![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/IPLFMDTM65BZBASOV6TV5MXHQ4.jpg?smart=true&auth=4c5e251debf4a7a8a5051b137b7567576e382cd3ff48f7ec2a8c0b5b41f8d133&width=400&height=225)
Courtyard seating at Bab Al Shams
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/M44VS3XVORAPXEXYPWULAI36RY.jpg?smart=true&auth=8e1626d37c918847832db31517d628c254f3a582da28e7e6176b515433986c70&width=400&height=225)
The newly renovated Bab Al Shams is now open in the Dubai desert. All photos: Antonie Robertson / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/DIDC3YUT2BF6NCZO6LHDG2EG7M.jpg?smart=true&auth=72f11f1e9083d261625323292ac704638eaba50ba57676b747ff09057e9ac866&width=400&height=225)
It's the first Rare Finds collection by Kerzner International, the parent group of Atlantis and One&Only
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/4ONL2N23PNACPIE4EUQQKZWY5M.jpg?smart=true&auth=9b8f8d02585207c69edcc31dbcbbdf5851805948beebde1d64bf6d09ab459728&width=400&height=225)
Embracing its dune-filled location and name that means ‘gateway to the sun’, the resort’s new design is inspired by the earthy tones of the desert as they change throughout the day
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/6DEVGQUDAJDXXJJ45U4IC54Q44.jpg?smart=true&auth=6c22853c6131e6cfe71099b168b93b4f0fb4d697c6f9c1655505bd758ff63867&width=400&height=225)
Keeping its well-known moniker, the luxury resort offers guests an oasis escape
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/755EF6UXINCOFBAJ4G6325F7NU.jpg?smart=true&auth=54b6c72d094afff6eac33312dafed0102878da63e81edc61bf1b793a9bd6f9b5&width=400&height=225)
Bab Al Shams is one of Dubai's longest-running desert resorts
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/3UUBAPSUAFD2PLELCRKRFZ4SRE.jpg?smart=true&auth=61d79dbcb5a4d5dabf424d7b802e73c5b148d9ed3c5afd66c62bd4fa9312b8e5&width=400&height=225)
Rooms and suites have been redesigned with subtle Moorish influences
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/KRXFKJWE6JBNXPZJW7DR6NFGWY.jpg?smart=true&auth=f074e34dd0ac719333c55eacbc4a50054cf17023e2758b51d29f29d84b5c62ac&width=400&height=225)
Many of the rooms have private balconies or tropical gardens
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/OJVXFABCBFC2FF2X7ACEQ5SHFY.jpg?smart=true&auth=5754bc4a7c519d607c8787c5d4a0ba64d9ebf0f91c90d808babfd8fc8a753998&width=400&height=225)
Bab Al Shams acts as an oasis in the desert, with landscaped gardens and palm-lined walkways
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/UCSCO7KATBFSVDO7DWIGZ4HBJU.jpg?smart=true&auth=534145b3abf24e2a95c251cb554e66d98117c18389694aceb4e71a19e3b4f469&width=400&height=225)
The resort activity centre is where guests can indulge in a wide range of adventures
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/27NFAZA74ZHLLJMS33CW2QZKOE.jpg?smart=true&auth=329ed8e1ddbc15c0e35937ac3616d1496de7a83a3a032a2682a93bb63d9151c8&width=400&height=225)
Biking, nature walks, camel rides, archery and more are on the agenda
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/HHXDALSKWREAFJXBNKBUKK6E6A.jpg?smart=true&auth=bb58dbc05993b4aca32c4c935d393bdc05b4fb3fa2eca22171183df86fe2859c&width=400&height=225)
Zala is the resort's new all-day dining space
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/C6DJD2GU2RFAJFWLAUS4W26ZAQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=19ed9ad26d579bcbe5e54d44b3804b0ed5bd3afa0b8c18f4f75f744d24e47da8&width=400&height=225)
The resort’s design is inspired by the earthy tones of the desert as it changes throughout the day
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/BOI5CNPUAVHDDKGKLBMDZWVNQ4.jpg?smart=true&auth=19565f4bb536f4f1098d11ad0ea587e4f1eccd3d8d22c43770765b2ea935fba6&width=400&height=225)
At the heart of the resort is the oasis-like pool
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/6ADXTGPDTBETZEPZU2VDN5ZYYA.jpg?smart=true&auth=465f100c63a6a6a3c1e28563069eb13271f49050166a652a1b1b51ec13210798&width=400&height=225)
The renovated pool is surrounded by sun loungers and cabanas and has a swim-up bar
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/GGXHU5KBBNC63OS3OMPIGSUW4E.jpg?smart=true&auth=01d900ea7fe606889f1e88bd0bb9e07f7f2f841eef85d355a5d0d795ce4b7cb3&width=400&height=225)
