Our CEO, Adam McEwan recently joined Oskar on Swenglanese UAE Business podcast to discuss topics from his first lawn mowing business at age 7 in Australia to the early days of Platinum Heritage Desert Safaris in Dubai. Like many youngsters, at the age of 18 years old Adam set off on a solo...

“Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision. The ability to direct individual accomplishments toward organisational objectives. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results” - Andrew Carnegie There are a variety of reasons why companies use team...

Are you looking for an ecotourism experience in Dubai? There are ecotourism activities in Dubai, just not as many as standard touristy things to do. While ecotourism is not a concept top of mind to every traveller visiting Dubai, for some, the idea of sustainable travel is important and often the...

Platinum Heritage is the only Desert Safari company in Dubai that is focussed on Ecotourism and has 100% in-house staff, trained extensively on conservation and culture of the region. Most Desert Safari companies in Dubai employ freelance Guides, especially during the busy season. The disadvantage...

Are you considering a Camel Desert Safari when visiting Dubai? Do you want to know how the camels are looked after? Camels are an important part of the Emirati cultural heritage. For centuries, these ships of the desert have served Emiratis in a number of ways. Traditionally camels are loyal travel...

Many people travelling to Dubai during summer wonder whether it is possible to still do a desert safari. What most don't realise is that the desert is actually cooler than the city in the late afternoons and evenings. This means that it is definitely possible to do a Desert Safari in Dubai during...

2 Platinum Heritage tours in the Top 4 Experiences in the Middle East Platinum Heritage are honoured to be awarded not one, but two TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice Awards in 2018. Established in 2002, the Travelers’ Choice awards are the highest honour TripAdvisor can bestow. These annual awards...

You may assume that the Dubai desert would be hotter than the city in the late afternoons, but this is not the case. Many people don’t realise that not only is it possible to travel to Dubai during summer but in the late afternoons, it is actually cooler in the desert than the city! About …...

Seasoned travellers know that sampling the local cuisine is one of the best ways to learn about the native culture and history of a country they are visiting. Local delicacies tell interesting stories about a place, and they are usually something rare, unusual or distinctive, which makes them all...

Suhoor, known as the pre-dawn meal in English is a significant element for Muslims during Ramadan. It is the last meal before the sun rises and the day of fasting begins. This meal is very important as fasters need to make sure they eat enough to ensure that they have sustained energy for the day ...

Like most casual travelers, certain new stories strike fear into your heart. In early July, temperatures in Abu Dhabi and Dubai neared 122 degrees Fahrenheit (or 50 degrees Celsius). Dubai’s summer heat is a fact, and there’s no getting around it. But here’s the thing: the summer heat isn’t...

In 2018 Ramadan in Dubai should fall between the 15th May and the 13th June, but this changes every year with the sighting of the moon as it is dependent on the lunar calendar. Ramadan is the holy month in the Islamic calendar and during this time, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. Fasting means ...

Whether you’re talking about food, culture, or history, there’s one thing you can always say about Dubai: it has layers. Dubai is home to more than 200 nationalities, each bringing with them their own culture and food. The city is famous for its sparkling hotels and luxury restaurants, but...

You're all excited for your Dubai getaway. Then you realize something: your dates fall during Ramadan. Now, you’re worried you might somehow inconvenience the locals (or be inconvenienced yourself). Don't worry, you don't need to change your plans. In fact, this might just prove to be the best...

Dubai is a city that is a melting pot, attracting cultures from all corners of the world. It is no wonder that it can be tricky to discover and identify the food which is authentically Emirati. Since Dubai is very welcoming, attracting nationalities from all over the world, there are many dominating...

The holy month of Ramadan is almost upon us. This year Ramadan should fall in between 16th May - 13th June 2018. During this (lunar calendar) month-long period, the social and cultural climate of the city transforms. Work days shorten, shops change their hours of operation, and things generally slow...

Sustainability is more than just environment. At Platinum Heritage, we embrace the three pillars of sustainability: respect for the environment, preservation and protection of local culture, and financial support for local communities. Our numerous awards including our most recent award, Best...

You’re visiting Dubai and you want to talk the talk and walk the walk. Having a little bit of Arabic under your belt is a great way to do that. You’ll especially want to know some of the key phrases when you experience the famous “Arab hospitality”. From the minute you meet someone until the...

