Desert setting
The infinity pool sits among golden dunes, with sunsets and quiet surroundings that feel far removed from Dubai’s bustle.
Bab Al Shams Desert Hotel Resort - Infinity Pool
Mugatrah
Bab Al Shams Desert Hotel Resort’s Infinity Pool is a Mugatrah escape surrounded by dunes, distinctive architecture and wide sunset views. Guests can relax in a heated pool with different depths and temperatures, order from the pool bar, and pair a swim with desert activities such as archery or dune driving.
Reputation Score
4.7
★★★★★
224 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Pool choice
The pool area includes different heights and temperatures, including a 31°C heated pool, plus separate adult-only and infinity-pool areas.
Pool service
Pool attendants and lifeguards are repeatedly described as attentive, responsive and present without being intrusive.
Distinctive design
Traditional and modern architecture, courtyards and carefully maintained grounds give the resort a strong old-world desert character.
Family friendly
Families have access to a children’s pool, kids club and playground; one review says the zip line was a favourite.
Desert activities
Archery, camel riding, falconry and 4WD desert tours add more to the visit than pool time alone.
Tips for a Better Visit
Plan timing. Winter should be more comfortable for pool time; one guest found summer heat intense and said winter is more manageable.
Allow travel time. If travelling from Dubai for an event or meal, allow about an hour because the resort is some distance from the city.
Check openings. Ask which restaurants are operating before booking: one August visitor found two restaurants closed, while another found Al Hadheerah closed due to heat.
Choose your pool. Ask about the adult-only pool and the infinity lookout if you want a quieter swim or desert views.
Confirm access. If mobility or pregnancy is a concern, check room access in advance; one guest reported that some rooms had no staircase access.
Expect deposits. For company iftar bookings, ask about payment terms early: an advance payment was required to secure the reservation.
Plan the visit
Practical details
Mugatrah - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
Mugatrah, Dubai
Popular Mentions
Pool bar
The pool bar serves guests both in the water and on the deck chairs.
breakfast buffet
Breakfast includes a buffet alongside menu dishes prepared to order.
Common Concerns
High prices
A pool-side review called the food and drinks overpriced, citing AED125 for a small salad and AED80 for a draft beer.
Pool behaviour
Some visitors reported other patrons ignoring no-smoking signs and children behaving disrespectfully around others in the pool.
Service uneven
Most service feedback is positive, but some guests described cold or scolding interactions at reception and with room service.
Summer heat
Temperatures reached 43°C in one June stay, and another review said peak tourism season is more manageable in winter.
Breakfast variety
One guest found the breakfast buffet decent but limited, particularly for vegetables and meats; another found the food less refined than expected.
Customer-reported prices
These are customer-reported mentions, not a current price list. Prices may have changed.
AED125
small salad at the pool
“AED125 for a small salad at the pool”Google review · June 2025
AED80
flat beer draft
“AED80 for a flat beer draft”Google review · June 2025
DXB
LOCAL
LOCAL
The Bottom Line
Bab Al Shams’ Infinity Pool is a desert-day escape in Mugatrah, with dunes, sunset views and architecture that several guests compared to an old medina or Mesopotamian setting. The pool itself is more versatile than the name suggests: reviews describe different depths and temperatures, including a 31°C heated pool, as well as separate adult-only and infinity-pool areas. There is also a pool bar for drinks and food.
A visit can extend beyond swimming. Guests mention archery, camel riding, falconry and 4WD desert-drive tours, while families have a children’s pool, kids club and playground with a popular zip line. Food is generally well regarded: breakfast combines a buffet with made-to-order menu items, and the resort’s iftar events feature live cooking, performances and cultural shows.
There are practical caveats. The resort is about an hour from Dubai depending on traffic, and summer heat can be severe; winter is described as more comfortable. Check which restaurants are open before booking, particularly in hotter months.
Pool food and drinks are not cheap, with one guest reporting AED125 for a small salad and AED80 for a draft beer. Service is usually warm, though a few reception and room-service interactions were noticeably uneven.