First look: Dubai’s Bab Al Shams reopens as world’s first Rare Finds hotel

The desert retreat has been renovated throughout by new owners Kerzner International

The newly renovated Bab Al Shams is now open in the Dubai desert. All photos: Antonie Robertson / The National

It's the first Rare Finds collection by Kerzner International, the parent group of Atlantis and One&Only

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

Keeping its well-known moniker, the luxury resort offers guests an oasis escape

Bab Al Shams is one of Dubai's longest-running desert resorts

Rooms and suites have been redesigned with subtle Moorish influences

Many of the rooms have private balconies or tropical gardens

Bab Al Shams acts as an oasis in the desert, with landscaped gardens and palm-lined walkways

The resort activity centre is where guests can indulge in a wide range of adventures

Biking, nature walks, camel rides, archery and more are on the agenda

Zala is the resort's new all-day dining space

The resort’s design is inspired by the earthy tones of the desert as it changes throughout the day

At the heart of the resort is the oasis-like pool

The renovated pool is surrounded by sun loungers and cabanas and has a swim-up bar

Outdoor dining at Zala comes with desert-filled vistas

Zala blends Greek and Ottoman cuisine

Design details at Bab Al Shams in Dubai

The culinary team offer a wide variety of cuisine for guests

Guests can cosy up beside fire pits under star-filled skies

Ya Hala is the resort's hidaway cigar bar

Bab Al Shams first opened 19 years ago

The hotel aims to cater to guests seeking calm and relaxation

Courtyard seating at Bab Al Shams

Dubai’s longest-running desert resort has reopened with a new lease of life.

Bab Al Shams is the world’s first Rare Finds Hotels and Resorts, Kerzner International's newest collection of properties.

Scroll through the gallery above for a first look inside the renovated resort

On Friday, almost 20 years after first launching, the resort will once again welcome guests following an extensive 10-month refurbishment.

Embracing its setting among the dunes and its 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.

With 115 guest rooms and suites housed across two 16-storey buildings, accommodation features a neutral colour palette complemented with brushed gold accents, exposed wooden beams and subtle Moorish nods. Many abodes have private balconies or tropical gardens.

"The reimagined Bab Al Shams is a legacy project that we are proud and passionate to present,” says Gilles Soheir, general manager of Bab Al Shams.

“The team and I are thrilled to bring forward the essence and stories of this sanctuary to bring an authentic Bedouin experience alight.”

At the heart of Bab Al Shams is the resort's oasis-like infinity pool, which has been wholly upgraded with private cabanas, a swim-up bar and a tree-lined border.

Guests can find solace and respite from the mid-day sun at The Desert Spa, which offers treatments and therapies.

The family-friendly Bab Al Shams caters for children of all ages offering a dedicated "experience lounge" and a children's club with an adventure playground, zip line, board games, movies and more.

When it comes to dining, there are a variety of options on offer including Al Hadheerah, the resort’s original Middle Eastern restaurant, which has been reimagined. On the menu, there's regional cuisine including mezze, kebabs, flame-grilled seafood and ouzi cooked in traditional style in the desert.

Live cooking stations, belly dancers, musicians, folk dancers, falconers and a colourful caravan of camel are also on hand.

At the new all-day dining restaurant Zala, dishes are inspired by Ottoman and Greek cuisine while Ya Hala is a hideaway cigar and speakeasy-style lounge. The best sunset views are found at Anva Sunset Lounge, with its far-reaching vistas over the desert and beyond.

Desert adventures and Bab Al Shams's opening offer

During each stay, guests are invited to discover the "Arabian histories written in the grains of the Emirati desert via a host of experiences". These include camel trekking, falconry, archery, off-road drives and nature tours to the nearby Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve.

A sunrise hot air balloon experience with views of the desert is also available, while adventure fans can try their hands at fat biking through the dunes.

To celebrate its reopening, Bab Al Shams is offering an overnight package called Mystique of Arabia.

Inclusive of a Mediterranean-style breakfast and complimentary poolside cocktails, stays include a guided nature walk among the dunes and a camel ride. Visitors can also discover the ancient sports of falconry and archery.

Rates for the Mystique of Arabia stay start from Dh1,300 per night; www.babalshams.com

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