Bab Al Shams Desert Resort festive season news: Framed by the breathtaking beauty of the desert’s golden dunes this unique resort unveils a collection of unforgettable festive experiences, where cherished traditions are seamlessly woven with the warm embrace of Arabian hospitality. From lavish feasts to heart-warming celebrations, the resort transforms into a wonderland of joy, offering families and friends the ultimate escape to create magical memories this holiday season.
Desert resort festive season celebrations
Desert resort festive season: Christmas tree lighting at Zala Lawn
Hail in the festivity and watch the desert illuminate with holiday cheer at Bab Al Shams Desert Resort’s enchanting Christmas Tree Lighting at Zala Lawn. Gather under the twinkling desert sky as the spectacular Christmas tree comes to life in a magical moment of joy. The evening promises a festive atmosphere with live entertainment, carol singers, and a special appearance from Santa Claus, who’ll be spreading merriment with toys and treats for the little ones. Warm up with a cozy selection of winter favourites, including cookies, mulled wine, and hot chocolate, adding a sweet touch to the celebration.
Date: Saturday, 7 December 2024
Time: 6 PM to 8 PM
Price: AED 100 per person for visitors
Complimentary for in-house guests and children from 4 to 11 years old
Zala outdoor dining seats
Festive Afternoon Tea at Lobby Lounge
Soak up the celebratory spirit with a festive-themed afternoon tea at the Lobby Lounge, set against the serene backdrop of plush interiors and an inviting outdoor terrace. Indulge in a delicious spread of seasonal delights, think mince pies, gingerbread bites, and toasty scones topped with clotted cream. Guests can enjoy the curated tea menu or elevate the festivities with a glass of bubbly.
Date: Available daily from 13 to 23 December 2024
Time: 3 PM to 6 PM
Price: AED 195 per person; AED 280 per person inclusive of a glass of bubbles
Desert Resort festive season: Gingerbread decoration at Lobby Lounge
Guests of all ages are invited to unleash their creativity, decorating their own gingerbread masterpieces with a variety of colourful icings, sprinkles, and edible ornaments. Whether crafting whimsical designs or classic holiday shapes, this time-honoured tradition is sure to spark joy and create cherished memories.
Date: Available daily from 13 to 23 December 2024
Time: 2 PM to 5 PM
Price: AED 95 per person inclusive of cookies and non-alcoholic beverages
Unplug at the Fire Pit
As the desert air cools and the sun sets, the fire pit offers a laid-back retreat where the glow of the flames and the crackle of the fire present the perfect ambiance for a tranquil evening. Guests are welcomed with complimentary roasted chestnuts and for those seeking a touch of indulgence, unlimited mulled grape and hot chocolate are on offer, with each sip enveloping them in febliss.
Start Date: Available daily from 13 to 23 December 2024
Time: 5 PM to 7 PM
Price: AED 95 for unlimited Mulled Grape; AED 55 for unlimited Hot Chocolate
Complimentary roasted chestnuts
Christmas Eve Dinner at Zala
The twinkling desert sky sets the scene as Zala transforms into a winter wonderland, offering a sumptuous Christmas Eve dinner that promises to enchant guests of all ages. From expertly prepared dishes to indulgent desserts, every bite is designed to capture the essence of the season. The evening is further elevated by live entertainment, festive décor, and elegant ambiance, with music filling the air, creating an unforgettable celebration of heartwarming traditions, exceptional cuisine, and a touch of merry magic.
Date: Tuesday, 24 December 2024
Time: 7 PM to 12 AM
Price: AED 349 per person inclusive of soft beverages
AED 549 per person inclusive of 3 house beverages
Children from 4 to 11 years old dine half price and complimentary for toddlers under three years old
Desert resort festive season: Anwa upper terrace
Christmas Day Brunch at Zala
Embrace the festivities with a sumptuous Christmas Day Brunch at Zala. Nestled amidst the glistening dunes, the afternoon begins with an irresistible array of culinary delights, including holiday specials like a perfectly roasted Turkey served with all its quintessential trimmings followed by sweet indulgences such as traditional Christmas pudding. The magic continues with Santa’s much-anticipated arrival, wowing little ones with gifts, while a dedicated kids’ area, pony and camel rides, and engaging holiday-themed activities keep the excitement flowing. The Christmas Day brunch at Zala offers a celebration wrapped in festive spirit whilst a live band adds a jolly backdrop to the festivities.
