About 43 mile from the centre of Dubai is the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, the largest protected nature reserve in the entire United Arab Emirates. For nature lovers, this is the ideal place to enjoy the special nature and rare animal species, including the Oryxes.
This special nature reserve was created in 1999 to protect the flora and fauna of the region. Originally the area was only 27 square mile in size, but after a large donation of 15 million dollars from Emirates airline and 5 million dollars from the state of Dubai in 2002, the area grew in 2003 to a total area of 225 square mile. This is almost 5% of the total area of the United Arab Emirates. In 2002, the area was also declared a protected area. A lot of time and money is invested in the conservation and development of the flora and fauna.
Visit the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve
The 225 square mile nature reserve can be visited, but not on your own initiative. You can only visit this special area if you book a day trip with one of the designated concessionaires such as Platinum Heritage or if you are a guest of the exclusive and super-luxurious Al Maha Desert Resort and Spa.
One of the companies that has a permit to enter the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve is Platinum Heritage, where you can book various excursions. On this website you can view a complete overview of the various excursions to the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve.
The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve is best known for the Oryxes, a rare species of antelope that has been saved from extinction by a special breeding program. Various species of foxes, rodents, gazelles and many species of birds also live in the resort. Check the official website of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve for more information.
Excursions in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve
Do you want to see the “real” desert of Dubai and come face to face with the special Oryxes that live in this area? Below we have listed the best excursions to the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve for you.
– Heritage Desert Safari with Dinner from Dubai
– ATV hot air balloon ride, camel ride and breakfast in the Desert Conservation Reserve/a>
– Dubai: hot air balloon, camel ride & photo with falcon
– 7-hour Platinum Desert Safari in the Desert Conservation Reserve
– 5-hour Platinum Desert Safari through the Desert Conservation Reserve + breakfast
– Dubai: Desert Safari with Camel Ride
– Desert safari with overnight stay & gourmet breakfast
– Dubai Private Night Safari & Astronomy
The Al Maha Resort Dubai
The most special hotel complex in all of Dubai can be found in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. The very luxurious 5-star hotel Al Maha Desert Resort and Spa is in the middle of the pristine desert of Dubai, far from the busy and modern city.
The resort consists of one main building with a swimming pool and 40 detached Bedouin-style suites. Thanks to the idyllic location of the suites, they offer a lot of privacy and you can relax in your own private pool overlooking the desert or enjoy the beautiful sunset.
The Jamilah Spa is also located in the resort. Here, hotel guests can choose from a variety of beauty treatments and massages. The Jamilah Spa has twice been voted the best spa in the Middle East and you will notice this when you visit this special spa.
