The Burj Al Arab is more than just a hotel—it’s a global icon and a symbol of Dubai’s ambition and luxury. The vision for this architectural masterpiece came from Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai, who sought to create a building that would forever put Dubai on the global map. The Burj Al Arab was designed to be as recognizable as the Eiffel Tower or the Statue of Liberty, and when it opened in 1999, it was the tallest hotel in the world at 321 meters. While taller hotels now exist, it remains one of the tallest and most luxurious on the planet, and its sail-shaped design, envisioned by Tom Wright, is instantly recognizable.
What sets the Burj Al Arab apart, aside from its iconic shape, is the extravagant experience it offers from the moment you arrive. Built on a man-made island 280 off the coast and connected to the mainland by a private bridge, the hotel stands proudly over the Arabian Gulf, representing both Dubai’s maritime heritage and its futuristic ambitions. The hotel has only suites and all of them have 2 floors.
The hotel’s interiors, designed by brilliant Chinese interior designer Khuan Chew, are inspired by the four elements: fire, water, air, and earth. This elemental theme is brought to life through vibrant colors, luxurious materials, and intricate designs. As you step into the towering atrium—the tallest in the world with 180 m—the bold, blues, greens, and golds immediately captivate you. The grandeur of the space, combined with the 1,790sqm of 24-carat gold leaf, rare Statuario marble that Michelangelo was using for his famous sculptures, largest Swarovski crystal ceiling in the word with 21 000 crystals and intricate mosaics, gives you a sense that you’ve entered a palace of pure opulence.
One of the highlights of any visit to the Burj Al Arab is the panoramic elevator ride to the top floors. As you ascend, you get a stunning view of the hotel’s surroundings, including a unique feature that not everyone knows about: the Burj Al Arab Terrace, a massive 10 000 sqm wooden deck that was built in Finland and transported by sea to Dubai in six pieces. The terrace is a luxurious outdoor space that hosts multiple pools, bars, and restaurants, and a sandy beach, offering guests a serene and lavish environment with incredible views over the Arabian Gulf. It’s one of those jaw-dropping details that shows just how much thought has gone into every aspect of this hotel.
At the top of the Burj Al Arab, you’re invited to tour the king and queen suites. These two-story suites epitomize luxury, with every inch designed to impress. Each suite offers personal butler service, ensuring that every guest’s needs are met with the utmost care and attention. The king’s suite, in particular, stands out for its grandeur—and a night here costs a staggering $23,000. From the spiral staircases to the plush furnishings and the stunning views, every detail makes you feel like royalty.
The Burj Al Arab is also known for its record-breaking events held on its famous helipad, located 210 meters above the ground. Some of the most iconic moments include Roger Federer and Andre Agassi’s world’s highest tennis match and Tiger Woods teeing off on the same helipad for a golfing stunt. The helipad also hosted the world’s highest boxing match between Floyd Mayweather and Don Moore and a Formula 1 car donut stunt by David Coulthard adding another layer of exclusivity and adventure to the hotel’s impressive resume. The latest stunt happened in 2023 Lukasz Czepiela achieved a landing of a fixed-wing Carbon Cub aircraft on the hotel’s heliport. And the helipads diameter? Only 27 m!
One of the more educational parts of the visit is the hotel’s museum, which tells the story behind its construction and design. Learning about how Sheikh Mohammed’s vision came to life through the creativity of Tom Wright and Khuan Chew gives you a deeper appreciation for this architectural wonder. Every corner of the Burj Al Arab reflects Dubai’s ambition to push boundaries, and the hotel is a living symbol of that.
The tour also includes a stop where guests learn about the hotel’s turtle rehabilitation program—an initiative that highlights the hotel’s commitment to conservation. While the Burj Al Arab is synonymous with luxury, it’s also dedicated to protecting the environment and supporting marine life.
One of my favorite moments on each visit has been the experience of traditional Arabian hospitality. Being served qahwa (Arabic coffee) and dates in such a grand setting feels both luxurious and grounding, as it connects you to the region’s deep-rooted traditions even in such a futuristic space.
Before leaving, I always make sure to stop at the gift shop, which offers a range of unique souvenirs—including the chance to buy water with gold flakes. It’s a fun, extravagant reminder of the hotel’s ethos of luxury at every turn. And after the tour, I love to relax a little longer at the lounge bar, soaking in the atmosphere and the views of the Arabian Gulf.
The Burj Al Arab is more than just a hotel—it’s an experience that embodies Dubai’s blend of tradition and innovation. Whether you’re exploring the two-story suites, witnessing the record-breaking events on the helipad, or simply marveling at the vibrant interiors designed around the four elements, every moment here feels like part of a dream. The Burj Al Arab stands as proof to Dubai’s ability to turn ambitious visions into reality, and if you ever have the chance to visit, even for a few hours, it’s an experience that will stay with you forever.
Want to know more?
Visit hotel’s official site to learn more information on this amazing hotel.
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