Fairmont Bab Al Bahr is a beachfront hotel and dining destination on Khor Al Maqta in Abu Dhabi, with views across the water to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Come for a meal with the mosque in sight, or pair the Saturday brunch with time by the Olympic-length pool and private beach. Dining ranges from Marco’s Italian to Marco Pierre White Steakhouse, while CuiScene serves international and Arabic dishes. The hotel is some distance from many other city sights, so it suits a meal or stay planned around this waterfront setting.
A waterfront setting with mosque views
Fairmont Bab Al Bahr sits on Khor Al Maqta, across the water from Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Its blue-glass exterior stands out along the creek, and the hotel’s contemporary design continues inside, where the lobby has Middle Eastern touches. The rooms use a modern, minimalist style, with sitting areas and spacious bathrooms; some look towards the creek and mosque.
The pool and private beach face the mosque, giving the waterfront a clear focal point. The Olympic-length pool is a major part of the hotel’s facilities, alongside a children’s pool, a fitness centre and a cold Jacuzzi. If you are choosing a room for the view, the creek-facing option is the one to consider.
Where to eat
CuiScene serves an all-day buffet with international and Arabic dishes. Its live cooking stations let you watch food being prepared, and brunches add a broad selection of cuisines and desserts. Marco’s Italian focuses on Italian classics, including pasta, pizza, risotto, meat and fish. Chef Giampaolo’s homemade pasta is one menu highlight. Marco Pierre White Steakhouse is another option for a meal at the hotel.
The Saturday Grand Brunch brings together food from Asian, Indian, Mediterranean, Japanese, Italian and British cuisines. The spread includes fresh seafood, roast meats, pasta, calzone, cakes and other desserts. More than 18 live stations are part of the brunch, and pool access is included. It runs from 1pm to 4pm, so allow time to eat and enjoy the pool.
Planning a meal or stay
The hotel is about 4 km from Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, and the mosque is visible across the creek from the property. Many other city sights are farther away, so plan your transport if you are using the hotel as a base for exploring Abu Dhabi. Its waterfront setting, beach and pool make it particularly suited to a stay centred on the hotel as well as meals there.
For brunch, the Saturday timing makes it easy to combine lunch with time by the pool. If you want a quieter restaurant meal, choose between the Italian menu and the steakhouse rather than treating the hotel’s dining as one single experience. The range of restaurants and the creek views are the main reasons to make a stop here.
FAQ
Can you see Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque from Fairmont Bab Al Bahr?
Yes. The hotel faces the mosque across Khor Al Maqta. Creek-facing rooms and the pool and beach area have views towards it.
What is included in the Saturday Grand Brunch?
The brunch includes a buffet with dishes from several international cuisines, more than 18 live stations and pool access. It runs from 1pm to 4pm.
What restaurants are at Fairmont Bab Al Bahr?
Dining options include CuiScene, Marco’s Italian and Marco Pierre White Steakhouse. CuiScene serves international and Arabic dishes, while Marco’s Italian serves Italian classics.
Is Fairmont Bab Al Bahr close to other Abu Dhabi sights?
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is about 4 km away. The hotel is some distance from many other city sights, so plan transport for trips around Abu Dhabi.