Date: Wednesday, 25 December 2024
Time: 1 PM to 4 PM
Price: AED 499 per person inclusive of soft beverages
AED 699 per person inclusive of house beverages
AED 250 per child from 4 to 11 years old
Complimentary for toddlers under three years old
Boxing Day Brunch at Zala
Continue the Christmas cheer with a Boxing Day Brunch at Zala, honouring the tradition of gathering with loved ones to unwind and enjoy the afterglow of Christmas. Guests can relish in a bountiful spread, from sage-roasted chicken and homemade terrines to a fish roe station and salt-crusted seabass. For a sweet ending, guests can delight in the classic Gugelhupf, a charming treat that adds a touch of nostalgia. With live music setting a gleeful tone and pony and camel rides keeping the kids entertained, the brunch promises to be a day of laughter and joy, ideal for basking in the season’s warmth.
Date: Thursday, 26 December 2024
Time: 1 PM to 4 PM
Price: AED 399 per person inclusive of soft beverages
AED 599 per person inclusive of house beverages
Children from 4 to 11 years old dine half price and complimentary for toddlers under three years old
Desert Resort festive season: private orthodox festive roast
Celebrate Orthodox Christmas with an intimate festive roast, bringing together loved ones for a joyous feast that blends cherished traditions with the exquisite hospitality of Bab Al Shams Desert Resort. Surrounded by the magnificent desert horizon, this exclusive dining experience, designed for a group of six, offers the perfect setting to savour the rich flavours and traditions of the holiday season.
Date: Available on 6 & 7 January 2025
Price: AED 650 per person inclusive 2 hours of house wine
AED 250 per child from 4 to 11 years old
Minimum booking 6 persons, 48 hours in advance
Bab Al Shams Desert Resort bar
Desert Resort festive season: New Year Celebrations
New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner at Al Hadheerah
Step into a world of enchantment this New Year’s Eve at Al Hadheerah, Bab Al Shams Desert Resort, where the magic of 1001 nights comes alive under the desert stars. This spectacular gala promises an evening filled with live music, captivating performances, and an array of indulgent epicurean experiences. Guests can feast on international cuisine with Arabian flair, featuring live counters including a lavish seafood display, a luxurious caviar stand, Black Truffle Pide, and a decadent Foie Gras station. As the clock strikes midnight, get ready to be wowed by a breathtaking fireworks display that will illuminate the desert sky, ushering in 2025 with sparkle and style.
Date: Tuesday, 31 December 2024
Time: 8 PM to 2 AM
Price: AED 1900 per person for the premium seating and alcoholic package
AED 1500 per person for the standard seating and house beverage package
AED 750 per child from 4 to 11 years old
New Year’s Eve Party at Anwā Sunset Lounge
Keep the party going well into the night at Anwā’s New Year’s Eve party, where glitz and glamour light up the desert night. With electrifying beats from a DJ, captivating performances by percussionists, and fiery moves from samba dancers and fire performers igniting the sky, it’s the ultimate way to toast to new beginnings.
Date: Tuesday, 31 December 2024
Time: 8 PM to 2 AM
Price: AED 375 per person with a complimentary welcoming glass of bubbles
New Year’s Day Brunch at Zala
Whether you’re raising a glass to new resolutions or just revelling in the warmth of new beginnings under the desert sun, a leisurely New Year’s Day brunch at Zala awaits, filled with vibrant flavours, live entertainment and an indulgent spread highlighting Zala’s signature Mediterranean flair. It is the perfect way to savour the first day of the year, surrounded by family, friends, and the tranquil desert landscape.
Date: Wednesday, 1 January 2025
Time: 1 PM to 4 PM
Price: AED 399 per person inclusive of soft beverages
AED 599 per person inclusive of a selection of sparkling grape and alcoholic beverage
AED 200 per child from 4 to 11 years old
Complimentary for toddlers under three years old
Bab Al Shams Desert Resort is the original
immersive desert experience in Dubai, owned by the Meydan City Corporation. The property, which was launched in 2004, is located 45 minutes from Dubai’s city centre, in close proximity to off-site attractions like the Al Qudra man-made lakes and scenic cycling and camping spots, offering guests peaceful seclusion and an authentic elevated Arabian desert experience. Arabic for ‘Gateway to the Sun’, Bab Al Shams features 115 lavish rooms and suites accompanied by redefined dining and eclectic entertainment. The iconic architecture, inspired by a traditional Arabian fort is home to an array of desert adventures including breakfast on hot air balloons, horse-riding, camelback trekking, falconry, nature tours to Al Marmoom and much more.
As part of the Rare Finds collection, a series of hospitality addresses bringing forward the essence of a place and promising soulful experiences, the resort preserves its legacy as the longest running desert escape in the UAE.
