Burj Al Arab

Incomparable hospitality, lavish dining, and impeccable service place Burj Al Arab hotel among the most unique in the world, an epitome of luxury, style, and character.

The hotel's striking silhouette is designed to resemble the traditional dhow and was completed in 1999. This luxurious hotel is situated on an artificial island and boasts its own helipad. Upon entering the hotel's grand lobby, adorned with gold-leaf opulence and an impressive fountain, guests are met with 202 suites, each adorned with more trimmings than a Christmas tree.

Secluded on a private island connected to the mainland by a closely guarded causeway, the Burj Al Arab’s exclusivity rests in its uniqueness. Referred to as the world's only seven-star hotel, this luminous white landmark boasts a fleet of matching Rolls-Royce Phantoms and duplex suites throughout. Guest bathrooms are stocked with Hermès toiletries, and poolside cabanas are equipped with widescreen televisions and air conditioning.

Within, a striking atrium painted in a rainbow of hues rises to heights comparable to the Statue of Liberty. The base of the atrium features lively aquariums, a waterfall with dancing jets, and a mezzanine adorned with gold leaf and jewellery boutiques, offering an opulent display similar to that of an Oscars night red carpet extravaganza.

The Architecture of Burj Al Arab

The seven-star Burj Al Arab hotel offers guests 202 luxurious and tastefully designed rooms with spectacular views of the Persian Gulf. Standing tall at 1,053 feet spread over 60 floors, this iconic hotel was brought to life by British architect Tom Wright who is responsible for the distinguished and signature translucent fibreglass façade. The architectural design showcases a Teflon-coated woven glass fibre screen across its ribbed belly. During the day, the superstructure boasts a gleaming white exterior, while at night, coloured lights project over its bulging façade. The façade serves as a protective shield from the desert sun during the day and turns into an impressive screen for the venue’s illuminated exterior at night.

The interior of the Burj Al Arab, designed by British-Chinese designer Khuan Chew, is nothing short of extravagant, almost in contrast to the more minimalist and elegant exterior. The grand lobby welcomes guests with a display of crystal chandeliers, hand-knotted carpets, water elements, pillars, and other design elements. The marble used for the 258,333 square feet interior adds to the hotel's grandeur, as it comes from the same place where artist Michelangelo once procured his materials.

Fine Dining

Three top-rated chefs with Michelin pedigree preside over the dining venues at Burj Al Arab.

Seafood expert Kasper Kurdhal showcases his Michelin-starred skills in the famous Al Mahara where you can dine surrounded by a wall-to-ceiling aquarium, while elevated French cuisine with stunning coastal views is served by Joël Robuchon-trained Francky Semblat at Al Muntaha.

SkyView restaurant and bar serves upmarket tapas by Kim Joinié-Maurin and signature cocktails, while Baba Al Yam awaits guests with a sumptuous breakfast featuring options like sausage and eggs, gluten-free muesli, and raspberry-glazed croissants.

Scape Lounge Bar offers French Provence cuisine for lunch and dinner on its terrace, while Junsui provides Asian buffet-style dining amid a Swarovski crystal décor. Traditional Arabian cuisine can be savoured at Al Iwan, while afternoon tea is served at Sahn Edder, situated in the atrium.

And, if you are craving a symphony of unique cocktails, reserve a seat at the luxurious Gold on 27, located on the same level as Skyview. The bar offers a variety of drinks inspired by Dubai's past, present, and future, including several non-alcoholic options. For instance, A Ghaf, A Goat and A Camel, is not just a witty phrase, but a scrumptious concoction of Cascara milk, bourbon vanilla, white peach nectar, and sweet goat-cheese meringue.

Rooms full of Character

With their rich, Pharaoh-inspired hues of blue, purple, yellow, and gold, the duplex suites at this 7-star hotel are beyond impressive. The vast lounges are equipped with two-storey windows and electric blinds that provide ample natural light while maintaining privacy. The grand staircases lead up to first-floor bedrooms with views of the Arabian Gulf reflecting everywhere.

The bathrooms boast luxurious amenities such as mosaic tiles, ornate whirlpool tubs, and twin basins with gold-plated taps. Work spaces in each suite come equipped with standard office amenities, including computers, scanners, and fax machines, while premium suites offer private cinemas or games rooms with professional snooker tables.

Other in-room amenities include iMacs, iPad/iPhone docking stations, IDD telephones, tea/coffee makers, minibars, and an all-in-one printer, scanner, and copy machine.

For those seeking top-tier service, meticulous butlers who operate with military precision, are at your service day and night.

Nearby Attractions

In case you have had enough of seven-star lavish luxury at Burj Al Arab, there are plenty other attractions nearby that guarantee equal value and enjoyment. The hotel’s private beach is one option to soak up the sun, followed by relaxing treatments available at the spa, sauna, and steam room. For a more adventurous experience, the hotel also offers fun-filled yacht charters for guests.

Complimentary passes to Wild Wadi Water Park and Sinbad's Kids Club are also included in the stay, for additional entertainment. A visit to the iconic Jumeirah Beach Park and a shopping trip to the nearby Souk Madinat Jumeirah, both within a 10-minute walk from the hotel, are also popular options.

In A Nutshell

If you choose to make a grand entrance, you can arrive at Burj Al Arab by helicopter and land on the 28th-storey helipad, before heading to the hotel’s Grand Terrace that stretches right into the sea. Alternatively, you can arrive by boat while availing of private yacht charter services and an onboard spa.

The Burj Al Arab has in store an impressive collection of amenities including 4 Jacuzzis, 126 sun loungers on the private beach, and 24-day beds on the Terrace. The hotel's Assawan Spa & Health Club offers cutting-edge treatments using brands such as La Prairie and features luxurious ingredients such as caviar and pure gold. In addition to the spa, the hotel's indoor facilities include a hair salon, saunas, steam rooms, plunge pools, and two stunning infinity pools located on the 18th floor.

For those seeking a venue for special events or weddings, the Burj Al Arab offers lavish ballrooms, well-manicured open gardens, and luxurious event spaces for your Big Day.

The Burj Al Arab is worth visiting if only to gaze at the regal interiors in the hotel’s 180 metres high grand atrium while taking in the refined luxury ambiance and spectacular sea views circling the venue.

Regardless of the opulence that defines the place, Burj Al Arab remains a landmark of architectural innovation and one of Dubai’s most celebrated venues crowning the city’s skyline.