Outdoor dining at Zala comes with desert-filled vistas
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/4XZ2ZLSAR5EN7MFYTPYYKLRFK4.jpg?smart=true&auth=afa0838a88aed780020e1b9298abe575529082ef27cb4997b07cb8d4b366e625&width=400&height=225)
Zala blends Greek and Ottoman cuisine
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/IKXVOE7DBRHAFFZUQETAFXTBLI.jpg?smart=true&auth=8418659ccdad8c7895bbdff4b118feea5f5976a066604bacf895c48966bc3bb0&width=400&height=225)
Design details at Bab Al Shams in Dubai
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/5TFRHOFZO5D4HJNXTZVHF3NMYY.jpg?smart=true&auth=fcb6fe55c1a37c396badeb7e5e6e6e015e7ef251909066dc56b2e880a1cbbe6b&width=400&height=225)
The culinary team offer a wide variety of cuisine for guests
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/54MEBVRDOVDJXOO57MLSIYBCX4.jpg?smart=true&auth=88a065cc52bf8ac961dcc170b77410989374754a2effa43a5e0739f2601946b0&width=400&height=225)
Guests can cosy up beside fire pits under star-filled skies
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/UD55ODDSSFCTLMX6NDXTXSKM7A.jpg?smart=true&auth=b03f8facd95edee16173ee0212c02c8210ca7bddd97407471aaa7c35433ce56f&width=400&height=225)
Ya Hala is the resort's hidaway cigar bar
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/WHSZL6GEONDZBDLNBY2FZGGCPE.jpg?smart=true&auth=9173832c6d7476750a1ae9828a270843462966f4e4c9bbc2c812b6fbffaf1328&width=400&height=225)
Bab Al Shams first opened 19 years ago
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/ZUMSQT2K7FB7ZC4FPZ5WNTQ25E.jpg?smart=true&auth=dc742cf8ea29bd3a40c7e7779ebccf69aa96bf6f08b8615ca0622910ba6f33b3&width=400&height=225)
The hotel aims to cater to guests seeking calm and relaxation
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/IPLFMDTM65BZBASOV6TV5MXHQ4.jpg?smart=true&auth=4c5e251debf4a7a8a5051b137b7567576e382cd3ff48f7ec2a8c0b5b41f8d133&width=400&height=225)
Courtyard seating at Bab Al Shams
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/M44VS3XVORAPXEXYPWULAI36RY.jpg?smart=true&auth=8e1626d37c918847832db31517d628c254f3a582da28e7e6176b515433986c70&width=400&height=225)
The newly renovated Bab Al Shams is now open in the Dubai desert. All photos: Antonie Robertson / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/DIDC3YUT2BF6NCZO6LHDG2EG7M.jpg?smart=true&auth=72f11f1e9083d261625323292ac704638eaba50ba57676b747ff09057e9ac866&width=400&height=225)
It's the first Rare Finds collection by Kerzner International, the parent group of Atlantis and One&Only
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/4ONL2N23PNACPIE4EUQQKZWY5M.jpg?smart=true&auth=9b8f8d02585207c69edcc31dbcbbdf5851805948beebde1d64bf6d09ab459728&width=400&height=225)
Embracing its dune-filled location and name that means ‘gateway to the sun’, the resort’s new design is inspired by the earthy tones of the desert as they change throughout the day
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/6DEVGQUDAJDXXJJ45U4IC54Q44.jpg?smart=true&auth=6c22853c6131e6cfe71099b168b93b4f0fb4d697c6f9c1655505bd758ff63867&width=400&height=225)
Keeping its well-known moniker, the luxury resort offers guests an oasis escape
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/755EF6UXINCOFBAJ4G6325F7NU.jpg?smart=true&auth=54b6c72d094afff6eac33312dafed0102878da63e81edc61bf1b793a9bd6f9b5&width=400&height=225)
Bab Al Shams is one of Dubai's longest-running desert resorts
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/3UUBAPSUAFD2PLELCRKRFZ4SRE.jpg?smart=true&auth=61d79dbcb5a4d5dabf424d7b802e73c5b148d9ed3c5afd66c62bd4fa9312b8e5&width=400&height=225)
Rooms and suites have been redesigned with subtle Moorish influences
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/KRXFKJWE6JBNXPZJW7DR6NFGWY.jpg?smart=true&auth=f074e34dd0ac719333c55eacbc4a50054cf17023e2758b51d29f29d84b5c62ac&width=400&height=225)
Many of the rooms have private balconies or tropical gardens
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/OJVXFABCBFC2FF2X7ACEQ5SHFY.jpg?smart=true&auth=5754bc4a7c519d607c8787c5d4a0ba64d9ebf0f91c90d808babfd8fc8a753998&width=400&height=225)
Bab Al Shams acts as an oasis in the desert, with landscaped gardens and palm-lined walkways
