Bab Al Shams, A Rare Finds Desert Resort, Dubai



















































































































































































































































































































































































Bab Al Shams, A Rare Finds Desert Resort, Dubai offers 51 room types, ranging from 3 sqm to 244 sqm. Nightly room prices range from 1,829 to 8,898 AED. Book your stay directly through H5star.
What Defines Bab Al Shams, A Rare Finds Desert Resort, Dubai
Low-rise Arabian architecture
The resort is arranged across 16 two-storey buildings with a design language described as modern Arabian flair.
Private-pool desert villas
One- and two-bedroom Desert Pool Villas have private pools and terraces facing the dunes.
Distinctive pool zones
The outdoor water facilities include a desert infinity pool, family pool, children’s pool, lap or swim-up-bar pool and plunge pool.
Adults-only desert infinity pool
One of the main pools is an adults-only infinity pool overlooking the desert.
Bab Al Shams Spa & Hammam
The spa includes four single treatment rooms, two VIP couple suites, male and female hammams, steam rooms, a sauna, experience showers and a courtyard plunge pool.
Arabic dining and entertainment
Al Hadheerah offers traditional Arabic cuisine and entertainment from 6:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Multiple named dining venues
The dining collection includes Zala, Al Hadheerah, Anwā, Ninive, Al Forsan, Al Sarab Rooftop Bar & Lounge, Le Dune Pizzeria, Masala, Ya Hala, the Pool Bar and the Lobby Lounge.
Desert recreation setting
The resort is opposite Endurance City on Al Qudra Road, near Al Qudra Lake and Dubai’s desert road network.
Family facilities
Family facilities include a children’s pool, an outdoor family pool with a lifeguard and a kids’ club for children aged five and older.
Destination events setting
The resort maintains an events platform and calendar for year-round festivities, planned events and private celebrations.
Featured Facilities at Bab Al Shams, A Rare Finds Desert Resort, Dubai
- Free Parking
- Hot spring bath
- Infinity Pool
- Massage services
- Outdoor Pool
- Parking
- Pool bar
- Restaurant
- Spa
Which Type of Stay Is It Best For?
Private-pool Desert Pool Villas pair dune-facing terraces with secluded outdoor space, while Bab Al Shams Spa & Hammam adds two VIP couple suites, hammam facilities, steam rooms, sauna and couples-oriented treatment infrastructure.
- ✓Infinity pool
- ✓Pool bar
- ✓Private check-in/check-out
- ✓Room service
- ✓Wine/champagne
- ✓Evening entertainment
- ✓Live music/performance
- ✓Outdoor fireplace
- ✓Pool with view
- ✓Sun terrace
- ✓Terrace
- ✓Themed dinner nights
- ✓Bike tours
- ✓Concierge service
- ✓Happy hour
- ✓Outdoor furniture
- ✓Sun loungers or beach chairs
- ✓Tour/class on local culture
- ✓Walking tours
- ✓Bar
- ✓Food delivered to guest room
- ✓Sun umbrellas
The Bab Al Shams Spa & Hammam combines four single treatment rooms, two VIP couple suites, male and female hammams, steam rooms, a sauna, experience showers and a courtyard plunge pool, alongside yoga areas and a fully equipped fitness centre.
- ✓Spa/wellness center services
- ✓Fitness facilities
- ✓Spa/wellness center
- ✓Swimming pool
- ✓Fitness center
- ✓Hammam
- ✓Hot spring bath
- ✓Massage services
- ✓Steam room
- ✓Yoga classes
- ✓Fitness classes
- ✓Sauna
- ✓Fitness/spa locker rooms
- ✓Access to health care professionals
- ✓Beauty Services
- ✓Cycling
- ✓Fruits
- ✓Hiking
- ✓Horse riding
- ✓Open-air bath
- ✓Special diet menus - on request
Families have access to a dedicated kids’ pool, an outdoor family pool with a lifeguard, and a kids’ club for children aged five and older.
