Burj Al Arab Facts: Unveiling the Wonders of Dubai’s Iconic Jewel
Have you ever dreamed of staying in a hotel resembling a sailboat floating on the water? If you have, you might be interested in learning more about the Burj Al Arab, one of the most iconic landmarks of Dubai.
If you want to discover more amazing facts about the Burj Al Arab, keep reading this article. You’ll be amazed by what you’ll find out.
What Is Burj Al Arab?
Burj Al Arab is a renowned, sail-shaped luxury hotel in Dubai, UAE, often called the “Tower of the Arabs.” Its iconic design symbolizes modern Dubai.
Rising from an artificial island, Burj Al Arab is one of the world’s tallest hotels, with a height of 321 meters (1,053 feet). It’s famous for its lavish design and offers some of the most luxurious accommodations and services.
The Jumeirah Group manages the hotel, which is often rated as a seven-star hotel, even though the hotel industry only uses a five-star rating system.
Burj Al Arab features many high-end amenities, such as world-class restaurants, a private beach, a helipad, a lavish spa, and incredibly spacious and lavish suites. The hotel’s interior is equally stunning, with extravagant decor, intricate details, and a spectacular atrium that spans the height of the building.
Burj Al Arab has become a symbol of Dubai’s dedication to luxury and extravagance in the hospitality industry and has attracted high-profile guests worldwide. It has been essential in promoting Dubai as a top global tourist destination.
But wait, there’s more to know about the Burj Al Arab – keep reading for the details.
The design of the Burj Al Arab was inspired by the sail of a dhow
A traditional Arabian vessel called a dhow, with its elegant and curved sail, was the inspiration for the design of the Burj Al Arab. This hotel in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is shaped like a dhow’s sail that rises majestically from the sea.
The architect, Tom Wright, and his team at Atkins wanted to create a building reflecting the region’s modern luxury and rich maritime culture.
The Burj Al Arab stands out with its unique sail-like form, made of glass and steel that shimmer in the sun. This design honors the dhow and serves a practical purpose by offering the hotel’s guests panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf.
The result is a breathtaking and instantly recognizable building that has become a symbol of Dubai and a wonder of modern architecture.
Pro tip:
If you want a close-up view of the Burj Al Arab, take a dhow cruise along Dubai Marina. You can get up close to the Burj Al Arab and even see the waves crashing against its base.
The Burj Al Arab is situated on a man-made island
The Burj Al Arab is located on a man-made island in the Persian Gulf, off the coast of Jumeirah Beach in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The island is made up of crushed coral and sand, and it was built using a unique technique called “land reclamation.”
This technique involves dredging sand and coral from the seabed and pumping it onto the desired location.
The island is about 280 meters (920 ft) long and 160 meters (520 ft) wide. It’s connected to the mainland by a bridge. The bridge is about 200 meters (660 ft) long and made of steel and concrete.
Pro tip:
To truly appreciate the hotel’s beauty, walk across the bridge that links the island to the shore. You’ll see the hotel’s stunning design and mirror image on the calm water.
The Burj Al Arab boasts Dubai’s highest helipads
The Burj Al Arab has the highest helipads in Dubai. The helipads are located on the hotel roof, at a height of 210 meters (689 ft) above ground. They’re used to transport guests and VIPs to and from the hotel.
The helipads are also used for various other purposes, such as filming and photography.
In 2004, Tiger Woods teed off from the helipad for a promotional event. In 2005, Andre Agassi and Roger Federer played a game of tennis on the helipad. And in 2013, David Coulthard performed donuts in a Formula 1 racecar on the helipad.
The helipads are a popular tourist attraction, offering stunning views of Dubai. However, they’re not open to the public. Only guests of the Burj Al Arab and VIPs are allowed to use them.
Pro tip:
While they’re primarily used for VIP arrivals, you can inquire about helicopter tours that include a stop on one of the helipads like HeliDubai. It’s a rare opportunity to feel like a true Dubai elite and witness the city’s skyline like never before.
Just be sure to book in advance, as these experiences are in high demand among those in the know.
