Seven-star hotels are the new epitome of luxury and give a whole new meaning to the world of comfort and privacy. Burj Al Arab, a seven-star hotel is easily recognizable on the Dubai coastline due to its unique sail shaped architecture and attracts millions of tourists every year. Read on to learn about the history of the iconic building and what it has to offer to guests.

Quick Guide to Burj Al Arab

Official name: Burj Al Arab

Location/Address: Umm Suqeim 3 - Dubai - United Arab Emirates

Date of opening: 1999

Architect: Tom Wright

What is Burj Al Arab?

One of the jazziest hotels in Dubai, Burj Al Arabl is built on a man-made island and is known to be the tallest all-suite hotel in the world. At 321 m tall, the building is just 60m shorter than the Empire State Building in New York. Given its hefty price tag, the hotel comes with lavish interiors, opulent suites, a private beach, five pools, a helipad, and some of Dubai’s most popular restaurants. If you opt for the guided tour, get ready to rub shoulders with the who’s who of the world, as this property is a go-to for the ultra rich.

Book Inside Burj Al Arab tour tickets

Why Visit Burj Al Arab in Dubai?

Lavish hospitality: The hotel is known for having the highest hospitality standards, holding the world record for the most expensive cocktail and largest caviar tin.
World-class interiors: The interiors of the hotel are top-notch, with 1,790sqm of a 24-carat gold leaf being used as decorations and a crystal ceiling worth AED 1.3M.
Great food: Burj Al Arab hosts world-famous restaurants such as Al Mahara and Sal for delectable food.
Exceptional services: It is also famous for its facilities, including the globally renowned Talise Spa, the jacuzzis, and the pools.
Incredible architecture: The hotel stands on a man-made island located 280m off the shore, which took 2 years to build, which guests access via a bridge.

Plan Your Visit to Burj Al Arab Hotel

Address: شارع جميرا، - Umm Suqeim 3 - Dubai - United Arab Emirates

The Burj Al Arab is located on a man-made island around 280 m away from the Umm Suqeim coast of Dubai, around 16 km from the famous Burj Khalifa. Visitors can access the hotel via a bridge connecting the building to the mainland.

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The Burj Al Arab hotel is open 24 hours, 365 days a year. You can experience the Inside Burj Al Arab tour from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily.

History of Burj Al Arab

Construction of this iconic building started in October 1993 and took 5 years to complete. The man-made island the hotel stands on, took about two years to be constructed, while the actual hotel took three years to build. The name literally translates to the Arabian Tower, and the building is the tallest all-suite hotel in the world, higher than even the Eiffel Tower.

It has made its way to the big books by its unmatchable standards of luxury, attracting the biggest names from industries world over. The famous helipad has been a platform for activities by Roger Federer, Tiger Woods, and more.

In 2008, the hotel claimed the Guinness World record for the most expensive cocktail, and again in 2016, for creating the largest tin of caviar.

Architecture & Design of Burj Al Arab

The design and construction of the Burj Al Arab hotel was commissioned by the consultancy firm Atkins, led by the architect Tom Wright. The famous sail shape of the building was commissioned to reflect the flying sail of a traditional Arab “dhow” or yacht, making it stand out on Dubai's coastline. The interiors of the building have used more than 24,000sqm of Statuario marble for the walls and ceilings. The crystal ceiling is built to resemble the Milky Way, with over 21,000 crystals. Burj Al Arab’s famous terrace with the two pools was put together in a facility in Finland before being shipped to Dubai. The pools are reflective of the grandeur of the hotel, with 10 million gold and azure mosaic tiles.

The 250 columns used to support the building have helped create Burj Al Arab into the tallest all-suite hotel in the world, taller than even the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

What to do Inside Burj Al Arab hotel?

Burj Al Arab is one of the finest places to visit in Dubai if you wish to soak in the luxury, comfort, and the classic Emirati culture and history. When you visit this famous attraction, you could easily spend hours there. Here’s what you can do inside Burj Al Arab:

Witness the comfort of luxury and lavish rooms

The hotel has Royal suites with grand staircases, cinema rooms, private dining, and two huge master bedrooms. Guests get a choice of 17 pillow types to ensure maximum comfort. You will also find gold plated iPads in every room, and Hermes toiletries and gold-plated bathroom fittings. The highest end rooms also have a 24/7 butler on call.

Explore cuisines from world-class restaurants

Eat at famous restaurants such as Al Mahara, an underwater restaurant with a huge aquarium and tank with seafood. You can also enjoy the poolside Sal Asian restaurant, which offers sprawling views of the Arabian Gulf.

Experience luxurious services and facilities

The Talise spa is located on the 18th floor, giving visitors the best view they could ask for as they unwind. Opt for the luxurious scrubs that would leave you feeling so relaxed, or even just a manicure, pedicure or a facial. Additionally, guests can access the jacuzzi, the five pools, yoga sessions and the private beach.