What began as an exclusive interior décor project for Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa, has resulted in one of the largest private collections of regional antiques, artefacts and artworks in the UAE. As Emirates Hotels & Resort's first conservation-based property celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, Al Maha now boasts a unique collection of over 2,000 authentic Arabic treasures.

After a decade of careful selection, the Al Maha collection of artefacts is a huge cultural and historical asset for Dubai. Painstakingly sourced by Al Maha with assistance from local experts, the collection reflects the wider history of the UAE - from the years of the desert tribal nomads, to the domestic, social and military history of the Gulf region over the 1800’s and 1900’s. The collection creates a ‘sense of place’ for its visitors, while preserving an essential record of the region’s history. 

Ornate wooden chests, old clay honey and date pots, brass coffee pots, camel bags and traditional silver jewellery, are amongst many other pieces displayed throughout the resort, with the main reception area alone boasting items such as ancient camel saddles and a unique 260 year old wool Bedouin tent wall hailing from the Kara Kuma Bedu.  Each suite displays at least 8-15 antiques for guests' close up appreciation, providing a taste of what life was like in the desert many years ago.

In addition to the exceptional antique collection, Al Maha also features over 80 especially commissioned artworks, including the largest single collection of Trever de Pattenden’s wildlife paintings, which have risen in popularity in recent years.

Speaking about the collection, Tony Williams, Senior Vice President, Resorts & Projects, Emirates Hotels & Resorts, said, “From the outset, our goal at Al Maha was to maintain the region’s heritage. Recording its history is as much a part of our responsibility as our wildlife conservation programmes.  It took a long time tracing and sourcing the right pieces, but the end result has been worth the effort.  The feedback from our visitors is incredible, with many Gulf national guests recognising items from their grandparents’ homes.  Unlike a museum, where antique pieces are locked away, our collection is accessible to everyone, and provides a unique opportunity to see how things used to be.”

Mr Williams added: “This is really another contribution that Al Maha has made to Dubai and the UAE. Over the intervening years much of the region’s antiques have been sold and traded, and what were quite common pieces only a decade ago are now extremely difficult to find. It is important for any community to understand their heritage; and this collection maintains the region’s heritage, preserving the cultural links of this modern society with its history and desert lore.”