For nearly two decades, Bab Al Shams has been the perfect escape for travellers seeking refuge from city life. Situated in the heart of the Al Marmoom desert, just 45 minutes from the cityscape, Bab Al Shams has played a significant role in Dubai’s history, acting as its first desert resort.

However, a new chapter in the resort’s story has begun, with leading luxury resort developer, Kerzner International, stepping in to revive the iconic retreat. Now, after 10 months of renovation, Bab Al Shams has emerged as an even more luxurious oasis, offering visitors an unforgettable escape equipped with relaxation, adventure, and authentic Arabian hospitality.

Arabian Business Traveller sat down with Gilles Sohier, the General Manager of Bab Al Shams, to get a closer look at all that the luxury resort has to offer.

The location

Bab Al Shams is located amidst stunning white sand dunes adjacent to the Al Marmoom Conservation reserve, where shimmering golden dunes stretch as far as the eye can see.

As you approach the entrance along the lantern–adorned road, a sense of tranquillity and calmness envelop you. As you walk in, you are welcomed by a team, who take your luggage without batting an eyelid and point you in the direction of the reception desk for check–in.

The service transitions are seamless, like a well–oiled machine that you never hear running. The lobby is not your typical resort, but more of a destination that feels like returning to a home that you never knew was yours.

The venue

The architecture, modelled after an Arabian fort, has a contemporary touch but, at the same time, feels like you are being transported to a bygone era inside a Bedouin village. This was the goal of the re–imagined Bab Al Shams.

“The resort serves as a testament to true Arabian hospitality. We wanted to honour that spirit and uplift it with our extensive experience for our old and new guests alike,” says Sohier.

The highly–anticipated relaunch marks Kerzner’s first desert resort in Dubai under their rare find property collection.

The ambiance

As you wander through the 16 low–slung buildings of the resort, the earthy hues of the structures effortlessly merge with the desert’s colours. Amidst the 115 rooms and suites, serene gardens and numerous pools create a peaceful atmosphere, making it feel like a place where you whisper rather than speak as you lose yourself in the labyrinthine layout of the buildings.

At the heart of the resort lays the much–loved desert infinity pool, which offers guests the opportunity to enjoy hedonistic, calm surroundings from plush sun loungers and private cabanas alongside the swim–up pool bar and family pool.

“Our main objective was to uplift and refresh this legacy property while keeping its original DNA and character intact. The now elevated modern–retro appeal of Bab Al Shams serves as the latest lifestyle, entertainment, and dining destination in the UAE,” Sohier explains.

The rooms

The rooms have been completely renovated from their previous traditional Arabic style and now boast a modern design, touched with an Arabian flair. The rooms offer stunning views of either the garden or the desert, while the Royal Suites, in particular, provide the ultimate retreat for discerning travellers seeking to unwind in the epitome of luxury.

The suites feature lavish furnishings, high–end amenities, and a separate living area with a terrace or balcony. The oversized marble–clad bathroom, complete with a separate shower and bathtub, is also a nice added touch.

Experiences

Bab Al Shams is the ultimate destination for desert adventures. Unlike other tour options, it offers a one–stop shop for all your desert adventure needs. With the Al Marmoom Conservation Reserve as your backyard, a private desert sightseeing tour is a must on your agenda. On the tour, you can expect to see desert gazelles, foxes, and the occasional Arabian oryx while driving in a 4×4 on the rolling dunes.

If you’re looking for a more exhilarating experience, you can choose a Fat Bike Tour instead. These bikes are specifically designed for the desert terrain, and you can explore the sights and surroundings of the 86 km cycle track at Al Qudra.

After your desert excursion, you can take a short five minute drive to the infamous Al Jiyad Stables, which is home to over 120 Arabian horses, and is endorsed and supported by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Once there, guests can book private horse–riding lessons for all levels to enhance their desert adventure.

“There’s always something to do [at Bab Al Shams], and with the re–opening, we are adding new and exciting experiences in the near future for visitors to enjoy,” Sanjia Gluskinic, Bab Al Shams’ Marketing and Communications Manager, reveals.

A few activities that guests can now try include camelback riding, falconry, archery, and yoga. Additionally, we highly recommend the sunrise hot–air balloon ride — the views of the desert are quite spectacular, and the onboard breakfast is nothing short of delicious.

Dining

Elevating a modern–retro dining appeal, Bab Al Shams boasts four restaurants for its guests to experience.

Al Hadheerah

Al Hadheerah is an open–air dining and live entertainment experience rooted in ancient, diverse Arabic heritage. The adventure starts with a wander through a small souq, which resembles an Arabic market.

Inspired by Moroccan and Arabian cuisine, the extensive buffet–style dinner offers everything from mezze, kebabs and flame–grilled seafood to tender lamb ouzi cooked under the desert itself. The dining experience includes dancers, musicians, falconers, and camel riders.

Zala

Zala is the resort’s flagship restaurant. It takes its name from the word “canopy” and incorporates design elements inspired by the resort’s architecture. The restaurant offers guests contemporary Ottoman and Greek–inspired cuisine.

Ya Hala

Ya Hala is a secluded cigar lounge and speakeasy–style where lighter international dishes are served.

Anwā Sunset

Yet to open, the Anwā Sunset Lounge will focus on diverse culinary traditions experienced in the far East and South–East Asia.

Honourable mention: Guests seeking an experience that is truly unique and exclusive are encouraged to try the new sunset dinner, located at the scenic viewpoint under the stars. To get there, diners must follow a candlelit path leading to a private dining area nestled amongst the dunes, where a delectable Middle Eastern three–course meal awaits them.

Wellness

To truly embrace this year’s trend of holistic wellness, Bab Al Shams has focused its revamp
to include just that and more.

“Some of its special features [will] include state–of–the–art spa facilities, including couples’ treatment rooms with plunge pools, sauna, steam rooms, an indoor courtyard pool and a relaxation area,” Sohier explains. “The spa, in conjunction with the resort’s fitness facilities, will develop holistic programmes tailored to refresh and rejuvenate any tired mind, body, and soul,” Sohier adds.

Mass appeal

The resort caters to a range of travellers seeking a short break from the hustle and bustle of city life. Families with young ones are welcome to explore the outdoor sand adventure playground, which features a children’s zip line, countless activities, and a dedicated team — whose sole mission is to ensure the safety of its young explorers. Guests seeking to
host anything from weddings to conferences and team–building exercises are free to do so at the venue’s many outdoor and indoor events spaces, which can boast up to 500 people.

With everything from sunset dining to couples’ spa treatments, romantics are spoilt for choice. At the same time, young at heart and adventure–loving guests are free
to submerge themselves into the vast wilderness and wildlife that surround the truly iconic resort.