Jetsettersblog

What began as an exclusive interior décor project for Al Maha Desert Resort has resulted in one of the largest private collections of regional antiques, artefacts and artworks in the UAE. As the property celebrates its tenth anniversary this year, Al Maha now boasts a unique collection of over 2,000 authentic Arabic treasures.

This is just one of the many ways a property can become an Eco Luxury member. In Al Maha’s case, their outstanding contribution to preserving their country’s history and culture is to be admired.

They have spent a decade carefully selecting the Al Maha collection of artefacts which is a huge cultural and historical asset for Dubai. Painstakingly sourced by Al Maha with assistance from local experts, the collection reflects the wider history of the UAE – from the years of the desert tribal nomads, to the domestic, social and military history of the Gulf region over the 1800’s and 1900’s.

The collection creates a ‘sense of place’ for its visitors, while preserving an essential record of the region’s history.

Ornate wooden chests, old clay honey and date pots, brass coffee pots, camel bags and traditional silver jewellery, are amongst many other pieces displayed throughout the resort, with the main reception area alone boasting items such as ancient camel saddles and a unique 260 year old wool Bedouin tent wall hailing from the Kara Kuma Bedu.

Each suite displays at least 8-15 antiques for guests’ close up appreciation, providing a taste of what life was like in the desert many years ago.

Al Maha, which nestles within the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR) was designed and built following the principles of environmentally sustainable development. It also aims to preserve the UAE’s history and heritage through careful assessments of typical desert settings and Bedouin lifestyles.

The architecture, design concepts and layout of the resort are based on this principle and on careful research throughout the Gulf region.

Recreating a Bedouin encampment, guests can also experience desert-based activities organised by Al Maha Field Guides.

These include falconry demonstrations, camel safaris, horse-riding over the dunes, archery with traditional wood bows and nature walks.

Al Maha has been instrumental in creating the conservation reserve within which it is set. Large scale habitat rehabilitation programs are ongoing, including the propagation of over 6,000 indigenous trees, shrubs and grasses and the re-introduction of the regions first free-roaming herds of endangered Oryx.

Al Maha is a haven of protection, with an ever-growing diversity of wildlife.

For more information about exclusive trips based around Eco Luxury principles, please visit www.ecoluxury.com