As the holy month of Ramadan nears an end and Eid is around the corner, many of us are thinking about escaping Dubai’s heat for a short break. There are the usual destinations: the States, Europe, South Asia... but what options are there for travelers looking for a slightly more, well, entrepreneurial experience?

This week, we highlight three locally-based tourism companies that offer something out-of-the-ordinary: exciting, well-planned trips that take you away from luxury hotels and into the local culture.

Prepare to have some fun and be inspired this Eid Al Fitr!

Wild Guanabana
As if you couldn’t already tell from their creatively catchy name, Wild Guanabana is a travel company that promises you everything except for the ordinary. Founded by a Dubai-based, husband and wife team, Wild Guanabana offers “life changing journeys” that can be personally tailored to suit families, individuals or even honeymooners! The company also offers opportunities for students and volunteers. Short trips include: rafting in Nepal, canyoning in Jordan and relaxing in Zanzibar. Definitely a top choice for those wanting to do something out of the ordinary this Eid!

Rahhalah Explorers
A company drawing inspiration from a long tradition of Arab explorers (known as Rahhalahs), Rahhalah Explorers offers tourists the chance to experience native culture in a thoughtful, sustainable and ecological way. Offering activities ranging from trekking to horseback riding to kayaking, each Rahhalah trip will introduce you to local cultures from and landscapes from the savannahs of Tanzania to the jungles of Malaysia. Guaranteed to return to Dubai more enriched than when you left!

Buksha Social Enterprise
Although not offering tours this Eid, Buksha Social Enterprise is a travel company to watch. Founded by two Emirati entrepreneurs, Buksha will bring small groups of tourists into participating Emirati households in the Northern Emirates for a unique opportunity to “live like an Emirati.” Partnering an innovative tour package with programming to support local tourism in remote areas of the UAE, Buksha Social Enterprise will be the perfect opportunity to get to know - and give back to - the real UAE. Tours start this September. Contact buksha.world@gmail.com for more information.

Looking forward to inspiring travels this Eid!

-Mary Ames
Educational Programs Manager//Shelter Dubai

Image available under CC License by thienzieyung