You want to go to Dubai? We don’t blame you. But what’s the best time of the year to visit this desert oasis? The answer is a little more complicated. It depends on what the “best time to visit” means to you. Do you mean the best time to shop? The best time to hit … Read more »

Why do you travel and want to be on vacation? Maybe it is to explore the world, meet new people, to try new things? All of these reasons are valid but not the most popular motivation. The most popular motivation to travel is to relax. Did you know that a person is 30% less likely … Read more »

Recently TripAdvisor has come under scrutiny with well publicised cases of how easy it is to use fake TripAdvisor reviews to cheat the results. Can we still trust TripAdvisor in 2018 ? We say yes, as long as you are savvy and know what to look for. Amongst the many corrupt companies faking it on ...

Today, hardly anyone plans a vacation without taking at least a cautionary glance at TripAdvisor to see how one should spend their valuable time and money whilst abroad. Why not hear some honest feedback from likeminded travel bugs? It sounds great in theory and perhaps it was in the early days of...

Are you a tourist or a traveller? What’s the difference you might ask? We define “Tourist” as someone that travels somewhere to tick off the must do activities. They will participate in the things to do list that is most published by the big brand guide books. A “Traveller” wants to look a...

Did you know that plastic left behind by travelers kills hundreds of camels in the UAE each year? That’s terrible. And it’s completely avoidable. Platinum Heritage made the switch from plastic bottles to stainless steel reusable bottles. Not only is this more environmentally-friendly (the camels...

For international visitors to Dubai and the UAE, the introduction of a value-added-tax, or VAT should not be any great cause for concern. There are a few specific considerations when evaluating the impact this will make on your vacation. It is only 5% and should be included in the price of your...

You’re coming to Dubai. Congratulations. Welcome to the pearl of the desert. ...But now that you’re here, how do you get around? You want to get acquainted with the local transportation options as soon as you touch down. Don’t worry, there are lots of options available (and almost all of them...

Can I drink the water in Dubai? Water: the element of life. If you’re from the West, you probably take it for granted. But when you’re in the desert? That’s a different story. There are many myths and misconceptions about the quality of Dubai’s tap water (hair loss, dry skin, and premature...

If you wanted to find your way during a stay in Dubai, you’d probably use landmarks to help you get there, or a smartphone to dictate directions. Even more convenient, you could just hail one of the many taxis. Pretty simple, right? But what if you were traveling through the desert at night...

To tip or not to tip? That is the question. And it’s a big question in Dubai—a city that’s famous for excellent service levels. You can literally have all your needs delivered to your doorstep (yes, even a mobile salon service will come to your home or hotel). In Dubai, the short answer is...

Picture this: It’s sunset. Black waves are gently rolling up the sandy shore. The sun descends into the horizon. And you? You’re cruising effortlessly over the packed beach sand and through the shallow waters on your specially-made, next-gen bike. Can you feel that fresh, beach air yet? There...

Dubai—with its big lights and fast cars—is sure to sweep you off your feet. If you fall in love, you won’t be the first. Indeed, from indoor skydiving to world-class malls, you don’t have to leave the city to have a fabulous time. But there’s so much more to see. Take a trip to the &hellip...

You’ve seen the traditional Arab headdress before. Fashioned from a rectangle scarf usually made of cotton, the ghutra, as it is known (in Arabic, it’s كوفية‎‎ kūfiyyah), is commonly worn by men in the UAE. When visiting Dubai, understand the ghutra serves many practical purposes. It...

Most people know Dubai as a high-tech, high-cost metropolis (and perhaps the ultimate rags-to-riches story ). So, the desert city might not be the first place your mind goes when you think of a romantic getaway. You might opt to go to more glamorous areas, like the old cities of western Europe, the...

For travellers, weary after a long journey, a Bedouin camp was an oasis in itself. You might be surprised to know that those Bedouin nomads loved taking in almost anyone passing through their area. For Bedouins, this was more than just a “nice thing to do”; Arabic culture is based on hospitality...

It’s sometimes easy to forget that people once looked at the cities of the Middle East the way we look at New York, London, and Sydney today; they were multicultural, international hubs, where everyone was accepted and ideas flowed freely. During the Middle Ages, cities like Damascus, Cairo, and...

Despite Dubai’s rapid development in the last few decades, the emirate is not all skyscrapers and indoor ski parks. The government of the UAE knew early on that their land was special; focusing on sustainability has always been of the utmost importance. That’s why they established their first...

Emirates Airlines is often hailed as the world’s best airline, and with good reason. With a focus on comfort, entertainment, and even showers, Emirates makes strides to truly offer an experience, in addition to getting you from point A to point B. If you do choose to fly Emirates, your layover...