One- and two-bedroom Desert Pool Villas add private pools and dune-facing terraces.
- ✓Family rooms
- ✓Kids' club
- ✓Babysitting/child services
- ✓Children's playground
- ✓Board games/puzzles
- ✓Games room
- ✓Indoor play area
- ✓Kid meals
- ✓Kid-friendly buffet
- ✓Kids' pool
- ✓Entertainment staff
- ✓Picnic area
- ✓Kids' outdoor play equipment
- ✓Minimarket on site
- ✓Shallow end
- ✓Snack bar
- ✓Table tennis
The resort supports planned events and private celebrations through a dedicated events platform and calendar, while its low-rise destination setting opposite Endurance City offers a defined venue away from central Dubai.
The spa also includes four multi-purpose rooms.
- ✓Business center
- ✓Meeting/banquet facilities
- ✓Luggage storage
- ✓ATM/cash machine on site
- ✓Breakfast takeaway containers
- ✓Car hire
- ✓Currency exchange
- ✓Dry cleaning
- ✓Free WiFi
- ✓Invoice provided
- ✓Ironing service
- ✓Laundry
- ✓Mobile app for room service
- ✓Safety deposit box
Rooms & Rates at Bab Al Shams, A Rare Finds Desert Resort, Dubai
Check rates and availability for all rooms at Bab Al Shams, A Rare Finds Desert Resort, Dubai, then book securely with H5star.
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Modern Arabian Architecture Across the Desert Landscape

A low-rise resort village in the dunes
The property is presented as a luxury desert resort with modern Arabian flair rather than a single high-rise block. Its accommodation and public areas are distributed across 16 two-storey buildings, creating a low-rise layout associated with the surrounding desert setting.
Open-air social spaces and desert views
The common areas combine a lobby lounge, pool bar, restaurants, terraces, landscaped gathering spaces and outdoor leisure areas oriented towards desert vistas. The resort also maintains an events platform and calendar for year-round festivities, planned events and private celebrations.
Dune-Facing Villas with Private Outdoor Space

Rooms, suites and villa-style accommodation
Accommodation categories include classic or garden-view rooms, desert-view rooms, junior suites, terrace suites and villa-style units. The room and suite interiors use a modern Arabian design approach, combining contemporary styling with regional references.
Private pools and terraces facing the dunes
The strongest privacy-focused accommodation is the one- and two-bedroom Desert Pool Villa. Each villa has its own private pool and a terrace oriented towards the dunes, providing a distinct alternative to the resort’s conventional room and suite inventory.
Arabic Evenings, Rooftop Drinks and Desert Dining

Named restaurants across the resort
Zala serves Mediterranean-inspired breakfast and operates from 7:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Al Hadheerah presents traditional Arabic cuisine with entertainment from 6:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Al Forsan serves international cuisine in buffet and à la carte formats, while Masala is associated with Indian cuisine.
Lounges, bars and later-night venues
Anwā operates from 4:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m., Ninive from 4:00 p.m. to midnight and until 2:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, and Ya Hala from 5:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. The collection also includes Al Sarab Rooftop Bar & Lounge, Le Dune Pizzeria, the Pool Bar and the Lobby Lounge.
Poolside and lounge service
The Pool Bar serves poolside snacks and cocktails from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The Lobby Lounge operates from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., adding a daytime and evening setting separate from the restaurants.
Desert Infinity Swimming and Family Pool Zones

Separate pools for adults, families and children
The outdoor water area includes an adults-only infinity pool with desert views, an outdoor family pool with a lifeguard, a children’s pool and an additional plunge pool. The main pools are open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Lap swimming and poolside desert leisure
A lap pool with a swim-up bar provides a more active swimming zone, while the broader pool setting includes sun loungers, cabanas, umbrellas and poolside service. The resort’s terraces and landscaped outdoor areas are arranged around views of the surrounding desert.
Hammams, Thermal Rooms and Desert Fitness

Bab Al Shams Spa & Hammam
The spa includes four multi-purpose single treatment rooms, two VIP couple suites, male and female hammam facilities, steam rooms, a sauna room, experience showers, relaxation areas and a courtyard plunge pool. Its treatments and therapies include massage and body-focused services.
Fitness and movement facilities
A state-of-the-art fitness centre and fully equipped gymnasium support the resort’s wider wellbeing programme. Indoor and outdoor yoga areas complement the spa and thermal facilities, with the spa and gym reported as operating daily from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Family and event facilities
Leisure facilities include a kids’ club for children aged five and older, alongside the children’s and family pools. The resort also maintains an events platform and calendar for planned events, year-round festivities and private celebrations.
