Bab Al Shams: oasis of tranquillity

Nestled within the glistening golden dunes of the desert on the outskirts of Dubai, the iconic Bab Al Shams Desert Resort is an oasis of tranquillity, combining rustic charm with exceptional hospitality to bring an authentic Bedouin experience alight. The resort, a cathartic narration of the Middle Eastern culture radiant of life, adventure, and joyful human connection, is the original immersive desert experience in Dubai. Arabic for “Gateway to the Sun,” Bab Al Shams' architecture and interior design inspired by the earthly tones of the desert throughout the day, illuminated by the sun and the moon. The resort blends seamlessly in the surroundings with 115 lavish rooms and suites housed in 16 two-storey buildings. A modern oasis, the resort is reimagined as a relaxing haven with a subtly Moorish accent.

Elevating a modern-retro appeal, Bab Al Shams serves one-of-a-kind theatrical and aromatic fine dining experiences. Championing local producers and using responsibly sourced ingredients, every outlet highlights the best of Middle Eastern cuisine, adding to the city's vibrant culinary scene. Al Hadheerah is an unmatched multi-sensory culinary 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, 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’ 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.

Focused on holistic well-being, Bab Al Shams is designed to be a tranquil cocoon of self-care. The resort offers the luxury of choosing peaceful stillness or veins of adventure through vibrant experiences catering to every guest’s need. The Desert Spa features rejuvenating treatments and mindful therapies inspired by diverse world traditions and contemporary techniques. At the heart of the resort is the beloved desert infinity pool, offering the opportunity to escape from city life into hedonistic, calm surroundings, along with the swim-up pool bar and family pool.

Follow the nomads of old to discover desert adventures, including horse-riding, camelback trekking, falconry, off-road desert drive & nature tours to Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, desert fatnbiking, or bicycle rental to traverse the 86km cycle track at Al Qudra and more. For those looking for an unique perspective, the resort offers a serene morning sunrise floating experience over the desert with onboard breakfast in a private hot-air balloon.

The resort tends to families with a variety of break-out spaces and activities, beginning with a dedicated experience lounge, Kid’s Club housing a selection of board games, movies, and outdoor sand adventure playground featuring children’s zip line, offering a multi-generational resort experience. Bab Al Shams Desert Resort is also home to dreamy settings amongst the sand dunes for weddings and events, with outdoor event spaces to host up to 700 guests and indoor meeting rooms featuring a pre-function area and outdoor courtyard comfortably seating up to 18 guests.
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 resort preserves its legacy as the longest-running desert escape in the UAE.