Bab Al Shams - A Rare Finds Desert Resort
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Vibe
Sandstone fort walls and courtyard water features open onto sweeping dunes, where multi-tiered infinity pools look across the open sand.
“Desert fort oasis”
Sandstone Arabian fort architecture redesigned with micro-concrete floors, mother-of-pearl inlays, and Bedouin-inspired textile art.
Multi-tiered infinity pools overlooking open dunes, desert safari excursions, falconry displays, and stargazing with an astronomer.
Sandstone pool villas with private plunge pools, expansive desert terraces, and dedicated concierge desert safari arrangements.
Amid rolling dunes by the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, forty-five minutes outside Dubai.
“Less than an hour outside the city, surrounded by a classic Arabian landscape, is Bab Al Shams, a sprawling, low-slung resort complex.”
Rooms
Finished in micro-concrete and sand-toned fabrics, each room includes a private terrace or patio facing inner courtyards or the desert.
“On arrival, crenelated fort-like walls and tall wooden entrance gates open onto an oasis-like world of swaying palms, trickling water, and Arabian architecture…”
Wellness
The desert spa features a traditional marble hammam, body rituals, desert sound healing sessions, and yoga beneath the stars.
“A longtime favorite of Dubai residents, Bab Al Shams has been welcoming guests to the edge of the Dubai desert for 20 years.”
Backstory
First opened in 2004 as Dubai's original desert escape, the property was redesigned around the architectural style of a fortified Arabian village.
Eat & drink
Evenings centre on Al Hadheerah with open-fire cooking and cultural performances, while rooftop lounge Anwa pours sunset cocktails over the dunes.
The neighborhood
Set beside the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, where wild Arabian oryx roam the sands alongside the eighty-six-kilometre Al Qudra cycle track.
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The app
This is one hotel. The app has every one we rate, in your pocket, for the whole trip.
Our shorthand
What makes a hotel special, how well they pull it off, and what it feels like outside the door.
How well they pull it off
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
They did this well. You’ll notice.
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Architecture and interiors lead. There’s a creative vision at work.
The guest is conspicuously well cared for. Requests met before they’re made.
Rooted in place. Local character runs through the whole stay.
Energy and scene. Where the city goes out, whether or not it’s sleeping here.
A building with history. The story of the place is part of the stay.
Built around feeling better. Rest, sweat, soak, spa.
A hotel the city grew up with. Same rituals, same regulars.
A world of its own. No reason to leave the property.
Scene — what’s outside the door
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
A place apart: the property is the destination.