Review: Bab Al Shams Desert Resort and Spa in Dubai
Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa sits in the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, about 45 minutes from Downtown Dubai. Originally opened in 2004, the resort underwent a full renovation and reopened in 2023 with a fresh new look and upgraded facilities. The redesign kept the resort’s desert‑fort aesthetic while adding new restaurants, updated rooms and villas, and refreshed facilities. There are 115 rooms and suites in total, three swimming pools, and seven dining and lounge venues. The resort is surrounded only by sand dunes and wildlife like oryx and gazelles, which makes it feel far removed from the city despite the short drive. After nearly seven years of living in the UAE, this is still, without a doubt, my favourite resort in the country.
Room and Villa Options
Accommodation ranges from Classic Garden View Rooms and Deluxe Desert View Rooms to Junior Suites and One‑Bedroom Terrace Suites. For more space and privacy there are Desert Pool Villas, offered in one and two bedroom layouts, each with its own private pool and terrace facing the dunes.
Deluxe Desert View Room
We stayed in a Deluxe Desert View Room. It had a huge, comfortable king bed, and a circular, extra‑deep stone bath tub that is easily the best I have ever seen. Large windows looked straight over the desert. The architecture is low‑rise with arches and textured walls, and the interiors balance modern design with traditional Arabian details so that the room feels like a true desert retreat. It was quiet and tranquil throughout our stay.
Dining at the Resort
The main breakfast restaurant is Zala, serving a Mediterranean‑inspired buffet with both Arabic and international dishes, which you can enjoy on a shaded terrace. Al Hadheerah is the resort’s signature Middle Eastern restaurant with live music, dancers, and a huge spread of Emirati and regional dishes in an open‑air setting. Ya Hala Bar serves cocktails and cigars in the evening, while the Lobby Lounge Bar offers more casual drinks and light snacks. The Pool Bar handles poolside dining, bringing salads, flatbreads and juices straight to your sunbed. Anwā Rooftop Lounge is the newest venue with a Pan‑Asian menu and sunset views.
Ninive
For dinner we booked Ninive, part of the updated dining scene at Bab Al Shams. The restaurant is open‑air, with low tables, lanterns and warm, rich décor that feels in keeping with the desert setting. The menu focuses on Levantine flavours with a modern twist, served as sharing plates. We started with the Zaalouk and the Zaatar Chickpea dip, followed by the Vegetarian Tagine and the Grilled Baby Chicken. Portions were generous and satisfying, unfortunately leaving no room for dessert.
Entertainment & Activities
There are three main pools: a family pool, an adults‑only infinity pool overlooking the desert, and a lap pool with a swim‑up bar. The highlight is the freezing cold rain shower, which is perfect for cooling off after being in the sun all day. We spent our entire stay moving between the pools, from breakfast until sunset. Beyond the water, activities include sunset camel rides, falconry sessions where you can hold a falcon, sandboarding, guided desert treks, and horseback riding. The spa offers hammam treatments, steam rooms, and salt rooms. There’s also a fitness centre, regular yoga sessions, and cultural activities such as cooking classes and stargazing evenings.
Extras
Bab Al Shams is set within a conservation reserve so you may see wildlife around the grounds. There is no public transport here so you need to drive or arrange a transfer. During Ramadan they host special iftar and suhoor events. Despite the remote feel, the resort is fully serviced and well‑run, making it ideal for a short break or longer stay.
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