The mission to preserve the area began in the 1960s, and almost 30 years later in the late 1990s, the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum purchased over 87 square miles of land. After assessing the land and the ecosystem of the area, the natural park was thrown open for visitors along with accommodation facilities in the form of the lavish Al Maha Desert Resort. The area was granted permanent protection in 2004 when the government took the stance to maintain a balance between the rapid development of Dubai and the need to preserve the natural surroundings of the area.

The region boasts of over 57 species of plants, 120 birds and a variety of mammals, lizards, geckos and poisonous and non-poisonous snakes. The area is separated into four zones. The first zone is open to people to travel on foot; second zone allows the intervention of humans just for infrastructure; third zone allows developments that have a low impact on the area and the fourth zone is for recreational desert excursions.

The Al Maha Desert Resort is solely responsible for the recreation and also the operations of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. It serves Halal food and ensures that visitors enjoy every moment that they spend in this wonderful area.