Fairmont Bab Al Bahr

Fairmont Bab Al Bahr is a luxury 5-star hotel located in Abu Dhabi, the capital and 2nd largest city in the United Arab Emirates.^[1] The name “Bab Al Bahr” was derived from Arabic and means “gateway to the sea.”^[2] The hotel is operated by Fairmont Hotel and Resorts and features 369 rooms, 8 restaurants, a fitness club, and swimming pool. It is located in close proximity to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Ferrari World Theme Park, Abu Dhabi Heritage Village, and Abu Dhabi International Airport^[3]

History

Fairmont Bab Al Bahr opened on October 1, 2009. The hotel’s lead architect was Wieland Schorer from Germany design firm 4D Design.^[4] His goal was to develop a landmark destination that reflected the Arabic culture of the UAE. The development of Fairmont Bab Al Bar was a joint venture between the Tourism Development Investment Company (TDIC) in Abu Dhbi and Rmal Hospitality, which is a unit of the Al Fahim Group. The construction of the property cost approximately AED 800 million ^[5]

Architecture

The entire hotel structure is approximately 60,000 square meters and is approximately 210 meters long and 45 meters high.^[6] The exterior hotel façade is 19,000 square meters tall and features blue glass and LED lighting modules to imitate the flow of water to pay homage to the nearby Abu Dhabi Creek. Lead architect Wieland Schorer designed the geometric shape of the building to create a sense of modernity. Interior Motives designed the hotel’s interior and was instructed to use 1,105 square meters of the building to create an expansive grand lobby including large pillars and a wide marble staircase. Many of the interior decorations come from Italy including hanging cocoon pendant lamps from Flos and distinct rope chairs from designer Fernando E Humberto Campana.^[7]

Guests

Many distinguished guests have stayed at the Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, including Marisa Tomei, Marco Pierre White, Christiane Amanpour, Nelly Furtado, Neve Campbell, Tiesto, Britney Spears, Stevie Wonder, Roger Federer, and Evan Rachel Wood.^[8]

Events

There are 2,500 square meters of meeting space in the hotel and 6 venues to hold various events. Since its opening in 2009, the hotel has hosted more than 500 events on its property from small-scale business meetings to large celebrity events such as the FIFA Gala Dinner. The hotel was home to the Abu Dhabi Film Festival in 2011,^[9] Gourmet Abu Dhabi in 2014 ^[10] and Mabadala World Tennis Championship in 2013.

Facilities

The fitness center at Fairmont Bab Al Bar offers a mixed-used gym and a separate fitness facility for women. Both areas provide cardio and weight-training machines alongside a personal training program. The hotel also has an Olympic-sized outdoor swimming pool, covered outdoor children’s pool, and private hotel sand beaches.^[11] The Fairmont Bab Al Bahr also is one of the many Fairmont properties to offer the Fairmont Gold experience.^[12]

Restaurants

The Fairmont Bab Al Bahr features 8 restaurants and bars across the property:^[13]

• Al Naba’a Lounge – A contemporary lounge offering afternoon-tea and an in-house tea sommelier
• The Chocolate Gallery – A confectionery café featuring a menu of chocolate-inspired plates and sweets
• Frankie’s Italian Restaurant & Bar – This Italian restaurant that created from a collaboration between famous horse jockey Frankie Dettori and Michelin-star chef Marco Pierre White.
• Marco Pierre White Steakhouse & Grill – A steakhouse featuring grill cuisine and classic English dishes from award-winning chef Marco Pierre White.
• CuiScene – An elegant dining room featuring 5 cooking stations and cuisine from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East
• Chameleon – A bar and lounge featuring vintage champagnes and signature cocktails.
• Cedar Lounge – An authentic Middle Eastern restaurant offering both indoor and outdoor seating options.
• Poolside Dining: Poolside lounge featuring casual dining menu and blended beverages and cocktails.

Partnerships

The Fairmont Bab Al Bahr has hosted several art exhibitions since its opening in 2009. These exhibits include “No White Walls Annual Event”, “Korean Eye Art Exhibition” and “Crazy Earth – The Art Way.” The hotel’s resident art program hosts works from the renowned artist Sue Blackwell. The hotel has also partnered with charities such as the Special Care Center and Operation Smile.

Awards & Accoldates

Fairmont Bab Al Bahr has received a variety of awards and accolades including:^[14]

• 2013 Travelers' Choice Awards - Top 25 Hotels in the United Arab Emirates
• 2013 Travelers' Choice Awards - Top 25 Hotels for Service in the United Arab Emirates
• 2013 Travelers' Choice Awards - Top 25 Luxury Hotels in the United Arab Emirates
• 2013 Travelers' Choice Awards - Top 25 Luxury Hotels in the Middle East
• Top 25 Hotels in the Middle East - Travelers' Choice Awards, 2012
• Top 25 Trendiest Hotels in the Middle East - Travelers' Choice Awards, 2012
• 2012 Travelers' Choice Awards - Top 25 Hotels in the Middle East
• 2012 Travelers' Choice Awards - Top 25 Hotels in the Middle East
• 2012 Travelers' Choice Awards - Top 25 Trendiest Hotels in the Middle East
• Best Business Hotel in Abu Dhabi, Business Traveller Awards, 2011
• Best Business Hotel in the Middle East, Business Traveller Awards, 2011
• Best Hospitality Company, Arabian Business, 2010

Footnotes