The hype
Travelers universally praise the renovation for modernizing the rooms while keeping the Arabian fortress charm.
Bab Al Shams Desert Resort And Spa
$400-800/ night
Book this if You want the 'Lawrence of Arabia' fantasy without sacrificing air conditioning, infinity pools, or a 45-minute escape route back to Dubai Mall.
Why People Love It
- The 'Rare Finds' renovation by Kerzner (Atlantis) elevated the rustic fortress vibe to true luxury
- Al Hadheerah is the closest you'll get to a Bedouin dinner theater spectacular
- Three temperature-controlled pools, including an adults-only infinity edge overlooking the dunes
Quick Take: It’s a Disney-fied version of the desert, but it’s done so beautifully you won’t care that the highway is just over the dune.
Reviewed by @samarzulfiqar: I felt like I was living in an Arabian fairytale here. The mix of traditional fortress architecture with that insane infinity pool view over the dunes is unmatched. It's the perfect spot to disconnect and just watch the camels go by.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
Service can be hit-or-miss at the pool, with complaints about slow orders and occasional dirty glassware.
- You want a 'soft adventure' with kids (camel rides, falconry, shallow pools)
- You need a romantic sunset spot that feels worlds away from the city skyline
- You love the aesthetic of sandstone courtyards, lanterns, and Persian rugs
Cleanliness & Maintenance
9
- Housekeeping: Daily and thorough. Turn-down service includes fresh water and dates.
- Bathroom hygiene: Immaculate. The renovation replaced old grout with sleek stone and tile.
- Maintenance: Excellent condition post-2023 renovation. AC is powerful and silent.
- Linens & towels: High-thread-count crisp white linens; plush, heavy towels.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells of signature oud and frankincense; rooms are fresh and neutral.
Sleepability™
8SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- AC units in older wings
- Guests walking through echoey stone courtyards
- Morning setup noise near the main restaurant
Before you book
Good to know
- The resort fee is standard, but check if your rate includes the AED 20 tourism dirham fee
- Dinner at Al Hadheerah is an 'event'—book it for one night, but maybe not every night
- Valet parking is free, and EV charging (Tesla & DEWA) is available on-site
What to pack
- Closed-toe shoes for the desert walk (sand gets hot and prickly)
- A light jacket for winter evenings (desert temps drop fast at night)
- Swim goggles for the kids (pools are great but salty/chlorinated)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Terrace Desert View Room (ground floor, direct sand access, private patio)
- Deluxe Suite (upper floor, better views of the dunes, more privacy)
Rooms to avoid
- Courtyard View rooms on the ground floor (zero privacy, people walk right past your window)
- Rooms near the lobby/shops (high foot traffic and 'hassle' from vendors)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would love a renovated Terrace Room facing the open desert, specifically away from the main courtyard walkways for maximum privacy. Ideally on the 'sunset' side of the resort.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is it really in the middle of nowhere?
Sort of. It's 45-60 minutes from Downtown Dubai. You feel isolated, but civilization is a short drive away.
Can I bring my dog?
No. The resort has a strict no-pets policy, likely due to the local wildlife (gazelles) roaming the grounds.
Is the pool heated?
Yes, all three pools are temperature-controlled, making them swimmable even in the cooler winter months.
Do I need a 4x4 to get there?
No, the road is fully paved all the way to the entrance. Any standard car can make the trip.
Is the half-board worth it?
Yes, if you plan to eat at the resort. A la carte dining is expensive, and the buffet spread at Zala is extensive.
Are there activities for kids?
Absolutely. Aladdin’s Kids Club, a shaded kids' pool, pony rides, and archery make it a family favorite.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Book the 'Picnic Brunch' at Zala on Sundays for a relaxed garden vibe instead of the usual buffet chaos.
- ✨
The short camel ride at sunset is often complimentary—ask the concierge before booking the paid safari.
- ✨
Head to the Anwa rooftop lounge 30 minutes before sunset; it has the best unobstructed view of the dunes.
5 things to know before you go
💡Wild gazelles and Arabian Oryx frequently wander right up to the ground-floor terraces.
💡The 'shop area' near the lobby can feel a bit like a tourist trap with vendors hassling you.
💡Some 'renovated' bathrooms swapped the iconic stone tubs for huge showers—ask specifically if you want a tub.
💡You can hear the distant hum of the Al Qudra cycling track events on quiet weekends.
💡The 'desert walk' is best done at sunrise to see the tracks of animals that visited overnight.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Bab Al Shams Desert Resort And Spa is located and what's nearby.