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/UCSCO7KATBFSVDO7DWIGZ4HBJU.jpg?smart=true&auth=534145b3abf24e2a95c251cb554e66d98117c18389694aceb4e71a19e3b4f469&width=400&height=225)
The resort activity centre is where guests can indulge in a wide range of adventures
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/27NFAZA74ZHLLJMS33CW2QZKOE.jpg?smart=true&auth=329ed8e1ddbc15c0e35937ac3616d1496de7a83a3a032a2682a93bb63d9151c8&width=400&height=225)
Biking, nature walks, camel rides, archery and more are on the agenda
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/HHXDALSKWREAFJXBNKBUKK6E6A.jpg?smart=true&auth=bb58dbc05993b4aca32c4c935d393bdc05b4fb3fa2eca22171183df86fe2859c&width=400&height=225)
Zala is the resort's new all-day dining space
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/C6DJD2GU2RFAJFWLAUS4W26ZAQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=19ed9ad26d579bcbe5e54d44b3804b0ed5bd3afa0b8c18f4f75f744d24e47da8&width=400&height=225)
The resort’s design is inspired by the earthy tones of the desert as it changes throughout the day
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/BOI5CNPUAVHDDKGKLBMDZWVNQ4.jpg?smart=true&auth=19565f4bb536f4f1098d11ad0ea587e4f1eccd3d8d22c43770765b2ea935fba6&width=400&height=225)
At the heart of the resort is the oasis-like pool
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/6ADXTGPDTBETZEPZU2VDN5ZYYA.jpg?smart=true&auth=465f100c63a6a6a3c1e28563069eb13271f49050166a652a1b1b51ec13210798&width=400&height=225)
The renovated pool is surrounded by sun loungers and cabanas and has a swim-up bar
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/GGXHU5KBBNC63OS3OMPIGSUW4E.jpg?smart=true&auth=01d900ea7fe606889f1e88bd0bb9e07f7f2f841eef85d355a5d0d795ce4b7cb3&width=400&height=225)
Outdoor dining at Zala comes with desert-filled vistas
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/4XZ2ZLSAR5EN7MFYTPYYKLRFK4.jpg?smart=true&auth=afa0838a88aed780020e1b9298abe575529082ef27cb4997b07cb8d4b366e625&width=400&height=225)
Zala blends Greek and Ottoman cuisine
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/IKXVOE7DBRHAFFZUQETAFXTBLI.jpg?smart=true&auth=8418659ccdad8c7895bbdff4b118feea5f5976a066604bacf895c48966bc3bb0&width=400&height=225)
Design details at Bab Al Shams in Dubai
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/5TFRHOFZO5D4HJNXTZVHF3NMYY.jpg?smart=true&auth=fcb6fe55c1a37c396badeb7e5e6e6e015e7ef251909066dc56b2e880a1cbbe6b&width=400&height=225)
The culinary team offer a wide variety of cuisine for guests
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/54MEBVRDOVDJXOO57MLSIYBCX4.jpg?smart=true&auth=88a065cc52bf8ac961dcc170b77410989374754a2effa43a5e0739f2601946b0&width=400&height=225)
Guests can cosy up beside fire pits under star-filled skies
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/UD55ODDSSFCTLMX6NDXTXSKM7A.jpg?smart=true&auth=b03f8facd95edee16173ee0212c02c8210ca7bddd97407471aaa7c35433ce56f&width=400&height=225)
Ya Hala is the resort's hidaway cigar bar
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/WHSZL6GEONDZBDLNBY2FZGGCPE.jpg?smart=true&auth=9173832c6d7476750a1ae9828a270843462966f4e4c9bbc2c812b6fbffaf1328&width=400&height=225)
Bab Al Shams first opened 19 years ago
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/ZUMSQT2K7FB7ZC4FPZ5WNTQ25E.jpg?smart=true&auth=dc742cf8ea29bd3a40c7e7779ebccf69aa96bf6f08b8615ca0622910ba6f33b3&width=400&height=225)
The hotel aims to cater to guests seeking calm and relaxation
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/IPLFMDTM65BZBASOV6TV5MXHQ4.jpg?smart=true&auth=4c5e251debf4a7a8a5051b137b7567576e382cd3ff48f7ec2a8c0b5b41f8d133&width=400&height=225)
Courtyard seating at Bab Al Shams
Exclusive first review of Bab Al Shams, Dubai's oldest desert resort - Hotel Insider
The now entirely reimagined five-star, dune-surrounded getaway was the first of its kind to open in the emirate nearly 20 years ago
![Hayley Skirka](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/https%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Farc-authors%2Fthenational%2F5aa171d9-e19e-4724-894f-afdab957726f.png?smart=true&auth=0060497e4d6de279036bf67ee0e69c23726110ddc9067f6419a245b2b05cf91d&width=70&height=70)
Hayley Skirka
13 February, 2023
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