Al Qudra Desert, Endurance City and Open-Sky Access

A desert setting outside Dubai’s central districts
The resort sits on Al Qudra Road opposite Endurance City, in Dubai’s desert interior rather than the main coastal or downtown areas. The surrounding landscape is associated with open desert, endurance sports, desert recreation and the nearby Al Qudra Lake.
Destination-style airport access
Dubai International Airport is approximately a 60-minute drive away. Access from the resort connects with Al Qudra Lake and the wider desert road network rather than dense urban infrastructure.
What's near Bab Al Shams, A Rare Finds Desert Resort, Dubai?
Bab Al Shams, A Rare Finds Desert Resort, Dubai has 1 restaurants and 1 bars within 3000 metres. Nearby restaurants include Al Hadheerah Restaurant, while bars include Al-Sarab Rooftop Lounge.
- Al Hadheerah Restaurant327 m
- Al-Sarab Rooftop Lounge2 m
Sentiment analysis
| Category | Score | Guest Sentiment |
|---|---|---|
| Cleanliness | 8.64 | There were mentions of cleanliness issues with pigeons on balconies, which detracted from the experience. |
| Service | 9.99 | Staff were consistently praised for being attentive and kind. |
| Location | 9.65 | Beautiful desert location, though some guests expected more from the surrounding environment. |
| Room Quality | 9.6 | Rooms are described as luxurious and well-designed. |
| Amenities | 9.63 | Guests enjoyed the variety of amenities offered at the property. |
| Value for Money | 9.09 | Some guests felt certain dining experiences did not match the expectations for value. |
| Food and Beverage | 8.64 | Food options were enjoyed, but some specific experiences (like the desert buffet) were disappointing. |
| Overall Experience | 9.99 | Thoroughly enjoyable stay, with minor complaints that did not overshadow the overall positive experience. |
Guest reviews
We analysed 2,353 reviews and found 653 containing specific, useful feedback about Bab Al Shams, A Rare Finds Desert Resort, Dubai. The feedback is organised by topic so you can quickly see what guests say about the property.
Overall: What guests say
415 relevant reviewsGuests repeatedly praise Bab Al Shams’ distinctive desert-fort architecture, peaceful atmosphere, clean and well-kept grounds, comfortable rooms, and attentive staff. It is a popular getaway for couples and families, with a magnificent pool and well-regarded restaurants. The resort is isolated, and some guests feel its high prices or overall experience fall short of expectations.
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The most beautiful and authentic looking resort in Dubai - one of a kind!
The peaceful desert setting made for a relaxing break, and everything ran smoothly.
The food was excellent, with plenty of variety, and the package we booked was great value.
Too expensive for what it offersSee all reviews about overall
Staff: What guests say
360 relevant reviewsMost reviews praise warm, attentive, and highly helpful staff, with several guests singling out reception, pool, and restaurant team members for exceptional service. A few report inattentive or rude interactions, repeated payment requests, intrusive questions, or housekeeping knocks despite a Do Not Disturb sign. One guest also said a requested room preparation was repeatedly missed.
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The service deserves a special mention — every single member of staff went above and beyond to make our stay unforgettable. Nothing was ever too much trouble, and their warmth and attentiveness truly elevated the entire experience.
I ordered some preparation before I came, but they didn’t do it. When I came, I ordered again, and when I came back to the room they still had not done it, even when I called and asked again.
Reception staff seemed less attentive than ideal and were just going through the motions. Upon arrival no one opened the door for my wife to leave the car, and at checkout we left without a typical farewell.
Even though we had the Do Not Disturb sign on, housekeeping knocked on our door after we’d gone to bed to offer water, although they had replenished it during turndown.See all reviews about staff
Rooms: What guests say
256 relevant reviewsGuests often describe the rooms as beautiful, clean, spacious, thoughtfully decorated and recently renovated, with excellent showers and comfortable beds. However, some found beds and pillows too soft, and several guests reported pigeon mess making balconies unusable or room views differing from what was advertised. Room size and noise also disappointed some guests.
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The rooms are spacious, immaculately designed, and equipped with everything you could possibly need, offering complete privacy and comfort.
Unfortunately, the balcony was quite dirty due to pigeons, which made it impossible for us to use it.
Bed is not comfortable ... too soft so you end up in a 'hole'. On top of that pillows also very uncomfortable. ... We woke up with back pain both of us.
We booked a king room with terrace desert view but the reality was the view was a sandy (and noisy) play area!See all reviews about rooms
Restaurant: What guests say
227 relevant reviewsDining reviews are mixed. Guests praised standout meals at Al Hadheerah, Anwa, Ninive, and the new Indian restaurant, with varied buffets and memorable dinner shows. Others found food quality inconsistent and prices high; some visits had only one or two restaurants operating, limited indoor seating, and little variety, particularly during quieter or summer periods.
