Bab Al Shams

Gateway to the Sun - Bab Al Shams was a whole new level of experience beautifully presented to us by wonderful Olesya and George. We discussed it during our first lunch on the second day of being in Dubai. But being spoilt rotten after driving around most of Europe, we couldn't put our mind together what to expect from the driving experience to the desert. DESERT! 

Having seen dozens of photographs of Bedouins on camels browsing through the spiky sandy dunes, only scariest thoughts came to mind. It was the uncertainty that scared the most.

Ok, here is the revelation to the first of the myths - the roads are just amazing. Having driving through the desert, I was left puzzled by the fact that there was not a tiny little bit of sand on the road. It may make you think that the Arabs go as far as vacuum cleaning approximately 100 km of the road. 

And here is a tip - fill your tank before you set of on this adventure. The last thing you want is to get stuck without petrol somewhere in the middle of nowhere, even if that nowhere comes with the lampposts and warning signs - Be careful, camels crossing!

Petrol is extremely cheap. With my basic mathematics skills, I managed to work it around £0.30 per ltr. What a bargain! If you are like myself is of Russian origin, you are left to wonder why in Russia, one of the top countries in world by the volume of its oil production, the price for petrol is same as in the UK which is rather unfortunately doesn't have much, if any. 

Back to the pleasant discussions though..Bab Al Shams which is situated in the heart of the desert and surrounded by the dunes of Dubai, is the ultimate luxury retreat with relaxing roofing lounges, infinity pool, restaurants, shaded courtyards, walkways and water features. You may well find yourself in the middle of 1001 Arabian Nights dream.

If you make it to the resort, then Al Hadheerah Desert Restaurant which captures perfectly the mood of old Arabia is a must to visit.         

A place to come back!!!

vasha Tasha