The Review • Asia • United Arab Emirates • Dubai

Why it works

HOTEL SNAPSHOT

Bab Al Shams is a sprawling resort in a desert reserve less than an hour from the lights and skyscrapers of Dubai. Built in 2004, the property recently underwent a comprehensive renovation that refreshed the interiors while preserving its North African desert architecture. Across 16 buildings, secluded villas, roof terraces, sunken firepits, quiet courtyards, shallow pools, and picture-perfect arches help the large resort feel surprisingly intimate.

Design & Character

Although it is only about 45 minutes from Dubai, Bab Al Shams nearly disappears into its surroundings. The hotel imagines a contemporary royal retreat through sandy stone, Moorish architectural details, Bedouin references, plentiful archways, and pebble-floored pools that animate the transitional spaces. An outdoor amphitheater extends the old-school Arabian atmosphere on a truly enormous scale.

The Rooms

The 115 rooms include family suites and multi-room villas with private pools. Even the smallest categories feel generous, with window seats and other places to lounge, while select rooms add outdoor patios. Turndown brings dates and fresh fruit. The newest villas face the dunes and create an even more private desert experience.

The Food & Drink Situation

For years, Bab Al Shams revolved around Al Hadeerah, an open-air dining spectacle with live cooking, falcons, camels, folk dancing, and a souk-inspired setting. It remains one of the resort’s signature experiences. Travelers looking for something quieter can choose from three additional restaurants, a lobby bar, a cigar lounge, and 24-hour room service. Breakfast is served buffet-style with a broad selection of global dishes, while the pool menu delivers exactly the salads, fries, and easygoing favorites the setting calls for.

Amenities

Four pools include an adults-only option with a swim-up bar. Desert activities range from guided drives and fat-tire biking to Arabian horseback riding. Complimentary evening camel rides and falconry offer an accessible taste of the desert-safari experience. Families also get a kids club, play areas, and Emirati storytelling.

Spa & Wellness Scoop

A short buggy ride leads to the secluded spa. Treatments use brands such as Bamford and begin with a warm foot cleansing. Facilities include saunas, steam rooms, intimate hammams for men and women, and a small pool where guests can linger with fresh tea after a massage.

Location & Neighborhood Recs

The hotel sits near the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, a natural base for desert tours, and is also close to the popular Al Qudra cycling path.

Fast Facts

Location: Mugatrah, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Vibe: Accessible, family-friendly desert luxury with everything in one place

Rating: Five-star

Room Count: 115 rooms, suites, and villas

Pricing: From $250 per night

Our Favorite Thing: The feeling of desert isolation without the long drive, plus the secluded spa and private hammams.

Dining: Four restaurants serving global cuisines, plus a lobby bar, cigar lounge, swim-up bar, and 24-hour room service.

Amenities: Gym, spa, hammams, four pools, kids club, play areas, and curated desert activities.

Nearby Attractions: Endurance City, Al Marmoom Conservation Reserve, and Crescent Moon Lake

Nearest Airport: Dubai International Airport

Hotels Above Par

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