Welcoming visitors amid the glittering golden dunes of the desert on the outskirts of Dubai, the much-awaited Bab Al Shams Desert Resort ushers in a new era by offering visitors one-of-a-kind dynamic experiences with its launch on 10th February 2023. The resort is Dubai’s first immersive desert experience and a cathartic retelling of Middle Eastern culture brimming with life, adventure, and joyous human connection. Paired with an unparalleled hospitality experience, the resort offers dramatic dining experiences, holistic wellness treatments and therapies, and nomadic desert excursions.
The architecture and interior design of Bab Al Shams, translated to ‘Gateway to the Sun’ in English, is inspired by the earthly tones of the desert throughout the day, illuminated by the sun and the moon blending seamlessly in the surroundings. The resort has 115 lavish rooms and suites housed in 16 two-storey buildings interpreting into a modern oasis reimagined as a relaxing haven with a subtly Moorish accent.
“The reimagined Bab Al Shams is a legacy project that we are proud and passionate to present. The team and I are thrilled to bring forward the essence and stories of this sanctuary to bring an authentic Bedouin experience alight,” says Gilles Soheir, General Manager of Bab Al Shams.
The distinctively theatrical and aromatic fine dining experiences offered by the resort evoke a modern-retro aesthetic. Every restaurant showcases the finest of each cuisine while supporting local producers and utilizing goods that have been responsibly sourced, adding to the city’s thriving culinary culture. Al Hadheerah is an unrivalled live entertainment and multisensory dining experience founded in varied and historic Arabic traditions with a living soul, a live food station, dancers, musicians, falconers, and camel riders. Under the desert sky, the outlet serves as a bridge between the past and present. Zala, the resort’s signature dining, 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.
Under the glittering dunes of the Emirati desert, Bab Al Shams also features several unique signature experiences and activities that cater to the preferences and needs of every guest. Embark on a journey with the nomads of old to get a taste of desert adventures, such as horseback riding, camelback trekking, falconry, and off-road desert drives at Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve. Guests can also experience fat biking or rent bikes to traverse the 86 km cycle track at Al Qudra. Those looking for a unique perspective can take advantage of the resort’s sunrise balloon breakfast experience over the desert.
Bab Al Shams is a holistic well-being centre that aims to be a peaceful haven for self-care. The resort provides its guests with the opportunity to choose between moments of tranquillity and veins of adventure through varied excursions. The Desert Spa invites visitors to enter a tranquil illusion with its revitalizing therapies and attentive practices that are influenced by many global traditions and modern approaches.
For commemorating its launch, the resort has curated an enthralling journey of authentic experiences called the Mystique of Arabia. The package, starting from 1300 per night, offers guided nature walks along the desert dunes, archery, welcome cocktail for two by the pool, a Mediterranean breakfast at Zala’s along with falconry display and camel rides as resort inclusions.
To make a reservation or learn more, call +971 4 809 6100, or click here.
