Heritage Safari by Vintage G-Class in Al Marmoom

The Al Marmoom Heritage Safari is different from the familiar desert safari with jeeps and dunes. The emphasis here is on Emirati heritage and open space, and it takes place in the Al Marmoom reserve, which is the largest unfenced nature reserve in the UAE. The evening begins with a transfer from a hotel in Dubai in an air-conditioned vehicle, and then you move on to the vintage vehicle.

The vehicle is a vintage Mercedes-Benz G-Class, which is a model from the 1980s. The drive through the reserve is at a fairly relaxed pace, with stops to photograph the desert in the amber tones of the evening, and a chance to spot wildlife along the way. The reserve is known, among other things, for the ghaf tree, the national tree of the UAE, and wildlife such as the Arabian oryx and gazelles.

At the Bedouin village you are welcomed with Emirati hospitality: gahwa (Arabic coffee) and sweets. Then you join a camel caravan to experience the landscape as the Bedouins did. After returning to the village there is a live Arabic coffee-making session and a guided tour of the village, which is built with natural materials.

During the tour you learn about Bedouin life: you see restored wells, cooking stations and farm animals. As the sun sets, local women demonstrate how to make Emirati treats such as luqaimat and flatbread. Then you sit down to a three-course Emirati dinner under the open sky. It ends with a stargazing session and insight into how the Bedouins used the stars to navigate.

Who is it for? Families, couples and anyone who thinks the standard safari is not for them. It is much less action and speed, and more culture, story and food. The ticket also suits young children: children under five are accepted at the child rate, and a child seat is provided.

The tour is shared, so it runs with a group. The transfer is included, and the duration of the tour includes pick-up and drop-off, but may vary with traffic. About 48 hours before the tour you will be contacted to confirm the pick-up location and time. The tour is not wheelchair accessible; if anyone in the group has a physical disability, you can get in touch beforehand about a customised private trip.

What to bring: comfortable shoes suitable for sand, a hat and sunglasses, and a light jacket or scarf for the evening, as the desert cools after sunset. Bring a camera or a fully charged phone. Dress comfortably and respectfully, in keeping with the place and local custom.

Al Marmoom is outside the city, and according to one source on the area it is not served by regular public transport, so the organised tour with hotel pick-up is the easy way to get there. Choose your pick-up point when you book, and keep your current phone number available.