Arabic music, and finding a rooftop sea view could easily cost more in another setting. The meal is also paced slowly, so you are paying for several hours rather than a quick restaurant stop.

The value is less clear if you want refined cooking above all else. The food is widely praised, but one assessment found it merely adequate compared with the polished surroundings. I would describe the food as generous, enjoyable, and traditional rather than haute cuisine.

There is also a price difference in the supplied experiences. One account refers to paying about 20 euros per person at the time, while the current stated price is $35. Use the present booking price as your guide, since rates can change.

Who will enjoy this rooftop evening?

I would recommend Arabian Nights to you if you want a relaxed night away from the resort pool, especially after a day of sightseeing or the beach. It suits couples looking for a date-night setting, families who appreciate patient service, and groups who want a long meal with entertainment.

It is also a good choice for anyone trying Egyptian food for the first time. The mezze provides variety, while the soup, grill, and dessert create a clear progression. You can ask the staff to explain unfamiliar dishes, and Adel in particular has been praised for doing exactly that.

The experience suits people who enjoy atmosphere more than strict schedules. You can eat slowly, listen to Arabic music, watch performers, and take in the view. It is less suitable if you need an exact show timetable, want a guaranteed fortune teller, or dislike table-side performance and surprise acts.

Accessibility is listed as available, which makes this easier to consider for wheelchair users. For the most comfortable arrangement, confirm the access details with the venue when booking.

Practical tips for making the most of it

Arrive hungry. The meal includes mezze, soup, mixed grill, and dessert, and the servings are repeatedly described as plentiful.

Take your time with the first course. The staff are accustomed to serving the meal gradually, so there is no need to rush through the mezze.

Ask what entertainment is planned for your date. The program changes nightly, and this simple question will tell you if the evening includes belly dancing, tanoura, a band, snakes, or a quieter musical set.

Budget separately for drinks, alcohol, shisha, and transportation. The $35 price does not cover those extras.

If you are dining with children, tell the staff when you arrive. The calm, friendly service can make the evening easier for younger diners.

If you want shisha or photographs with a snake performer, ask about the cost before ordering or posing. That avoids surprises on the final bill.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. The experience is valid for one day, with the available starting time shown when you select your date.

Should you book Arabian Nights Under Stars?

I would book it if you want a full Egyptian dinner in a pretty rooftop setting, with music and changing live acts included for one reasonable price. The food, large portions, relaxed pacing, sea views, and friendly service make this more than a basic hotel dinner.

I would not book it solely for a guaranteed fortune teller or a major theatrical program. The entertainment can be excellent, but it changes from night to night and may be modest on quieter evenings.

For most people in Hurghada, this is a strong choice for one special evening. Go for the mezze, the rooftop mood, and the chance to see what the performers bring that night. Think of the show as an added pleasure, not the only reason to reserve.

FAQ

Where does Arabian Nights Under Stars take place?

It takes place at The Rooftop Terrace in Serry Beach Resort, in Hurghada, Egypt.

What is included in the $35 price?

The price includes the rooftop setting with a view, authentic Arabic mezze dining, access to the Bedouin-inspired ambiance, and live entertainment.

What food is served?

The dinner is described as a four-course meal with mezze, soup, a mixed grill main course, and dessert. Umm Ali is one of the traditional desserts served.

Are drinks included?

The standard price does not include alcoholic beverages. A drinks list is available, including additional-cost options.

Is shisha included?

No. Shisha is not included and must be paid for separately.

Is transportation included?

No. Transportation to the venue is not included. Optional pickup and drop-off can be arranged from hotels and locations inside Hurghada city for an additional cost.

Does the entertainment happen every night?

Live entertainment is offered, but the acts change each night. Possible performances include belly dancing, singers, percussionists, whirling dervishes, Arabic musicians, and surprise acts.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.