Al Shams: Island Dining on the North Shore of Sir Bani Yas
A Restaurant Shaped by Setting and Sea
Nestled along the northernmost reaches of Sir Bani Yas Island at Desert Islands Resort by Anantara, Al Shams embodies a philosophy of dining inseparable from its glorious natural surroundings. The restaurant unfolds across bright, expansive spaces that invite the Gulf breeze and the warmth of endless sky, with seamless transitions between the air conditioned interior and poolside terraces that extend toward the shoreline. This fluid arrangement captures the essence of island hospitality, a place where the formality of destination dining yields to the languorous pleasures of sun, sea and sand.
A Menu That Moves With the Day
The culinary philosophy at Al Shams shifts gracefully between the hours, honouring the different appetites that emerge throughout the day. The midday service welcomes guests with vibrant burgers and refreshing salads, whilst the evening repertoire introduces mezze and curry preparations that unfold with greater ceremony. Desserts embrace both contemporary refinement and treasured traditions, from artisanal ice creams to the honeyed indulgence of halva. A dedicated children’s menu ensures that every member of the gathering finds nourishment and delight. Refreshments flow continuously from poolside through the evening hours, and the bar establishes sunset as an natural and celebrated moment in the day’s rhythm.
An Essential Part of Island Experience
Sir Bani Yas Island stands amongst Abu Dhabi’s most remarkable leisure destinations, a singular fusion of wildlife sanctuary, archaeological significance, pristine beach and refined resort hospitality. Al Shams reflects this distinctive character without pretension or artifice. Rather than transplanting metropolitan fine dining into a resort setting, the restaurant honours its location and purpose: a gathering place for those moving between safari and shore, between pool and exploration. The expansive hours of service from morning coffee through to late evening establish Al Shams as a natural anchor point within the broader island experience, a place where dining becomes simply another pleasure amongst many, suffused with genuine sense of belonging to this extraordinary place.
Practical details
Location: Desert Islands Resort by Anantara, Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Cuisine: International with Middle Eastern dishes
Telephone: +971 2 801 5400
Email: experience.sby@anantara.com
Hours: Lunch 12 pm to 4 pm; dinner 6 pm to 10.30 pm; bar 9 am to midnight
On Simply Luxury: Anantara