People often forget about the cultural heritage of Dubai. From the world’s largest manmade island to the otherworldly Museum of the Future , Dubai is a glass-and-steel preview of the future. The city is regularly (and rightfully) celebrated for its superb planning and vision, as well as its...

If you had 2-3 days in Dubai, what could you do? As it turns out, there’s quite a lot to do in this desert oasis. Dubai is a dynamic city that offers something to visitors of all walks of life. Whether you’re an adventurer seeking new thrills, a lover of culture, cuisine, and art, or … Read more »

Tell your friends that you’re heading to Dubai. Chances are, they’re picturing a hot, expansive desert. They may even tell you to bring your own water. Now, your friends aren’t wrong (aside from the water part)--they’re just talking about one aspect of Dubai’s weather. It’s true, Dubai...

Overlooking the deep blue waters of the Persian Gulf, Dubai is a city where past, present, and future collide. Ultramodern, glass-and-steel towers stand alongside historic Arabic Malqaf (or windcatcher) buildings. Dubai denizens pull up to traditional souks in Italian supercars. Executives at...

Dubai is often described as a playground for millionaires, but how expensive is Dubai? We’re talking about a city known for its Ferrari rentals and which recently had to outlaw wild and exotic animals as pets. But there’s a real problem with this inflated imagery. When you start to think of...

2017 has been declared as the Year of Sustainable Tourism and Development by The United Nations General Assembly and for Platinum Heritage, this is music to our ears. There are many elements that contribute to sustainability including environmental, cultural and the economic benefits to the local...

Have you considered a camel safari on your Dubai holiday? When people visit Dubai, they always have a set list of things that needs to be seen or experienced. Seeing the Dubai Fountains, going up the Burj Khalifa, gazing at the Burj Al Arab and going on a desert safari are some of the highlights ...

Dubai’s tourism industry has significantly contributed in spreading understanding and peace in the Middle East. Dubai is made up of an expansive number of ethnicities, nationalities and people with a wide range of faith, who all work together to make a very harmonious society. There are a few...

What to wear in Dubai? When planning your trip to Dubai, what to wear when you are here can be one of your biggest concerns. The questions you may have are; ‘how conservative do you have to dress in Dubai?’, ‘How dressy is Dubai?’ ‘How hot is Dubai?’, ‘Can men wear shorts in Dubai?’...

We often get asked ‘Do I need to book my Desert Safari in Dubai before I get there?’ or ‘How long in advance do I need to book my Desert Safari?’ or ‘Does your Desert Safari sell out?’. The answer to these questions is that it is always best to book as early as possible. … Read more »

I don’t think we will need to enlist the assistance of a market research company to tell us that the most asked question we receive is… “What is the difference between the Platinum and Heritage Desert Safari”? Before answering that question, we probably need to explain why we started...

Luxury automotive manufacturer Land Rover and award winning luxury tour and safari operator, Platinum Heritage, have teamed up to offer adventure seekers in the United Arab Emirates unique luxury desert safari experiences. As the ‘Official Adventure Partner of Platinum Heritage’, Land Rover�...

Every day we receive emails from potential guests who seem to be very confused about how to choose the best safari in Dubai. We would love to say that Platinum Heritage offers the best desert safaris but the truth is; there is no such thing as a one size fits all solution to this question. … ...

Your lungs are full of fresh air as you glide up and down the undulating dunes of a private conservation reserve. Beside you is a herd of Arabian Orxy as you approach a natural oasis where your picnic under the shade of an indigenous Ghaf tree awaits. Sounds like a dream vacation? This is the ...

We always love to see how different couples put their own spin our unique Dubai wedding venue. The desert wedding in Dubai is a fantastic opportunity for a wedding photographer to create unique and memorable perspectives of your special day. Giulia and Arnaud decided to have their wedding photos...

There is somewhat of a revolution taking place in the way that businesses are being run. The traditional model exalted the philosophy that with formal qualification, years of training and decades of industry experience, businesses knew what was best for their customers. This take it or leave it...

We had the honour of hosting students from The National Charity School this morning. We all work very hard at Platinum Heritage to supply lasting memories, however, this morning reminded me of the difference that tourism providers like ourselves can make and how important “positive” memories...

I can proudly say that our hard work generally pays off and we are very happy with the reaction from many satisfied guests. Unfortunately, from time to time, we drop the ball, forget something or simply don’t perform to our usual high standards. A desert safari has many moving parts and new...

