"For Guardians of the Dunes The Arabian oryx was hunted to extinction on the Arabian Peninsula by the mid-1970s, but became the first animal species upgraded from Extinct in the Wild to Vulnerable by the IUCN index when conservation efforts bolstered wild population numbers to over 1,000 by the early 2010s. Today you'll see oryx all over the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, as well as the Arabian Wildlife Park on Sir Bani Yas Island, standing as a testament to humankind's ability to reverse the ecological damage we've done to parts of the natural world. Flash traveled to Dubai with Goway Travel, the global leader in tailor-made experiences to Dubai, and has been curating experience-driven expeditions to the world's most remarkable destinations since 1970. Goway can arrange custom trips to Dubai, the Arabian Desert, nearby Abu Dhabi, and beyond. www.goway.com"
A bucket list experience.
We were collected in a private G wagon from our hotel.
Our driver was very knowledgeable and friendly.
The private desert tour was outstanding.
We had dinner in the desert at a table for 2.
The food was first class.
There were dancers, henna tattooists sisha and camels.
Alex Budchanin
Google
This was our first visit to the conservation reserve, and it was an unforgettable experience. The center features a beautifully curated mini-museum with fascinating insights into the region’s wildlife and native species. The highlight, of course, was the dune drive — an incredible journey through the desert landscape. The entire tour was well-organized and truly worth a visit for anyone wanting to connect with the natural heritage of the UAE.
Zahid Ullah Khan
Google
You can see Arabian Oryx, Gazelles, Foxe's, rabbits, sand fishes, so many kind of lizards and a lot of fauna and flora. The Main thing is one of the beautiful desert resort inside of this conservation reserve, which is called AL MAHA DESERT RESORT & SPA
Kenneth Cuares
Google
The experience was really satisfying.. We sent as a group for the Heritage Dessert Safari experience, and it was wonderful.. The excursion and venue were unique and compelling.. The food was amazing.. The staff were very polite and accommodating.. Shout out to Mr. Baron, Mr. Ahmad, Mr. Zayed, and to the rest of the team...
Rov Camato
Google
Anything I thought I knew about the desert was wrong. It’s not just sand and sun—it’s life, history, and resilience. Seeing camels roam freely and spotting the oryx, Dubai’s national animal, in its natural habitat was something else. It made me wonder what it was like to live as a Bedouin—finding peace, purpose, and strength in the middle of nowhere. The desert holds so much more than meets the eye.
Helen Connor
Google
The desert safari was really good the conservation centre was the starting place of the dessert safari. The experience was amazing we really enjoyable evening. The 4x4 off roading experience was amazing and we had a great driver who made the experience even better.
Joaquin F
Google
This is by far the hidden gem of Dubai. Don’t confuse the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR) Al Maha or Sand Sherpa with typical desert tours.
DDCR is a protected area—more like a South African reserve —home to native wildlife.
Here you'll have an authentic, eco-conscious experience that respects the land and contributes to conservation. No dune bashing or crowds—just nature, silence, and sustainability. Their work supports wildlife protection, research, and preserving Dubai’s natural heritage.
Michelle Timian
Google
The wildlife viewing in this conservation reserve is stunning, as well as seeing all the variety of plantlife. A peaceful, massive site to explore nature.