Dubai’s Bab Al Shams Desert Resort closing after 17 years for renovation

One of Dubai’s original desert hotels is closing its doors for a complete renovation.

Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa will close to the public in May, with bookings set to remain suspended until it reopens in 2023.

During the seven-month closure, the desert resort will undergo a full renovation, with rooms, restaurants, public areas and facilities set to be upgraded.

Fans of the popular resort keen to spend one final night at the low-rise retreat on the outskirts of the city have until May 7 to book a stay in the original Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa.

Surrounded by sand dunes and with endless desert views, the property has long been popular with travellers seeking an authentic desert experience in Dubai.

The hotel first opened on UAE National Day in December 2004, more than 17 years ago.

Bab Al Shams Desert Resort first opened in Dubai in 2004

“We’ve had a lot of warm memories at Bab Al Shams with our guests and team members,” said Ziad Sleiman, hotel manager at Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa.

"While we will miss providing our guests with such a unique desert stay experience, we are also excited for the unique changes that are coming. The renovations will give Bab Al Shams a new and updated look, and we look forward to unveiling the resort to visitors soon."

A staycation favourite with UAE residents keen to escape city life, Bab Al Shams is known for its three temperature-controlled swimming pools with shaded in-pool cabanas, jacuzzis and a swim-up bar to enjoy. Its desert location also makes it popular with local wildlife, and visitors can routinely spot gazelles and Arabian Oryx when staying at the family-friendly resort.

It’s not the first time the resort has closed its doors to guests.

In June 2020, at the outset of the global pandemic, Bab Al Shams was among several UAE hotels that temporarily closed to visitors as a precautionary measure.

The hotel — which is a sister property of The Meydan Hotel — stopped taking room reservations and also closed its restaurants, spa and swimming pool.

“We have chosen to use this time to carry out essential works and maintenance at both properties, so that when we reopen, we will continue to provide seamless five-star experiences to higher standards for all of our guests,” Sleiman told The National at the time.

The hotel reopened in July 2020 with a newly renovated swimming pool and new safety measures in place to help prevent the spread of Covid-19 among guests.

Beaches, hotels and Expo — Dubai tourism in pictures

Dubai's post-pandemic boom has made it one of the most visited places in the world today. Further to that, the city has seen tens of thousands of new residents arrive to settle down. Reuters
Between late 2020 and spring 2022, the city's population grew by close to 100,000 people. Karim Sahib / AFP
Lifestyle and a growing jobs market has attracted many residents to flashy communities such as Jumeirah Beach Residence. Reuters
Population growth is a major part of Dubai's 2040 Urban Plan, which seeks to boost the population to 5.8 million. Chris Whiteoak / The National
There are plans to physically expand Dubai, creating new beaches and parks for the larger population. The government wants 60 per cent of the city to be green parks and reserves. Photo: Dubai Media Office
$The past two years have \seen a rush of foreign investors looking to buy new property in places such as Palm Jumeirah, where prices have risen significantly. AP Photo / Kamran Jebreili$
The past two years have \seen a rush of foreign investors looking to buy new property in places such as Palm Jumeirah, where prices have risen significantly. AP Photo / Kamran Jebreili
Landmarks such as Bluewaters Island and Ain Dubai, the world’s largest observation wheel, have put Dubai on the map as a global lifestyle destination. Reuters

PROFILE OF SWVL

Started: April 2017

Founders: Mostafa Kandil, Ahmed Sabbah and Mahmoud Nouh

Based: Cairo, Egypt

Sector: transport

Size: 450 employees

Investment: approximately $80 million

Investors include: Dubai’s Beco Capital, US’s Endeavor Catalyst, China’s MSA, Egypt’s Sawari Ventures, Sweden’s Vostok New Ventures, Property Finder CEO Michael Lahyani

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Favourite activity in Abu Dhabi: scuba diving in the Northern Emirates

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If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.

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Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer

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