The Arabian oryx was the impetus behind the creation of the desert reserve that surrounds Al Maha.

After being hunted to extinction in the wild, the oryx was reintroduced to the deserts of Arabia in

the late nineties. Al Maha Desert Resort is built around this large oryx refuge, and its name (Al Maha)

even means oryx in Arabic. The majestic beast resembles a unicorn in profile, and it is not uncommon

to have one creep up to your outdoor breakfast table and stare you and your fruit plate down.

 

 

Though the Arabian oryx seems ubiquitous on the Al Maha grounds, less than a thousand exist

in the wild worldwide.

Interaction with these and other desert wildlife is the hallmark of the Al Maha experience.

Oryx, gazelles, foxes, sand cats, and falcons all lurk just beyond each villa’s epic back porch.

The oryx and gazelles frequently creep onto the property to take advantage of the shady groves.

The creatures behave very comfortably around humans, so close encounters take place constantly.

This is the most fascinating facet of the Al Maha experience. Sharing living space with such beautiful

and strange desert creatures is memorable.