One of Dubai’s most iconic resorts is back. Yep, Bab Al Shams Desert Resort has reopened as of February 10, 2023, under the Rare Finds vertical of Kerzner International, and it’s officially better than ever before.
Bab Al Shams live up to its name, Arabic for “Gateway to the Sun”, with architecture and interior design inspired by the earthly tones of the desert throughout the day, illuminated by the sun and the moon.
Blending seamlessly with its surroundings, Bab Al Shams boasts 115 rooms and suites in 16 two-storey buildings.
This is the desert oasis of the Arabian Peninsula you always dreamed about, reimagined for modern sensibilities with a subtly Moorish accent in its design.
Guests are offered uniquely vibrant experiences, including theatrical dining, holistic wellness treatments and therapies, as well as nomadic desert adventures along with unparalleled hospitality, perfect for its new era.
“The reimagined Bab Al Shams is a legacy project that we are proud and passionate to present,” says Gilles Soheir, General Manager of Bab Al Shams. “The team and I are thrilled to bring forward the essence and stories of this sanctuary to bring an authentic Bedouin experience alight.”
Mystique of Arabia
Want to explore the reimagined resort? The resort is offering a special ‘Mystique of Arabia’ package, which includes a guided nature walk among the desert dunes, as well as camel rides and introductions to the ancient sports of falconry and archery.
Also included in the package are a daily Mediterranean breakfast and complimentary cocktail by the pool.
The dining experiences champion local producers and use responsibly sourced ingredients, with each outlet highlighting the best of each cuisine, adding to the city’s vibrant culinary scene.
Al Hadheerah is an unmatched multi-sensory dining and live entertainment experience rooted in ancient, diverse Arabic heritage. The outlet is a bridge linking the past to the future under the desert stars, complete with a living souk, live-cooked authentic cuisine, dancers, musicians, falconers, and camel riders.
The resort’s signature dining spot, Zala, meaning ‘canopy’, resembles the architectural details of the resort and transports guests to a contemporary Ottoman and Greek-inspired eatery with theatrical kitchens and a vibrant ambience.
The resort is also home to Ya Hala, a hideaway cigar and residents’ speakeasy-style lounge with the charm of an old-world club and Anwā Sunset Lounge, which blends diverse culinary traditions from the far East and South-East Asia. With a panoramic setting of the desert, the lounge calls on guests to look up and take in the stars above as an appreciation for the night sky as a way of navigation.
Other activities include horse-riding, camelback trekking, falconry, off-road desert drives and nature tours to Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve. Guests can also experience desert fat biking or rent bicycles to traverse the 86 km cycle track at Al Qudra and more. For those looking for a unique perspective, the resort offers a serene sunrise floating experience over the desert with onboard breakfast in a private hot-air balloon.
The resort tends to families with several break-out spaces and activities, beginning with a dedicated experience lounge, Kid’s Club housing a selection of board games, movies, and an outdoor sand adventure playground featuring children’s zip line, offering a multi-generational resort experience.
Bab Al Shams will also provide a setting for weddings, events, celebrations, corporate meetings and incentive retreats, with indoor and outdoor event spaces that can host up to 500 guests.
The resort’s Desert Spa features rejuvenating treatments and mindful therapies inspired by diverse world traditions and contemporary techniques, inviting guests to step into a calming mirage.
At the heart of the resort still remains the much-loved desert infinity pool, also newly reopened/
As part of the Kerzner Rare Finds collection, a series of hospitality addresses bringing forward the essence of a place and promising soulful experiences, the Bab Al Shams resort preserves its legacy as the longest-running desert escape in the UAE.
To make a reservation, book online or call +971 4 809 6100.