Bab Al Shams Desert Resort, Dubai
Dubai’s iconic Bab Al Shams Desert Resort underwent a hotel refurbishment in 2022 led by Kerzner International as part of their luxury brand Rare Finds. Set within Dubai’s Al Qudra landscape, the panoramic views of the Arabian desert and distinctive modernist architecture provide an oasis escape from the city.
Industry: Hospitality
Year: 2023
Location: Al Qudra, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Services: Design and Build
Room Keys: 115
Featured Artists: Aditi Patwari, Amol Kadam, Loretta Bilinskaite-Monie, Mahsa Baraghani, Melissa Charlier, Mohammed Ahli, Stephanie Neville, Vijay Narayan.
No. of artists engaged: 7
Total no. of artworks: 178
Total no. of accessories: 567
Our approach towards the Bab Al Shams refurbishment project was to repurpose existing items and give them a new lease of life. This was done with contemporary framing and juxtaposing them seamlessly with new additions, that were brought in to complement the contemporary design. Sourced from local artists and artisans the artworks and accessories offer a refined, feminine, and unique perspective.
Setting the tone for the art collection upon arrival, is the feature artwork created by Iranian artist Mahsa Baraghani. A textile artwork ornated with silver coins and metalwork, it is a beautiful representation of traditional Emirati culture, inspired by the Bedouin jewellery and headdresses worn by Emirati women. The artwork was carefully selected to enhance the story of the lost princess and her journey through the Arabian desert. You can find it aptly placed behind the reception in the hotel lobby.
In the same area, a stunning piece of textile artwork by local artist Loretta Bilinskaite-Monie, can be found. It is a minimalist contemporary interpretation of an embroidered bisht, a traditional cloak worn locally in the UAE.
As you explore the property, works by Emirati photographer Mohammed Ahli present you with a striking view of the surrounding vista, while artist Melissa Charlier’s contemporary plaster work on linen canvas brings you back to the raw architecture of the hotel from which the artwork is inspired.
In the guestrooms, the original concept by the interior designers of photography on back-lit mirror was further developed by Capsule Arts in-house design team. Adding to the mystic of the lost princess and her journey we layered photographic imagery of her facial features detailing her jewellery and flowing veil fabric, against a backdrop of the Arabian desert dunes. The result is an ethereal and feminine image.
From handcrafted items and framed objects to textile artworks and contemporary photography, each piece was carefully selected to contribute to the overall aesthetic of the hotel, while enhancing the story of the lost princess and her palace of treasures.
This approach is a prime example of how hotels can do a refurbishment in a sustainable and stylish way. By repurposing existing items and elevating them with expert curation, the hotel was able to retain its authentic charm and legacy while also embracing contemporary design elements.
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7
artists were engaged in this project
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22%
of artists are based in the UAE
“Our collaboration with Capsule Arts as our art consultant was an absolute game-changer. Their expertise and creative vision brought a new dimension to our project, elevating it to extraordinary heights.
Their deep knowledge of both the art world and our industry allowed them to curate a collection that not only showcased outstanding artwork but also resonated with our guests on an emotional level.”
Frederico Cruz
Director of Design and Architecture at Kerzner International