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Only 2 restaurants were operating.
We booked a buffet once... unfortunately it was 120 euros per person and the food just didn't match that, and unfortunately the desserts weren't very good either.
On the second night, we did the Arabic open-air dining at Al Hadheerah, a very extensive buffet with live cooking (we paid 399 AED per person without wine), the shows were a real spectacle.
The food at Anwar and Ninive was fantastic.See all reviews about restaurant
Pool: What guests say
169 relevant reviewsGuests frequently praise the beautiful, spacious pools, especially the desert-facing infinity pool, and the choice of adult, children’s, and mixed-use areas. Poolside service and complimentary water or popsicles are appreciated. Recurring drawbacks include crowding, occasional construction, cold water in winter, high food and drink prices, and bothersome biting insects.
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The infinite pool facing the desert is a unique experience that you must try when in desert.
The resort offers a great selection of pools, separate areas for kids, adults, and mixed-use—as well as plenty of activities for those seeking a bit of adventure.
At weekends there are too many people on day passes which rather spoils the tranquility of Bab Al Shams.
The flies around the pool were quite bothersome, and some bites lasted over three weeks, leaving visible scars until date.See all reviews about pool
Location: What guests say
157 relevant reviewsGuests repeatedly praise the peaceful desert setting, Arabian-style design, wildlife, and sense of escape, often describing it as a relaxing getaway roughly 45–60 minutes from Dubai. The remote location can mean reliance on a car or resort facilities, and some guests expected more dunes, finding the landscape flatter than imagined.
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A quiet secluded location in the desert only 45 minutes from the centre of Dubai.
You can walk in the desert and see wild gazelles and lizards.
The location is really in the middle of nowhere, in other words, without your own car, you are dependent on the facilities of this accommodation.
As it is a hotel in the desert, I expected more dune landscapes, instead of the predominant flat sand.See all reviews about location
Breakfast: What guests say
163 relevant reviewsBreakfast was frequently praised for its freshness, taste, quality, and extensive buffet, with Western, Middle Eastern, Indian, and Arab options. Some guests reported long queues, slow or inconsistent coffee service, and limited choices relative to the price; one guest also encountered confusing closing-time rules for hot dishes.
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Breakfast was also fantastic with a huge variety of western and Middle East food.
Exceptional breakfast with a huge spread consisting of homemade jams and a scrumptious pear tart
Very long breakfast queues.
Breakfast was a mess as the waiter did not know the table number and we waited more than 30 mins for our coffee.See all reviews about breakfast
Facilities: What guests say
132 relevant reviewsGuests repeatedly praised the resort’s beautiful Arab-inspired design, clean and well-maintained facilities, and multiple pools, with camel, falcon, and children’s activities adding appeal. Some reported pigeons and droppings on terraces and the breakfast terrace, limited activities, and restaurants closed during their stay; one described the pool area as overcrowded.
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The resort itself is beautifully designed, as it is modeled after an Arab village.
With the different pools connected by lots of shaded pergolas for both young and old, it's a dream in the desert.
Too many birds/pidgins nesting on the property, including on the breakfast terrace and our private terrace, which therefore could not be used.
There are various activities one can choose from and were worth doing them.See all reviews about facilities
Check-in / Check-out: What guests say
67 relevant reviewsCheck-in experiences were mixed: some guests found the process quick and smooth, while others reported long queues, waits of 45 minutes to three hours, and rooms not ready at the stated time. Guests also cited disorganized communication, limited explanations about activities or meal plans, and checkout billing errors. Early check-in and flexible late checkout were appreciated.
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Even though check-in was at 3 PM, I was allowed into my room around 6 PM.
Work by reception is not well organised, long queues for checking in and checking out guests.
We had booked half board and were not informed during check-in in which restaurant dinner was included and had to pay for all dinners additionally at check-out!
The check-in process was quick and easy.See all reviews about check-in / check-out
Spa: What guests say
54 relevant reviewsGuests frequently praise the spa’s beautiful, relaxing facilities, including its sauna and steam room, and many describe massages and treatments as excellent. Others find treatments overpriced or inconsistent, citing disappointing therapist skills and limited value. The spa can book up quickly, and access or facilities may be restricted during staffing gaps or renovations.
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The massage experience was one of the best we’ve ever had — incredibly relaxing and rejuvenating.
The spa / massage was OK but overvalued, so were the meals.
The spa… really not worth the money, the treatments are disappointing we booked a 90 minute message for 2 people.. we were super excited for it but they are so not professional.
