5 ways your next Dubai desert safari adventure will be more sustainable

As we become increasingly conscious of the need for sustainable travel and mindful tourism, we’re always on the search for adventures that help to minimise our environmental impact. Platinum Heritage, a leader in eco-luxury desert safaris in Dubai, is pioneering sustainable practices that not only preserve the natural beauty of the United Arab Emirates but also enrich the local community. Here are five ways Platinum Heritage ensures your next Dubai desert safari experience is sustainable…

1. Vintage Land Rovers: A heritage of sustainability

Platinum Heritage is committed to using vintage Land Rovers on their desert safaris. Despite their higher CO2 emissions per mile compared to newer vehicles, the continued use and longevity of these Land Rovers mean they produce fewer emissions over time than manufacturing new cars. The durability of these vehicles allows them to navigate rugged terrain without damaging delicate ecosystems, and meticulous maintenance avoids frequent part replacements. Since the opening of Platinum Heritage Dubai in 2012, more than 362 tonnes of CO2 emissions have been contained through this practice. Plus, these vintage cars add cultural and historical value, complementing eco-tourism efforts.

2. Preserving the desert’s delicate ecosystem with gentle nature drives

The desert isn’t just sand and dunes; it’s home to a delicate ecosystem. Since the inception of Platinum Heritage, they have made the choice to redefine desert exploration, offering gentle nature drives on set tracks, instead of disruptive dune bashing and off-road driving. This practice allows the desert wildlife, 70% of which lives under the sand’s surface, to thrive in their natural habitats, undisturbed, and minimises the environmental footprint.

3. Supporting conservation through donations

When you embark on a Platinum Heritage safari, a portion of the amount you pay goes towards the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR). This supports Dubai’s efforts in protecting the desert sanctuary for several animal and plant species to thrive in and helps a number of research and relocation projects. Since the inception of Platinum Heritage, they have raised over AED 6 Million to support The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR).

4. Harnessing solar and hydro-panels

Platinum Heritage camps are completely ‘off the grid’ thanks to the use of solar panels, meaning they’re completely self-sufficient for power. The addition of hydro-panels, especially in the dry, desert areas the camps are situated, ensure a reliable water source. These panels have so far produced over 300,000 litres of water, which can be used for drinking and various operations, reducing the reliance on external water sources.

5. Promoting reusable and sustainable practices

Every Platinum Heritage guest receives a high-quality stainless steel water bottle to refill throughout their journey and take home, reducing plastic waste. Over 1,075,000 plastic bottles have been saved since the company introduced reusable water bottles, and over 27 tonnes of plastic waste have been removed from the desert landscape. Their eco-heritage camps, recognised as some of the most sustainable in the industry, are built from traditional raw materials like wood, stone, and goat hair, exemplifying their commitment to preserving the environment while providing a sustainable and authentic desert experience.

Both their in-house conservation guides and guests are educated on responsible behaviour in the desert environment, covering aspects like responsible desert driving, adhering to the ‘leave no trace’ principle, observing wildlife from a distance, and promoting native plant preservation. All plastic used on site is recycled. Platinum Heritage’s collaboration with the Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) ensures that recycling a certain amount of plastic results in planting a Ghaff or Sidra tree in the United Arab Emirates.