Since first opening, its doors in 2003, Bab Al Shams has long since been an iconic Dubai destination, renowned as a resort rooted in true Arabian hospitality.
For the resort’s recent refurbishment, the aim was to provide a much-needed facelift while ensuring the design remained relevant and future-proofed. Both preserving the authentic visual heritage and blending this with contemporary Arabic elements.
The combination of culture and modernity was also an important factor in the lighting concept, with lighting design by Studio Lumen integral to curating a warm and relaxed ambience that provides the perfect desert getaway for guests.
The project’s aesthetics were carefully aligned with the overall project goal of preserving authenticity to assist in engaging the audience with their surroundings. The carefully chosen colour palettes, layout and artistic elements all worked together seamlessly to contribute to the overall aesthetic experience.
Studio Lumen worked closely throughout this project with the core design team of architects, interior designers and landscape architects to achieve the balance required to accent the splendour of the location and to provide the right navigation throughout the meandering resort, all with functionality, flexibility, and energy efficiency at the forefront of our minds.
Patterned decorative lighting combined with fittings that are integrated directly into the interior and landscape details, provides the primary layer of light. Downlights and additional light sources complemented this visual effect adding additional accents highlighting key features.
Guestrooms feature a comforting light balance to provide a relaxed ambience, with lighting programmed to ensure the optimum levels for different times of the day and night. The lobby incorporates a blend of zones for different activities, with lighting playing an important role in creating this flow while maintaining a distinct identity for each space. Lighting is also a key feature of the open-air restaurant Al Hadheerah, with a warm glow of lanterns set to welcome guests and create a serene dining experience.
Featuring a modern spa and luxurious amenities sprinkled around an expansive landscaped oasis in the middle of the desert, Bab Al Shams is an elegant yet laidback 5-star resort – the perfect getaway in paradise.