A stark contrast to one of the fastest growing cities in the world, the desert surrounding Dubai is a serene landscape that should be considered a must-see for anyone visiting the UAE. When most people think about a Dubai desert safari, though, their mind instantly goes to dune bashing — a...

The Desert, with its living resources, was given a special interest and care by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Sheikh Zayed considered the desert, with all of its animal and plants a blessing from Allah that we should protect and use sustainably. Sheikh Zayed said: “Cooperation...

With World Responsible Tourism Day coming up on November 5th, the Travel Team of DubaiEye are joined by Platinum Heritage’s Managing Director Adam McEwan, for a chat about the desert safari tour operator’s plans to help UAE students learn more about the issue. MARK: We’re going to uncover...

Primarily a means to supplement an otherwise meagre diet, falconry was an integral part of desert life in the Arabian Peninsula. But hunting expeditions also provided the ideal setting for tribal sheikhs to tour their area and connect with the people. The late HH Sheikh Zayed, founding father of...

The hunter and his bird must share a bond deeper than any rider and his horse. They can communicate as if by magic, using the falcon’s wings and eyes in combination with the hunter’s keen wits and endless patience. Soaring across the cloudless desert sky, the falcon sights its prey, and dives...

How much is one hour of your time worth? When you are on vacation, it may be difficult to quantify how much an experience is really worth. At Platinum Heritage, we hear the “e” word every now and then. In order for me to establish if we really did offer “expensive” experiences, I looked...

Due to the luxury nature of our Platinum Safari, we seem to attract the attention of celebrities, sports personalities, high profile corporate clients and the occasional Billionaire or two. Below, in no particular order, we have compiled a list of some of the most opulent activities we have put...

We were quite proud of ourselves when we recognised that there was a huge gap in the safari industry in Dubai. Noticing that all safaris focussed on dune bashing, bellydancing and tanura dancing (both from Egypt), getting drunk in the desert, sampling an “international” cuisine and jamming as...

There has been a lot of chatter about the transfer of the deadly MERS Coronavirus from camels to humans. While many of our guests are concerned, like anything else, education is the key. Armed with all the correct information, one can then make an educated decision about the level of contact with...

It is very common in business to hear comments like “our best attribute is our staff”, “without our staff we would not be successful” etc. However, how many times do your staff give you proof? Evidence of how truly amazing they are? A tangible quantifiable way to back up a statement like...

I remember back when I was studying Business at University, we were provided an interesting statistic about customer satisfaction. We were told that happy customers would tell 4-6 people of their experience. However, an unhappy customer would tell 9-15 people. It is amazing how much that equation...

Becoming the first Tourism in the UAE to receive an award during the coveted business award, Platinum Heritage shows that appreciation for culture and heritage in Dubai is in strong demand. Platinum Heritage Land Rovers Dubai, United Arab Emirates (PRWEB) November 08, 2013 Privately held luxury...

In every business, the work that goes on behind the scenes should be as clear and transparent as possible. One of the more difficult things for our guests to understand is the complexity surrounding the pick-up times for our evening safaris (Platinum and Heritage Dinner Safaris). I will attempt...

I have to admit that I was a little reckless when I started backpacking around the world at the tender age of 18. Back then, it was seen as a “weakness” to refer to a Lonely Planet Guidebook. It somehow went against the spirit of adventure to know what was around the corner. Instead, you ...

There are many environmentalists across the world who would love to string us up (with organic rope) for being mindless status-obsessed eco-vandals with the audacity to use fuel heavy Mercedes G-Wagons for safaris. And you know what, they are right! There is no denying that a CO2 output of 205.5...

You don’t need to stand outside for very long under Dubai’s smoldering midday sun before you realize that Bedouins were tough people. However, the more we started asking local Bedu’s about how they survived the harsh Arabian summers, the more we realized that this toughness came with a...

The biggest travel trade show in the UAE, the Arabian Travel Market is fast approaching. I have been receiving many meeting requests and the most common question I seem to receive is… “Do you have luxury desert safaris?”. After receiving that question more than a few times, it made me sit...

Last week I was privileged enough to be invited as a guest speaker for the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing’s (DTCM’s) 3rd Annual Environment Tourism training workshop. The event is the brain-child of the eco-warrior and passionate; Shaikha Ebrahim Al Mutawa who seems to be on a...

At Al Arabi Travel Agency, we’re always on the lookout for great new suppliers to work with. We recently became a partner of Platinum Heritage and we’re incredibly excited to be selling their products. One of the most common consumer complaints about desert safaris is that they’re just not...