First new-look suites reopen at Al Maha Desert Resort

The 15 new-look suites now feature larger individual private pools, following a major upgrade in early summer to put them in peak condition ready to greet guests arriving for the festive holiday.

Al Maha's wildlife reserve has also been expanded from 27 to 225 square kilometres, 4.7 per cent of Dubai's land area, and now set aside as a protected area by the Government of Dubai. Resort staff will continue to manage the enlarged 'Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve'.

Emirates Group Chairman, HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, said: "Al Maha embodies our commitment to conservation. It is making great strides in protecting the unspoiled natural desert which remains Dubai's top visitor attraction."

As the year draws to a close, and with ever-growing numbers of visitors eager to enjoy Dubai's balmy winter days and superb tourist facilities, final preparations are under way to enable the resort to offer more people the best in luxury travel.

The ambitious project will add 10 new suites, spa, gym, state-of-the-art conference, meeting and communications centres and extra dining facilities. Personal pools outside every suite are being expanded to 7.5 metres by 5.5 metres, following guest comments. The remaining 15 suites will be upgraded next year.

Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline, said: "Al Maha's ever-growing popularity, and fast-rising visitor numbers, prompted us to carry out this expansion to keep the resort at the forefront of luxury travel.

"We are taking a number of steps to expand services and facilities without affecting its intimate personal atmosphere, and since it opened in 1999, guests have increased their average stay from 2.2 nights to 3.4 nights last year."

In a further move to support eco-tourism in Dubai, Emirates, has allocated 10 million AED as Al Maha's contribution to protecting the emirate's last remaining pristine desert and indigenous wildlife for future generations to enjoy.

Its policies have recently won it a coveted Environmental Recognition Award at a major travel show. Middle East Travel, a World Travel Market Global Media Network partner, nominated it for its work to preserve the natural environment.

Editor-in-chief Faysal Abou Saki said: "Readers were especially impressed by Al Maha's stunning desert location, environmental friendliness, and its enormous efforts to safeguard endangered Arabian wildlife."

Al Maha was also named Best Hotel Middle East/Africa in the recent Condé Nast Traveller magazine awards, and best environmentally-designed hotel in Hotel Intelligence Middle East magazine's yearly awards.