By Lyna Mohammad
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Excited tourists getting a ride back to the resort.
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Learning the art of falconry from an expert.
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Genuine artefacts give vital insight into the Arab
culture.
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Camel safari in the desert.
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Cruising through the dunes.
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Latest BMW X5 is a dreamy driving experience at the
luxurious oasis.
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An exclusive and luxurious oasis named after the dune dweller,
the Arabian Oryx, or better known as the Al Maha, is located
amidst shifting sands in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Al Maha Desert Resort is an
idyllic, exclusive oasis, set within a 27-square-kilometre
desert and wildlife conservation reserve, the largest in UAE.
It is a place where a
commitment to service and total guest satisfaction is underlined
by a ratio of 3 staff members to every one of the splendid guest
suites, ensuring attentive and personalised service, 24 hours a
day.
Framed by Hajar Mountains in
the distance, this is a place of unique contrasts, built in the
style of a traditional Bedouin encampment.
Luxurious individual suites
with private pools and fine dining, exquisite wines, panoramic
skycaps and indigenous flora and fauna are all set within wide
open plains, allowing guests to unwind, relax in a totally
peaceful experience.
The main building is testimony
to a way of life, which has not changed in thousands of years.
From the courtyard, guests can access the dining room, where
inside the atmosphere is one of informal elegance; while
outside, the rich earth colours of the walls and buildings
contrast magnificently with the crystal waters of the main
swimming pool.
Arabian art has its origins in
Islamic culture and until recent times, life in the desert was
simply too harsh for time to be spent upon frivolities that were
not essential to survival.
Because of this, artistes
devoted their attention to the art of carving doors, a
traditional skill and styles, which vary from region to region
as well as decorating pots.
Here, guests are adorned with
traditional artefacts and precious antiques, as the Arabian
peninsula is one of the few places in the world where genuine
things could be found at reasonable prices, but most importantly
the region's art provides a vital insight into the culture of
the Arab people.
Guests at Al Maha can take part
in a number of on-site activities including falconry, horse and
camel safaris, archery and guided nature walks.
More adventurous travellers can
also take part in a range off-site activity ranging from
historical and architectural tours in and around the Hajar
Mountains to sand skiing and 4x4 dune driving.
The art of falconry dates back
o the 13th century BC. Guests at Al Maha can take the
opportunity to view a number of different species of falcons, as
they are left to "weather" in the shaded area of the
courtyard and can also be handled under the supervision of one
of the field guides, while "fly to the lure"
demonstrations take place during cooler parts of the day.
Horse and camel safaris rides
are conducted through the reserve, giving guests the opportunity
of connecting with the natural splendour of the Arabian desert.
A designated area is utilised, where the archer can test his
skills with this traditional weaponry.
A morning dune drive from the
resort may end with a lunch break in a tranquil enclave in one
of the wadis or alternatively, an afternoon drive will conclude
with a breathtaking sight of the beautiful sunset in the desert.
The legend of Al Maha describes
a magical place where water flowed from a rock, a perpetual
spring fed by ancient underground lakes. Everything about Al
Maha is designed to provide guests with a unique experience.
All activities are under the
direction of experienced and dedicated staff members who are
conservationists, and have extensive knowledge of the
environment, flora and fauna of the region.
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