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.

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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

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

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Your Guide to the Home

Level 1 has a valet service if you choose not to park in the basement level. This level houses all the kitchenware, including covetable brand French Bull, along with a wide array of outdoor furnishings, lamps and lighting solutions, textiles like curtains, towels, cushions and bedding, and plenty of other home accessories.
Level 2 features curated inspiration zones and solutions for bedrooms, living rooms and dining spaces. This is also where you’d go to customise your sofas and beds, and pick and choose from more than a dozen mattress options.
Level 3 features The Home’s “man cave” set-up and a display of industrial and rustic furnishings. This level also has a mother’s room, a play area for children with staff to watch over the kids, furniture for nurseries and children’s rooms, and the store’s design studio.

How to turn your property into a holiday home

Ensure decoration and styling – and portal photography – quality is high to achieve maximum rates.
Research equivalent Airbnb homes in your location to ensure competitiveness.
Post on all relevant platforms to reach the widest audience; whether you let personally or via an agency know your potential guest profile – aiming for the wrong demographic may leave your property empty.
Factor in costs when working out if holiday letting is beneficial. The annual DCTM fee runs from Dh370 for a one-bedroom flat to Dh1,200. Tourism tax is Dh10-15 per bedroom, per night.
Check your management company has a physical office, a valid DTCM licence and is licencing your property and paying tourism taxes. For transparency, regularly view your booking calendar.