EMIRATESis to open an eco-tourism resort in the Dubai desert which will be the first property owned and operated by the airline.
The ú13m Al Maha resort is to open in March and will have a private game reserve and 29 chalets with swimming pools.
Emirates has based the concept on upmarket South African safari lodges such as Singita and Londolozi.
Chief director Tim Clark said the airline might open other resorts if Al Maha was a success.