Pradeep Fernando
Sri Lankan born and bred, I moved to the UAE in 1987 like most Sri Lankans did in the 80's to get away from the terrible civil war raging in the Island at that time. I fell in love with the UAE immediately. The beauty of the unspoiled desert, the amazing Wadis and beaches, combined with the warmth and diversity of the place was a magnet for many expats who call this place home. I have seen and experienced first-hand how U.A.E. has so rapidly grown as a destination of repute. Although most would associate U.A.E with the most luxurious hotels or with the terms tallest or largest, what attracts me the most is how people lived, their livelihood, food, and places before they found the riches of oil that has transformed this place so rapidly. A picturesque sunrise over the Indian Ocean to a magnificent sunset over the Arabian Gulf and everything in between, my passion is to share my experience and local knowledge with travelers from all corners of the earth.
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"All 7 Emirates of the U.A.E., Burj Al Arab to a Bedouin tent and every taste, comfort, and budget in between in accommodation. The timeless beauty of the desert and aspects of traditional Emirati life. Cultural understanding tours, Desert Oasis visits, Desert Safaris, unique dining experiences; Michelin star restaurants to authentic Arab, Asian, African street food. Beach holidays, Fly-Drive holidays, Hot air balloon rides, Seaplane tours, Fishing & boating, Theme parks & Aquapark tours, Camel Market and Camel racing tours, Falcon conservation, Pearl diving tours, Aston Martin / Ferrari & other unique driving experiences, Sports tours; Golf, Rugby, Cricket, Tennis."
How did you get involved in travel?
"Having arrived in the UAE leaving behind a water-sports business on the east coast of Sri Lanka, I was very keen to get involved in travel in the UAE. With so much untapped potential then, I got my first opportunity when the Russian and CIS market opened up in the early 90's and haven't looked back since. Fast forward to 2018, I have helped many visitors return with lifelong memories of this unique and safe land. "
Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
"Too many to mention here but the most memorable is the first time I took to the desert, after more than an hours drive over majestic sand dunes, sat on top of the highest dune and witnessed the most strikingly beautiful sunset. Until then I hadn't realized the special beauty inherent to the desert landscape. "
Pradeep's favorite itineraries and travel advice
Top itineraries and travel advice
Recent trip reviews for Pradeep
Pradeep was great with planning our trip. He ...
United Arab Emirates
|
Aug 31 - Sep 8, 2022
Pradeep was great with planning our trip. He stayed in touch with us the entire time. Faheem was great, he was knowledgeable, friendly, and funny. Noor was also a great tour guide. If you get any of these guys your in for a treat. Also get the WhatsApp( they use it) Pradeep I hope your feeling better and thank you Faheem for being an awesome/amazing tour guide, and Noor thank you for being a great tour guide and thanks to all the classy Uber drivers. I will never forget my experience in... read more
Hi Patricia,
Thank you very much for your kind words. After a long delay with your flight and losing a day, I am pleased that you still got to enjoy Dubai and celebrate K's big day in style. I will pass your kind words to Noor and Faheem both. Once again my sincere thanks to you both for trusting Kimkim and me with your memorable trip to the UAE.
I thoroughly enjoyed my trip to Dubai. We cam...
United Arab Emirates
|
Dec 3 - Dec 9, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed my trip to Dubai. We came to celebrate a friend's 40th and I pretty much cleared my bucket list with this trip. Pradeep was an amazing, patient and most gracious host. I really enjoyed riding ATVs in the desert and the cruise with the jet skis.
Everything was awesome! Pradeep is the best ...
United Arab Emirates
|
Dec 3 - Dec 9, 2019
Everything was awesome! Pradeep is the best host ever!!!
Thanks, Crystal, for your kind words. It was so much fun having you guys over and looking forward to your next trip to this part of the world. Seasons greetings to you and your family and wishing you nothing but the best in 2020! Cheers!
Awesome trip and Excellent Agent!
United Arab Emirates
|
Dec 3 - Dec 9, 2019
Pradeep was excellent! He was a joy to work with and really helped to bring my vision alive! I would be happy to work with him again! We had a great time! He was super friendly and very helpful!
Thank you Nia, for your kind words. So pleased to have all of you enjoy your time in Dubai and look forward to your next trip. Please convey love and regards to your mum & dad, Kalvin and the rest of the crew. Compliments of the season to you all and thank you again!
Afternoon desert trip
United Arab Emirates
|
Mar 3 - Mar 3, 2019
I wanted to go out to desert and experience, however, due to medical issues was too nervous to do any of the advertised trips. Pradeep to the rescue! He assured us that he would arrange an excursion for only my partner and myself and that we could go at our own pace. We had a wonderful driver, making certain I was comfortable, yet seeing to it that we still had a lot of fun. Even went sandboarding. Food was quite good considering it was buffet for many people. I highly recommend this organization!
Hi Franye,
Thank you so very much for your kind words. Your review is much appreciated and I shall pass your kind words to Fazee too. It was a pleasure arranging this tiny bit of your overall trip to the UAE and we are so happy that you both enjoyed the experience. If you or any of your friends are heading to this part of the world, you know where to find us now:)
With thanks,
Pradeep
Jeep safari under the stars
United Arab Emirates
|
Jan 29 - Jan 29, 2019
Mohamid our guide was early which we appreciated and was a very nice person. On getting in the very back of the vehicle I put my hand on the back seat nearest the window and it collapsed and on the way it collapsed more.
Our guide stopped on the way to go in the Mosque and pray.
When we arrived at the place to let the tyres down for the sand dunes we were pestered to buy something from the shop. The people there then propped up the seat with breeze block bricks. One of our male party... read more
Hi Carole,
Thank you very much for your feedback and I apologize to you and to the rest in your party for not meeting expectations. Mohd was very apologetic about the seat in his faithful car and it was very unfortunate. There had been a slight miscommunication with the campsite as I had booked an exclusive table for the 6 of you but they had the names on the wrong list I was told. After it was sorted, I hope at least the food and the service was to your satisfaction! Regarding the uncleaned... read more
Abu Dhabi Photography
United Arab Emirates
|
Jan 9 - Jan 10, 2019
This was an wonderful immersion into the UAE! Pradeep was better than I could have wished for!
We initially began with email correspondence outlining/brainstorming various areas of Abu Dhabi, Dubai and beyond that centered around my photographic exploring. I would bounce locations off of Pradeep and he would also suggest places and things to do. He was always quick to reply despite the time difference and picked up on my interests swiftly!
We ended up creating a very solid itinerary over... read more
Dear Trevor,
Thank you so much for your glowing remarks. You are very kind!
It was such a pleasure meeting you and I am so glad that I decided to drive you myself. From the minute you contacted and described what your trip is all about, I was very excited to be a part of this project. Having looked at your work online, it wasn't hard for me to ditch everything else and drive you around to capture places, most of which that we as residents take for granted, and see them through a fresh pair... read more