The new spa is really lovely to take some time to relax in the steamroom and sauna.See all reviews about spa
Transport: What guests say
12 relevant reviewsThe resort is far from the city, and taxis are scarce: guests recommend arranging one in advance or renting a car, as waits can reach an hour and return fares may be higher. Desert excursions are available through the excursion desk; guests praised the 4x4 safari and attentive, careful drivers. A private transfer was expensive but comfortable.
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There are no taxis around so you'll most likely need to get the resort to call one for you which takes about an hour to arrive and you will get charged double (no meter) compared to when you first arrived.
The only negative point would be that it's far away from the city, so you will have to order a taxi in advance, to get back to the city.
The transfer was expensive at AED 170, but the ride in the 6-seater Mercedes was exceptional.
We loved the 4x4 Jeep safari tour in the desert. The guide Umar who took us was very attentive to our family.See all reviews about transport
Bab Al Shams, A Rare Finds Desert Resort, Dubai Compared With Other 5-Star Hotels in Dubai
See how Bab Al Shams, A Rare Finds Desert Resort, Dubai compares with other 5-star hotels in Dubai across room size, price and stay scores.
| Metric | Bab Al Shams, A Rare Finds Desert Resort, Dubai | 5-Star Dubai Average | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lowest nightly room price | 1 829 AED | 1 327 AED | Above average |
| Price for 50 sqm rooms | 1 714 AED | 1 645 AED | Above average |
| Price for 100 sqm rooms | 2 640 AED | 2 647 AED | Below average |
| Price for 150 sqm rooms | 2 631 AED | 5 154 AED | Below average |
| Price for 200 sqm rooms | 6 740 AED | 4 715 AED | Above average |
| Guest Rating | 9.4 | 8.7 | — |
| Reviews | 2,353 | 1,758 | — |
| Couples Score | 9.9 | — | — |
| Wellness Score | 9.7 | — | — |
| Families Score | 9.8 | — | — |
| Business Score | 9.0 | — | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many room types does Bab Al Shams, A Rare Finds Desert Resort, Dubai offer?
Bab Al Shams, A Rare Finds Desert Resort, Dubai offers 51 room types.
What is the price range for rooms at Bab Al Shams, A Rare Finds Desert Resort, Dubai?
Room prices range from 1,829 – 8,898 AED per night.
What is the average nightly price at Bab Al Shams, A Rare Finds Desert Resort, Dubai?
The average nightly room price is 3,216 AED.
What are the room sizes at Bab Al Shams, A Rare Finds Desert Resort, Dubai?
Room sizes range from 3 sqm to 244 sqm.
What is the most affordable room at Bab Al Shams, A Rare Finds Desert Resort, Dubai?
The most affordable room at Bab Al Shams, A Rare Finds Desert Resort, Dubai is Deluxe Garden View King Room, with prices from 1 229 AED per night.
What type of stay is Bab Al Shams, A Rare Finds Desert Resort, Dubai best suited for?
What facilities does Bab Al Shams, A Rare Finds Desert Resort, Dubai offer?
Bab Al Shams, A Rare Finds Desert Resort, Dubai offers a selection of facilities and services for a comfortable stay.
Can I book Bab Al Shams, A Rare Finds Desert Resort, Dubai through H5star?
Yes. You can check live room rates and availability and book your stay directly through H5star.
Which rooms at Bab Al Shams, A Rare Finds Desert Resort, Dubai have Terrace?
The rooms with Terrace are Terrace Garden View King Room Incl. Dinner at Al Hadheerah, Terrace Garden View Twin Room Incl. Dinner at Al Hadheerah, Terrace Desert View King Room Incl. Dinner at Al Hadheerah, Terrace Desert View Twin Room Incl. Dinner at Al Hadheerah, Terrace Family Room Incl. Dinner at Al Hadheerah, One Bedroom Desert Pool Villa, Two Bedroom Desert Pool Villa.
5 Hotels Near Bab Al Shams, A Rare Finds Desert Resort, Dubai
The five closest hotels to Bab Al Shams, A Rare Finds Desert Resort, Dubai, calculated by geographic distance.
5 Hotels With Similar Prices
Hotels in the same destination with the closest average nightly room prices to Bab Al Shams, A Rare Finds Desert Resort, Dubai.
5 Hotels With Similar Characteristics
Hotels in the same destination with the most similar Couples, Wellness, Families and Business profiles.
Booking & Transparency
H5star brings together hotel information, pricing data, guest reviews and in-depth analysis to help you make an informed booking decision. For your reservation at Bab Al Shams, A Rare Finds Desert Resort, Dubai, you can select a room and check rates here, or choose between Booking.com and H5star’s booking platform.

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