Dubai’s Bab Al Shams Reopens Under Kerzner’s Deluce 'Rare Finds' Brand

Located 45 minutes from downtown Dubai, Bab Al Shams - the city's longest-running desert resort - has reopened after an extensive 10-month refurbishment with a brand new glow. Kerzner International, a leading global developer and operator of ultra-luxury hotels, has taken over management of Babs Al Shams, placing it front and centre as the debut of their new Rare Finds collection brand.

Kerzner International's renovation efforts focused on all aspects of the property, with special attention given to its food and beverage offerings, making sure that Bab Al Shams has a similar 'eatertainment' component that Kerzner famously delivers across its other brands, such as Atlantis and One&Only.

The reimagined Bab Al Shams is inspired by the desert sands, with earth tones, gold accents and exposed wooden beams permeating across its two 16-storey buildings. With 115 rooms and suites, the new Bab Al Shams promises to present guests with an authentic Bedouin experience, alongside new private cabanas around an oasis-like infinity pool, The Desert Spa, and the children's club which comes with an adventure playground, a zip line, and a variety of movies and board games.

Al Hadheerah, the resort's original Middle Eastern restaurant, has been renovated as part of Kerzner's refurbishment. Its regional, traditional-style cuisine - which includes kebabs, ouzi and mezze - are paired with live cooking stations, belly dancers, falconers and a caravan of camels. A new all-day dining restaurant, Zala, has opened within the resort as well, serving up Ottoman and Greek-inspired dishes. Guests are also invited to lay back and relax at Ya Hala, a speakeasy-style lounge, and Anva Sunset Lounge, which comes with an astounding view of the Emirati desert.

In celebration of its grand reopening, nearly 20 years after it was first introduced, Bab Al Shams is offering an overnight package called Mystique of Arabia, which includes a Mediterranean-style breakfast, complimentary poolside cocktails, a camel ride, and a guided nature walk through the dunes. Rates for this package start from DH1,300 per night.