Bab Al Shams, A Rare Finds Desert Resort

★★★★★Al Qudra desert, DubaiAl Qudra Road, PO Box 8168Specialist pick

Overview

Bab Al Shams is a low-rise desert fort resort in the dunes beyond Al Qudra, run by Kerzner's Rare Finds by Kerzner brand and fully refurbished in 2023. It suits Dubai residents wanting a genuine change of scene without a long drive: families with young children, couples after quiet, and anyone who wants sand dunes rather than a beach for a night or two.

On the ground it's low-key and self-contained: an infinity pool with dune views, a separate adults-only swim-up bar, a family pool with a lifeguard, and a free kids' club running daily from 9am to 6pm. Evenings centre on Al Hadheerah, the open-air desert dinner theatre with live music and camel rides, or a quieter meal at Zala or Anwā. Staff are attentive and it's genuinely calm after dark.

There's no beach here — this is dune and courtyard scenery, not coastline, so anyone set on sea views should look elsewhere. Several outdoor venues, including Al Hadheerah, only run through the cooler months and close in peak summer, so check what's actually open if you're booking a July or August night. Winter weekends get busy and are worth booking ahead.

115 rooms and suites
desert fort architecture
within al marmoom reserve
infinity pool and swim-up bar
free kids club 9am-6pm
camel rides and falconry
satori spa with hammam
six restaurants and bars
refurbished 2023 by kerzner
45 minutes from dubai

Rooms

Good to know

Meal plans: Room only · Bed & breakfast · Half board
Paid at the hotel: The tourism dirham fee and any security deposit
Cancelling: Each room shows its own terms; cancel online from My trips while they allow

Eating and drinking

Al Hadheerah — An open-air Arabian dinner theatre with live cooking stations, belly dancers, musicians and camel rides on site. It's an event as much as a meal, works well with children, and only runs through the cooler months.
Zala — The all-day buffet restaurant, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with Ottoman, Greek and Mediterranean dishes plus live cooking stations. The easy, reliable choice for families and the venue used for half-board dinners.
Anwā — A rooftop restaurant and sunset lounge serving Far East and South-East Asian dishes with open-air desert views. Children are welcome earlier in the evening, though under-21s aren't permitted after 8pm.
Ninive — An atmospheric alfresco restaurant doing Middle Eastern and North African dishes under palm fronds and lanterns, with a separate children's menu. It's a seasonal venue and closes over the hottest summer months.
Ya Hala — A cigar and residents' lounge with a craft cocktail list and rare spirits, styled like an old-world club. This is the grown-up, after-dark spot rather than anywhere to bring the children.
Lobby Lounge — An all-day, family-friendly spot with indoor and outdoor seating for coffee, light bites and mocktails on the terrace. Good for a low-key breakfast or an afternoon break between pool sessions.

Getting there

It's a straightforward drive out past the Al Qudra cycle tracks and lakes, roughly 45 minutes from central Dubai with no major traffic pinch points once you're off the main highways. Dubai International Airport is the nearest airport. There's free on-site parking, so most residents drive themselves rather than book a transfer.

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