Bab al Shams

Situated 45 minutes drive from Dubai city centre, Bab al Shams desert resort has been designed as a traditional Arabic desert fort. The resort has 115 rooms each designed in a rustic, Arabic style, while modern facilities ensure a comfortable stay.

Desert, United Arab Emirates

Bab Al Shams is a desert resort situated outside the city of Dubai, which has been designed to resemble a low-rise traditional fort with sand-coloured buildings over two levels, with courtyards and walkways dotted around. Bab Al Shams has 115 rooms and suites which have been decorated in a traditionally Arabic style, with woven fabrics.

There are four bars and four restaurants at Bab Al Shams, covering a range of cuisines including Le Dune Pizzeria where pizza is freshly made, Al Forsan which is the main restaurant serving international cuisine both a la carte and buffet-style, Masala which is the resort's Indian offering and Al Hadheerah where guests can enjoy an Arabic-style buffet where there is also entertainment.

Facilities at the resort include a desert-side swimming pool with views of the sands; the Satori Spa with treatment & relaxation rooms, sauna & steam rooms, and indoor & outdoor yoga areas; a kids club open to children from the age of five years; and a fully equipped gymnasium.

Desert activities offered at Bab al Shams include desert safari by jeep, horse riding, camel riding, archery, and falconry. There are also lawn games including table tennis, mini golf and croquet for those looking for some light activity.

When to visit

Best time to visit

Good time to visit

Average time to visit

Top tip:

Half board isn't that flexible, so I'd suggest sticking with bed & breakfast if you don't want to be restricted to the main restaurant

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Facilities

Activities
Nearby

Golf

Horse Riding

Tennis

Spa

Location

Desert, United Arab Emirates

Bab Al Shams is located in the desert, halfway between Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

7-hour flight to Dubai followed by a 45-minute drive from the airport to the hotel. It is also around a 1-hour drive from Abu Dhabi airport.

Alternative Places to Stay Nearby

Al Maha Desert Resort and Spa

With rolling sand dunes whichever way you look, architecture and interiors that pay tribute to the heritage of Bedouins, Al Maha Desert Resort and Spa is the perfect place to escape the bright lights of Dubai in just over an hour.

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Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara

Set within the Liwa Desert, part of Abu Dhabi’s Empty Quarter, Qasr Al Sarab is a secluded retreat with architecture akin to an ancient desert fort. It offers a spectacular setting amongst beautiful orange sand dunes and offers a real feel of Arabia.

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The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah Al Wadi Desert

Al Wadi Desert, a Ritz-Carlton Partner Hotel, is a luxurious desert resort located in Ras Al Khaimah, close to Dubai. The hotel offers 101 private pool villas, with a secluded feel and a world-class spa. This is the perfect place to escape the world.

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Top Things to Do Nearby

Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner

No trip to Dubai is complete without experiencing a desert safari. Embark upon an unparalleled adventure over the golden sand dunes in a 4x4 followed by a magical evening in a traditional Bedouin camp.

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Hot Air Balloon Flight at Sunrise

Experience an unforgettable sunrise over the desert dunes whilst you soar over the golden sands in a hot air balloon.

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Palm Cruise

Cruise around this manmade wonder which is not only an architectural feat but also home to some of the most opulent houses and hotels in the country.

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Dubai Historic Discovery

Although a relatively new city, Dubai enjoys a rich heritage with a history that goes as far back as the Bronze Age. Take a journey back in time and explore the fascinating roots of this unique country.

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Dune Buggy Adventure

Perfect for adrenalin seekers, this excursion will allow you to experience the thrill of a wild ride in the golden sand dunes of the open desert in a powerful dune buggy.

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Visit the Burj Khalifa

Venture to the top of the tallest structure in the world and enjoy the incredible unobstructed 360 degree views over Dubai from the open observation deck 'At the Top'.

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