+41 22 880 28 88
+33 1 41 69 88 88 (Paris)
+352 26 20 25 53 88
+971 55 303 5161
+66 80 143 2426
Bab Al Shams: Dubai's luxury desert resort
Bab Al Shams, a luxury desert resort near Dubai
First opened in 2004, Bab Al Shams is one of the longest-standing desert escapes in the Emirates. It reopened in 2023 after a major renovation and became the first property in Kerzner International's Rare Finds collection, the group behind Atlantis and One&Only. Its low-rise architecture, inspired by traditional forts and villages, blends into the dune landscape.
The resort has 115 rooms and suites set across sixteen two-storey buildings, in a hushed atmosphere turned towards the desert. It is aimed at guests seeking a stay that is both luxurious and secluded, a short distance from the buzz of Dubai.
A desert setting: Al Qudra and Al Marmoom
Bab Al Shams sits in the Al Qudra desert, on the southern edge of Dubai, close to Al Qudra Lakes and the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve. The setting offers an immediate change of scene: dunes as far as the eye can see, clear night skies and desert wildlife, just about forty-five minutes from the city.
This proximity makes it easy to combine a city stay in Dubai with a desert interlude, without a long journey. It is one of the resort's main draws for a discerning international clientele.
Al Hadheerah and the desert experiences
The resort's signature is Al Hadheerah, an open-air restaurant set among the dunes. You dine to the rhythm of a living souk and live entertainment, with dancers, musicians, falconers and camel riders, around authentic Arabic cuisine. It is one of the most renowned tables in the Dubai desert.
Beyond dining, the resort offers an infinity pool facing the dunes, a spa with a hammam, and a wide range of activities: falconry, camel rides, horse riding, archery, stargazing with astronomers, hot-air balloon flights and nature outings to the Al Marmoom reserve.
| Name | Bab Al Shams, A Rare Finds Desert Resort |
| Operator | Kerzner International (Rare Finds collection) |
| Opening | 2004, renovated and reopened in 2023 |
| Capacity | 115 rooms and suites (16 two-storey buildings) |
| Location | Al Qudra desert, south of Dubai, near Al Marmoom |
| Signature experiences | Al Hadheerah, falconry, infinity pool, spa |
Reaching Bab Al Shams by private jet
The resort is reached via Dubai. For a private-jet flight, Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), dedicated to business aviation, is the closest to the Al Qudra desert; Dubai International Airport (DXB) is the other arrival point. From either, allow about 45 minutes to an hour of road transfer to the resort, depending on the airport and traffic.
From Europe, a flight to Dubai takes about 6 to 7 hours, depending on the aircraft and the winds, on heavy or ultra-long-range jets that you can discover in our aircraft fleet. To prepare your arrival, see our pages on Dubai by private jet and on Dubai airport, as well as our article on the Jetex terminal in Dubai.
Planning your stay with IBC Aviation
As an independent broker, IBC Aviation compares the aircraft available on the market and arranges your entire trip to or from Dubai: the flight, the choice of airport and the ground transfers to the desert. Our Dubai office gives us a close knowledge of the region. You can discover our approach on our private jet charter page and our concierge services.
Private jet charter with IBC Aviation:
Our teams advise you on the aircraft best suited to your itinerary and your needs, and arrange your trip to Bab Al Shams. Available 24/7:
- France: +33 1 41 69 88 88
- Switzerland: +41 22 880 28 88
- Dubai: +971 55 303 5161
- Bangkok: +66 81 808 2866
- Email: contact@ibc-aviation.com
Frequently asked questions
Where is Bab Al Shams located?
In the Al Qudra desert, south of Dubai, near Al Qudra Lakes and the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, about 45 minutes from central Dubai.
Is Bab Al Shams open?
Yes. The resort reopened in 2023 after a full renovation and is now part of Kerzner International's Rare Finds collection.
How do you get to Bab Al Shams from Dubai?
By car, roughly 45 minutes from central Dubai. A private transfer can be arranged from the emirate's airports, with Al Maktoum (DWC) being the closest to the resort.
What activities does Bab Al Shams offer?
Falconry, camel rides, horse riding, archery, stargazing, an infinity pool and a spa, plus the open-air dinner-and-show restaurant Al Hadheerah.
What is Al Hadheerah?
It is the resort's signature open-air restaurant, blending authentic Arabic cuisine, a living souk and live entertainment, with dancers, musicians, falconers and camel riders, amid the dunes.
How do you reach Bab Al Shams by private jet?
From Europe, allow about 6 to 7 hours of flight to Dubai, preferably via Al Maktoum (DWC) for business aviation, then a private road transfer of about 45 minutes to an hour to the resort.