The Burj Al Arab is the fourth tallest hotel in the world
Burj Al Arab is 321 meters tall, making it the fourth tallest hotel in the world, after the Rose Tower, the Gevora Hotel, and the JW Marriott Marquis, all located in Dubai.
It has more than 200 suites, each with two floors ranging from 170 to 780 square meters. Each suite has two floors and features floor-to-ceiling windows, a spiral staircase, a private elevator, and a jacuzzi.
Pro tip:
Make sure to take the time to explore its verticality. Every level offers a different perspective of this towering masterpiece, from the Skyview Bar on the 27th floor to the awe-inspiring Al Muntaha restaurant on the 27th floor.
So, instead of just enjoying the view from your room, venture out within the hotel to truly appreciate its vertical grandeur and the luxurious experiences it offers at every height.
The Burj Al Arab has nine restaurants and bars
With its impressive array of nine restaurants and bars, the Burj Al Arab offers an unparalleled gastronomic journey showcasing culinary excellence.
Here are the nine restaurants and bars within the Burj Al Arab:
- Al Mahara
- Al Muntaha
- Al Iwan
- Junsui
- Bab Al Yam
- Scape Restaurant & Lounge
- Sal Restaurant
- Skyview Bar & Restaurant
- Gold On 27
Each dining establishment delivers a memorable experience with various cuisines and atmospheres.
Whether you prefer the exquisite seafood dishes at Al Mahara or the stunning views and contemporary cuisine at Al Muntaha, you’ll find something to satisfy your cravings.
The Burj Al Arab’s restaurants and bars serve diverse palates, from traditional Arabic flavors to international delicacies. This ensures every dining experience is a culinary adventure within the remarkable hotel.
Pro tip:
Ensure you visit Al Mahara, where the restaurant boasts an encompassing aquarium that sets the stage for a captivating underwater atmosphere.
Additionally, it’s wise to secure your reservations ahead of time and ask for a table close to the expansive aquarium enclosure to enhance your dining experience.
The Burj Al Arab is the most ‘Instagrammable’ hotel in the world
The Burj Al Arab unquestionably reigns as the world’s most Instagrammable hotel, and the numbers speak volumes.
With an impressive count of over 2.5 million tags on Instagram in 2022, it firmly holds its place as one of the world’s top destinations for stunning photos and memorable experiences.
This iconic hotel has won the admiration of travelers and photographers alike, establishing its fame as one of the most popular and widely photographed hotels on earth.
With a combined following of over 1.1 million on Instagram and Facebook, this sail-shaped establishment is the undisputed leader in Instagrammable hotels.
Pro tip:
Explore the lush landscaped gardens and the beautiful terrace for unique angles and perspectives.
Sunrise and sunset are the golden hours for photography here, so plan your visit accordingly to add that extra ‘wow’ factor to your Instagram shots.
The Burj Al Arab is adorned with 24-karat gold leaf
The Burj Al Arab boasts around 1,790 square meters of 24-karat gold leaf incorporated into its design.
This gold can be spotted in various places, including behind the bar, mixed into cappuccino foam, or used in cocktails at Gold On 27, situated on the 27th floor, 200 meters above sea level.
You’ll find it adorning the walls, ceilings, furniture, and even the chandeliers throughout the hotel. This extensive use of gold leaf contributes to the hotel’s overall sense of luxury and opulence.
Pro tip:
If you want to see the gold leaf up close, book a table at the Al Mahara restaurant, which is located inside the hotel. You’ll be surrounded by gold-plated walls and ceilings, as well as an aquarium with exotic fish.
The Burj Al Arab offers a 24-karat gold iPad to its guests
A 24-karat gold iPad in Burj Al Arab is a luxury accessory offered to you when you’re staying at Burj Al Arab. It’s a tablet computer plated with pure gold and engraved with the hotel’s logo.
It allows you to access information and services at the touch of a button, such as dining options, spa menus, private dining, butler and housekeeping services, and more.
It’s also available for purchase at the hotel’s boutique and other gold-plated gadgets.
Pro tip:
You can purchase a 24-carat gold iPad at the Burj Al Arab. These shimmering iPads will be available for approximately AED 37,000 at the hotel’s boutique.
You can also purchase an iPad mini, iPhone 5, and BlackBerry Q101 which are all in gold plated.