Heritage Cultural Retreat: Overnight Safari with Hot Air Balloon

The Heritage Cultural Retreat joins the best of Platinum Heritage in one journey: an evening of Bedouin culture in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, a night in a stone dwelling, and a sunrise flight in a hot air balloon over the dunes.

The first day brings a vintage Land Rover or camel nature drive, a falcon show at sunset, a traditional dinner and Emirati performances under the stars. Before dawn you travel to the balloon site, float for 45 to 60 minutes above the desert, and land for a breakfast inspired by the four elements beside a quiet oasis on royal grounds.

What to expect

• Nature drive or camel caravan: 60 minutes through the reserve with a Conservation Guide, in a 1950s Land Rover or by camel.

• Falconry at sunset: a live display of the birds that shaped Bedouin life.

• Bedouin evening: coffee roasting, fresh Ragag bread, camel rides, a four-course dinner and interactive Emirati performances.

• Stone dwelling night: a quiet night in a traditional room built from natural materials.

• Sunrise balloon flight: 45 to 60 minutes above the dunes as the sun comes up.

• Oasis breakfast: a gourmet breakfast on royal grounds after landing.

Perfect for

• Couples and honeymooners: a sunrise flight and a calm night in the desert make a special occasion.

• Bucket-list travellers: the full Dubai desert story in one trip: culture, wildlife and the view from the sky.

• Families with older children: children from 7 years can fly; children 7-11 pay the child rate.