If “Arabian Nights” booked a five-star stay, it would look a lot like Bab Al Shams—Kerzner’s Rare Finds desert icon just 45 minutes from Dubai. Think: wind-tower silhouettes, courtyards that glow at golden hour, infinity pools that melt into dunes, and dining that swings from heritage feasts under the stars to chic Pan-Asian sunset sessions.
Who’s it for? Couples (proposal energy: high), families (plenty of kid-friendly space), and execs who want off-site serenity without losing Dubai access.
WOW-Emirates Expert Tip: Aim for a Thursday or Sunday night—quieter dunes, easier dinner reservations, and softer rates than peak Friday/Saturday.
The Vibe & Setting
- Location: Al Qudra desert, bordering conservation areas—so you get real, open dunes (not a fenced sandpit).
- Look & Feel: Bedouin-inspired, low-rise architecture; mashrabiya screens, carved wood, lantern light. Recently reimagined with a fresh, contemporary polish.
- Service: Classic Emirati warmth meets Kerzner precision—concierge can weave in desert rituals (falconry, stargazing) like it’s second nature.
WOW-Emirates Expert Tip: Book a sunrise camel trek on your first morning—jet lag turns into a front-row seat for the softest desert light.
Rooms & Suites
- Desert-view rooms with private terraces (yes, bring that coffee outside).
- Family layouts and interconnecting options (rounded corners, balcony safety—parent win).
- Desert Pool Villas with private pools and firepits for the “we’re not leaving” crowd.
- Club-style perks vary by offer: think priority check-in, pressing, and lounge-style inclusions when available.
Rooms & Rates
| Room Type | What’s Special | Best For | Approx. Price/Night (AED) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deluxe Desert View | Arabesque décor, terrace, calming dunescape | Couples, short stays | ~1,100–1,700 (seasonal) |
| Terrace King/Twin | Private outdoor space, easy pool access | Friends & small families | ~1,300–1,900 |
| Junior Suite | Lounge area, larger terrace, sunset angles | Longer stays, special occasions | ~2,200–3,200 |
| Desert Pool Villa | Private pool, firepit, butler-style touches | Honeymoons, VIP privacy | On request |
Rates fluctuate by season, weekend/weekday, and city events. Always check live availability for exact pricing.
Dining & Nightlife
Bab Al Shams’ dining is a whole mood—from heritage buffets under the night sky to slick sundowners with dunes for days. Here are the heroes:
- Al Hadheerah – the legendary open-air desert feast with live heritage stations, grills, music, and cultural performances.
- Zala – Mediterranean with Turkish/Greek highlights; great for breakfast buffets, leisurely lunches, laid-back dinners.
- Anwā – Pan-Asian rooftop lounge/restaurant with golden-hour views and a strong cocktail game.
- Bars/Lounges – Desert-view terraces for sunset, plus shisha corners and low-lit majlis vibes.
Dining Highlights
| Restaurant | Cuisine | Ambiance | Signature | Approx. Cost for Two (AED) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Al Hadheerah | Emirati & Levantine | Open-air desert show | Lamb ouzi, mezze stations, grills | ~550–750 |
| Zala | Mediterranean (TR/GR) | Courtyard chic | Wood-fire bakes, seafood, breakfast spread | ~450–650 |
| Anwā | Pan-Asian | Rooftop sundowners | Crudo, grills, crafted cocktails | ~600–800 |
| Desert Lounge & Bars | Snacks & Mixology | Lantern-lit terraces | Signature date & saffron cocktails | Varies |
Restaurant concepts run seasonally and with pop-ups; book key venues (Al Hadheerah, Anwā) in advance.
Pools, Spa & Wellness
- Pools: Multiple temperature-controlled pools, including an infinity edge that visually spills into the dunes; shaded kids’ zone.
- Spa & Hammam: Hammam rituals, frankincense oils, gold-inspired facials; outdoor pavilions for breeze-cooled treatments.
- Fitness: Technogym kit, personal training, sunrise yoga; steam and sauna in changing areas.
WOW-Emirates Expert Tip: Book hammam before dinner—your skin glows and the dry desert air feels like silk after.
Desert Experiences (Do-Not-Skip List)
- Camel treks at sunrise or sunset (choose both if you can).
- Falconry with expert handlers—interactive and photogenic.
- Dune bashing + sandboarding for the thrill-seekers.
- Horseback riding on Arabian horses along scenic trails.
- Archery and traditional skills workshops for friendly rivalry.
Experiences Snapshot
| Experience | What You’ll Do | Best Time | Good To Know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Camel Trek | Ride gentle camels across rolling dunes | Sunrise / Sunset | Wear closed shoes; bring sunglasses |
| Falconry | Meet falcons, learn training and heritage | Morning | Great for kids (with supervision) |
| Dune Bashing | 4×4 thrills + sandboarding breaks | Late afternoon | Not ideal if prone to motion sickness |
| Horseback Riding | Guided rides on Arabian horses | Morning | Routes tailored to experience level |
| Archery | Learn stance, aim, and safe technique | Late afternoon | Fun as a group challenge |
Families & Little Explorers
- Kids’ Club: Craft sessions, treasure hunts, cooking fun.
- Family Pool: Shallow areas + lifeguards; shade on tap.
- Dining: Children’s menus and flexible seating times.
- Add-ons: Star-gazing, gentle camel meet-and-greets, desert picnics.
Location & Access
- Drive time: ~45 minutes from DXB (traffic dependent).
- Nearby nature: Al Qudra Lakes and cycling track for sunrise rides.
- Transfers: Resort can arrange private cars; plenty of on-site valet.
- Connectivity: Easy hop back to Dubai Marina / Mall of the Emirates for city time.
WOW-Emirates Expert Tip: If you plan city + desert, do city first—end with Bab Al Shams so your last memory of Dubai is starlight and silence.
Practical Bits
- Check-in: From ~3 PM | Check-out: ~12 PM
- Parking: Valet on-site
- Dress code: Resort casual (layers for winter evenings Nov–Feb)
- Accessibility: Ask for ground-level rooms; staff can arrange golf-cart transfers
- Peak seasons: Oct–Apr (book early for weekends & public holidays)
FAQs
Is Bab Al Shams good for a short break?
Absolutely. It’s 45 minutes from DXB, so you can fly-in Friday, be on a camel by sunset.
Can I do a romantic dinner on the dunes?
Yes—private setups with lanterns, carpets, and multi-course menus. Reserve ahead.
Do I need a 4×4 to get there?
No. Regular cars and hotel transfers work fine; the last stretch is paved to the resort.
What’s the best room for families?
Interconnecting Terrace rooms or a Junior Suite + Twin combo. For splash-happy kids, a Desert Pool Villa is unbeatable.
Is Al Hadheerah worth it?
If you love immersive culture + live stations under the stars, it’s a signature Dubai experience.
