Bedouin-inspired luxury
Holidays in Dubai Desert are all about tradition. As Dubai City’s jewel like skyscrapers recede into the distance, the silence of this magical landscape captivates you. This is a place full of life; falcons wheel overhead, camels trek up rolling dunes and lush palms fringe isolated pools. If you’re lucky, you might just catch a glimpse of the rare Arabian oryx or the elusive Arabian sand cat.
Here in the desert, life is much as it was centuries ago throughout the rest of the UAE – albeit with a luxurious upgrade. Stay in a Bedouin encampment, experience the ancient art of falconry or strike out on a guided camel trek.
For couples there are few places more romantic than the top of a sand dune as the evening sun falls below the horizon, followed by a torchlit meal of traditional Arabic delicacies like rich salona laham stew, chewy khubz bread and fresh dates.
The Dubai Desert enables you to fully disengage from everyday life and slip into another world. Romantics will revel in the endless sea of sand, palm trees and shimmering oases. Recline on a divan with a mint and lemon tea and watch the camel caravans pass. Cool off in the pool or become acquainted with traditional spa treatments. For those looking for something more active, the desert is your playground. Falconry, 4x4 tours and camel rides are just some of the activities on offer. If you’re feeling the pull of civilisation, a day in the souks of Dubai and the blue waters of Jumeirah Beach beckon.
Sovereign has almost five decades’ experience in planning bespoke luxury holidays. Our Personal Travel Planners are standing by to ensure every aspect of your holiday runs perfectly. Stay at Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, which offers pristine views of the Hajar Mountains. The sands stretch on for miles into the distance yet this fabulous bolthole is less than an hour’s drive from Dubai International Airport. With fine dining, a spa and a terrace bar it has everything you could possibly need to live out your desert dream in total comfort.
Every one of our hotels is handpicked and personally visited by our team
Flight time from the UK to Dubai is approximately 6 hours 30 minutes.
Transfer time from Dubai airport to our Al Maha hotel is approximately 55 minutes.
Summers in Dubai are seriously hot – 40°C kind of hot. Although all buildings are air conditioned, outdoor activities can be uncomfortable in this kind of heat, and some may even be closed. November to April is the best time to visit Dubai; rain is scarce, and temperatures stay at a comfortable mid-20s average.
British citizens will be granted a free 30-day visa upon arrival in Dubai.
In most tourist destinations in the Emirates (such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi), it’s customary to leave a 10% cash tip in restaurants. Small tips are appreciated for other services; aim for five to 20 UAE dirhams for porters bringing your bags to your room and for taxi drivers.
The official language of Dubai is Arabic. English is widely spoken too, so getting by is easy.
We've been finding people their own slice of paradise for 50 years, and like to think we're pretty good at it.
