سافرة in this context means the sun is unclement/ardent/blazing etc.... It is not trying to hide.
Given the intensity of the sun, "shine" would be an understatement in this context. Can't think of many alternatives unfortunately.
Attempt:
"Ardent/Blazing..., the sun in Bagdad "burns"/"bakes" people without mercy/mercilessly.
It is also possible to swap " سافرة" and "بلا حياء":
Merciless, in Bagdad the sun "shines" on people ardently, if you wish to use the verb "shine".
Given the context of "the sun shining", the phrase "on people" is omissible in both source and target languages. However, the writer is intent on using "on people" as they are the "protagonist" I guess.