Dubai award winning hotels

Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa, located 50km from Downtown Dubai, is owned by the semi-government Meydan City Corporation, which also includes Meydan Racecourse, Meydan Hotel, Meydan Beach, Meydan Golf, Meydan Tennis Academy, Meydan Theatre, and Meydan Grandstand.  Cluster General Manager Mohamed El Aghoury spoke with Aviamost.

How important is ATM as an event for you?

Since being open for business in 2004, Bab Al Shams has consistently provided unmatched Arabian luxury hospitality. And Arabian Travel Market is a good chance to show it to everyone. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai, the show has grown to become the largest showcase of its kind in the region and one of the biggest in the world. Following the success of last year’s spotlight theme, which was family travel, the focus for the 23rd edition is on mid-market tourism – a key area of opportunity for Middle East destinations looking to diversify their source markets and attract a larger volume of visitors.

Bab Al Shams has proved that their resort is top class after winning the award for 'The World's Best Luxury Desert Resort 2015'. Tell us more.

Bab Al Shams Resort & Spa added another award to their already established reputation as the ‘World’s Best Luxury Desert Resort’ at the 2015 World Luxury Hotel Awards Gala Ceremony held in Hong Kong. This award is a global recognition of our collective efforts to provide world-class facilities and service excellence to our guests, and at the same time our commitment to remain competitive within the luxury hotel industry. Every member of our team has contributed to achieving this success.

For years since its opening, Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa has been awarding its guests an experience marked by unmatched desert luxury, blending it seamlessly with the vibrant and welcoming cultural heritage of the United Arab Emirates. The number of global awards this destination garnered in the past 10 years solidified its position on the world’s travel and tourism map. Some of them include Middle East's Leading Desert Resort & Spa at the World Travel Awards 2014–2015, UAE’s Leading Hideaway Resort at the World Travel Awards 2013, Best Luxury Spa at the World Luxury Spa Awards 2014, and a Global Winner of the World Luxury Spa Awards - Best Luxury Safari 2015.

It’s a desert resort, but russian gests which prefer to live close to the sea still like you property and regular visitors at Bab Al Shams. What is the reason?

Restaurant Al Hadheerah is the reason why Bab Al Shams attracts so many outside guests. Al Hadheerah is so much more than a restaurant, it is an incredible event that you have to witness. A magical Arabian celebration awaits you as the sun sets on Al Hadheerah, amidst the enchanting desert dunes of Bab Al Shams Desert Resort and Spa. Immerse yourself in Arabian culture within the walls of a traditional fort where you will witness a dazzling falconry display, camel caravan, horse show as well as Tanoura dancer. Be entertained throughout the evening as mesmerising dancers weave their magic beneath the stars to the sounds of a live band. There is also no mistaking the mouth-watering aroma of Arabic cuisine as it drifts from the live cooking stations, wood-fired ovens and spit roasts. The Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa has given its guests unmatched hospitality. The resort is an authentic expression of the cultural and traditional heritage of the UAE. 

How about The Meydan Hotel? Any award has been added recently?

We have ended 2015 year on a positive note won ‘World’s Leading Sports Resort’ nomination at The World Travel Awards on last December. The awards marked the fourth straight win for The Meydan Hotels and Hospitality department since 2013. Having being honoured with the ‘World’s Leading Sports Resort’ award thrice, The Meydan Hotel is a mix of luxury and passion for equestrian sports in the region since 2010. It is the preferred host for a number of prestigious global equine events like the Dubai World Cup, the world’s richest horse race. In addition, The Meydan Hotel also houses Dubai’s first pay and play golf course, and a tennis academy having an extensive assortment of outdoor sports facilities.