This UAE National Day, escape the city and rediscover the soul of the Emirates at Al Maha, A Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, a secluded retreat set within the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. Just 45 minutes from Dubai, this award-winning sanctuary offers uninterrupted serenity among rolling dunes, native wildlife, and the timeless beauty of Bedouin heritage.
Home to over 600 free-roaming Arabian oryx and gazelles, the reserve offers a rare chance to witness the UAE’s iconic wildlife up close. Whether gazing at oryx from a private terrace or watching gazelles bound through the sands at dawn, Al Maha invites guests to slow down and reconnect with nature.
Each of the resort’s 42 private villas blends traditional Arabian design with refined luxury, featuring handcrafted furniture, regional antiques, and private temperature-controlled pools overlooking the desert. Styled as intimate hideaways, they offer an elegant balance of stillness, comfort, and authenticity.
Whether staying overnight or visiting for a day of curated experiences, here are six reasons to spend this National Day at Al Maha.
1. Sunset Horse Ride & Desert Dinner
Experience National Day with a magical equestrian journey through the desert. The one-hour Sunset Horse Ride begins at 4:00 PM, leading guests across golden sands as the sun casts its final light over the landscape. Upon returning to the resort, guests are treated to a delectable five-course dinner, served under a blanket of stars in a serene desert setting. This intimate experience is priced from AED 655 per person, blending adventure and elegance in equal measure.
2. A Sanctuary for the Senses at Al Maha Spa
Inspired by the rhythms of the desert and grounded in holistic wellness, Al Maha Spa offers treatments designed to rejuvenate both body and mind. Guests can indulge in the Sodashi Oud Renewal Therapy, a 90-minute signature ritual priced at AED 850, which uses pure oud oils to release muscular tension, detoxify the system, and restore emotional balance. Also available is The Al Maha Body Journey, a full-body exfoliation and massage using figs, dates, and essential oils, followed by a fresh milk and date foot mask. Post treatment, guests can relax at the spa’s temperature-controlled infinity pool, or explore the sauna, steam room, and cold plunge facilities.
3. An Emirati Bedouin-Inspired Dining Experience at Al Diwaan
To mark Eid Al Etihad, Al Maha invites guests to an Emirati Bedouin-inspired dinner at Al Diwaan. Priced at AED 690 per person, inclusive of the conservation fee, the evening features a five-course Arabic menu celebrating the nation’s culinary heritage, with signature dishes such as Machboos and Luqaimat, paired with mocktails inspired by UAE traditions.
The evening begins at 7:00 PM with a welcome drink at Hajar Bar, followed by Qalb Al Sahra, Bedouin storytelling and stargazing led by the resort’s Field Guide team. Dinner, curated by Chef Piotr, commences at 8:30 PM, accompanied by live oud music under the desert sky. Guests may conclude the evening with drinks and shisha at Hajar Bar, surrounded by the tranquil beauty of the dunes.
4. Qalb al-Sahrā: An Evening of Storytelling
In celebration of UAE National Day, Al Maha offers Qalb al-Sahrā: Heart of The Desert, a cultural experience that brings the Bedouin spirit to life. Taking place under the stars beside a traditional firepit, this immersive evening is guided by the resort’s knowledgeable Field Experts, who share tales of ancient Arabian nomadic life, celestial navigation, and desert folklore. Guests are invited to enjoy Arabic coffee, dates, and spiced delicacies, while the scent of bokhoor drifts gently through the night air. It is an evocative tribute to the heritage of the Emirates, available to book at AED 310 per person.
5. The Bedouin Day Package: A Full-Day Desert Retreat
Ideal for those not staying overnight, the Bedouin Day Package delivers a seamless, full-day immersion into the world of Al Maha. Available daily from 8:30am until sunset, the package includes three bespoke desert activities, such as falconry, camel trekking, horse riding or archery, followed by access to the spa’s infinity pool and facilities. A gourmet à la carte lunch at Al Diwaan is included, as well as afternoon tea overlooking the dunes. The package is priced at AED 1,780 per person and is designed for those seeking a refined, meaningful desert experience.
6. Wildlife Drive & Afternoon Tea Experience
Uncover the desert’s hidden wonders on a guided Wildlife Drive through the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. Led by Al Maha’s expert Field Guides, this immersive journey offers a rare glimpse into the natural habitat of the Arabian oryx, sand gazelles, and diverse desert flora. As the afternoon light softens, return to the resort to indulge in an exquisite afternoon tea, served with panoramic views of the dunes. Perfect for nature lovers and those seeking quiet reflection, this elegant experience blends discovery with relaxation. Available daily from 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM, priced from AED 650 per person.
Whether seeking a luxurious escape, a meaningful cultural connection, or a moment of stillness in nature, Al Maha offers an unforgettable way to honour the spirit of the UAE this National Day.
