This is how you entice your safari-loving clients to Dubai

Other animals that we see – gazelles, larks, partridge-like francolins – are similarly pallid, but bucking the trend are sapphire-blue sunbirds.

I spot the latter back at the resort’s freeform pool and excellent spa, which constitute its daytime hub. But such is the sanctuary offered by the 42 villas (each with private plunge pool) that most guests relax in their rooms all day, emerging only for meals and the two included daily activities.

As part of Marriott’s Luxury Collection, Al Maha is not for budget-conscious clients: rooms here in peak season start at around £1,730 per night. For those with deep enough pockets though, the experience is out of this world.

“Around 28% of bookings are from repeat guests, who check in for weeks at a time,” I’m told by director of operations, Irfan Showcketh.

But even cashed-up clients aren’t immune to the cost-of-living crisis. “Since the pandemic, our average length of stay has dropped to two nights,” he continues, “with guests splitting their stay with less expensive, more central hotels.”

I follow their lead and continue my twin-centre stay at a sister property, Marriott Hotel Al Jaddaf, Dubai. A high-rise surrounded by other high-rises, it’s far more quintessential Dubai. From its rooftop pool, I can see the landmark Burj Khalifa tower and there’s a shuttle bus to Dubai Mall and the Metro station for further sightseeing.

IN THE PINK

But even a location this urban offers wildlife potential. The Marriott Al Jaddaf is one of the closest hotels to the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, whose tidal wetlands are beloved by wild flamingos. From one of two birdwatching hides, I view the flamingos at close proximity. Despite bright pink legs, they’re surprisingly pale; until, that is, the birds take flight, revealing wings splashed with crimson and black.

It’s a fantastic (and free) diversion from the city; but the lure of the desert proves stronger. For another burst of its beauty, I join a half-day tour with local operator Platinum Heritage Dubai.

I find that it’s far more immersive than similar desert tours I’ve done previously. After the hour’s drive from the city, every participant is given a traditional Bedouin headscarf before boarding vintage Land Rovers for a tour in the DDCR.

As we bounce along in the open-top vehicles, we spot plenty of wildlife, including a huge eagle owl. Then the tour turns into a cultural immersion as we catch a sunset falconry display before reaching a Bedouin-style camp.

Here, lit by candles and lanterns, we feast on camel stew and fresh-from-the-fire bread before stretching out on rugs to cast our eyes to the skies. Puffing on shisha pipes, we hear how Bedouin nomads navigated by the stars, plotting their course across the emptiness via constellations and galaxies.

“Now that you know how to do it,” concludes the guide, “who wants to borrow camels and find their own way back to Dubai?” He’s joking, but part of me is seriously tempted. Then again, this Dubai discovery has already packed in way more adventure than I’d have thought possible. I’ve loved it; and no doubt your clients will too.

Book it: Gold Medal offers a six-night Dubai twin-centre, with three nights’ full-board at Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa and three nights’ half-board at Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah from £2,739pp, based on two adults sharing, with Emirates flights from Heathrow included, valid for departures 1-30 May 2024; goldmedal.co.uk