This Burj Al Arab Tour Made Me Forget I’m Broke (For a Day)
I’ve never been rich—just somewhere in the middle at best. But sometimes, I wonder what it’s like to live like a billionaire, even just for a day. It’s almost like I was born in the wrong body—a broke one. Still, I try to make the most of what I have.
That’s why I sign up for different tours around the city whenever I can. One of my all-time favorites? The Burj Al Arab tour. It’s got everything—sky-high floors with jaw-dropping views, fancy high tea, bars, cafes, and picture-perfect spots everywhere!
This inspired me to make a comprehensive travel guide so you can live out your VIP dreams on the iconic hotel tour too. Take a look!
What is included in a Burj Al Arab Tour?
A Burj Al Arab Tour includes access to the hotel’s 25th floor, a guided tour, traditional coffee and dates, photo opportunities, and access to the hotel’s luxury amenities.
Best Time to Go
The best time to go for a Burj Al Arab Tour is from October to April when it’s cooler and more pleasant to visit and move around.
Things to Know
Tour Fees: The tour fees range from AED 249 to AED 399. Moreover, dining at one of the restaurants typically offers access to the hotel, with prices starting from AED 500 to AED 600 for lunch or afternoon tea (Burj Al Arab afternoon tea).
Tour Duration: The guided experience usually lasts around 90 minutes, just enough to see the hotel’s floors and amenities before you can explore on your own.
Operating Hours: The Burj Al Arab tour is open to visitors from 10 AM to 7 PM daily. Still, exact hours may vary depending on dining reservations or special events.
Parking: Valet parking is available at the Burj Al Arab for guests with reservations.
Washroom: Restrooms are available within the hotel for visitors using dining services or other facilities.
Dogs: For safety reasons, dogs aren’t allowed inside the Burj Al Arab.
How to Get Around
Trains: The nearest metro station is the Mall of the Emirates station (Red Line), but the Burj Al Arab isn’t directly accessible by metro. You’ll need to grab a taxi or shuttle to get to your destination.
Buses: You can take buses 8, 81, and X28 daily along Jumeirah Beach Road. They stop near the Jumeirah Beach Hotel.
Taxis: Taxi drop-off is available directly outside the Burj Al Arab Ticket Lounge. Just direct your driver to Jumeirah Beach Hotel. There are enough signages all around.
Car: Prefer to drive? Just head to Jumeirah Beach Hotel where valet parking is available. Then, you’ll be directed to the ticketing lounge from the valet parking zone. A drop-off zone is also available by the ticketing lounge for easy access.
What to Do in Burj Al Arab
Stay in a Lavish Suite
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Website: https://www.jumeirah.com/en/stay/dubai/burj-al-arab-jumeirah/accommodation
Address: Umm Suqeim 3
Contact Details: +971 4 301 7777, [email protected]
Booking an overnight stay in Burj Al Arab, one of the world’s most luxurious hotel suites is one way to make the most of your stay there. I like that this can come with personal butler service too!
I’m in awe that the suites extend over 2 exquisitely detailed floors, connected by grand staircases. Most of the suites also offer big glass windows so you can enjoy fantastic views all day and night.
Swim at the Infinity Pool
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If you need a refreshing dip after the tour, you can enjoy exclusive access to the luxurious Burj Al Arab Terrace with infinity pools, private cabanas, and a beach area.
I love that there are 2 stunning pools, ideal for relaxing, cooling down, and soaking up the Arabian sun within plush surroundings.
For me, the freshwater family-friendly pool also looks ideal for relaxing and socializing. On the other hand, I reckon the saltwater infinity pool is just as irresistible, with its adult-only escape right above the sea.
Relax at the Talise Spa
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Address: 18th Floor – Burj Al Arab Jumeirah – Jumeirah St – Umm Suqeim 3
Contact Details: +971 4 301 7365
Want a massage after all the walking around the Burj Al Arab? Talise Spa offers luxury spa treatments with skyline views from the 18th floor.
Apart from its signature massages like the Gold Massage and Inner Calm, you may also find your zen at the yoga studio. Otherwise, you can release some tension by working out at Talise Fitness with athlete-level facilities and trainers.
Where to Eat in Burj Al Arab
Ristorante L’ Olivo at Al Mahara
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Website: https://www.jumeirah.com/en/stay/dubai/burj-al-arab-jumeirah/dining/burj-al-arab-al-mahara
Contact Details: +971 800 323232, [email protected]
Pricing: $$$
Appreciate a great Italian ambiance? Ristorante L’ Olivo at Al Mahara is the hotel’s subtly lit seafood dining spot with an underwater feel. For me, its massive wall-to-ceiling fish tank adds a unique touch, making the meals taste even better.
As for the food, I suggest getting your hands on the lobster and scallops right away. For dessert, I think going for the lemon and honey ice cream would be great palette cleansers as well.
Al Iwan
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Website: https://www.jumeirah.com/en/stay/dubai/burj-al-arab-jumeirah/dining/burj-al-arab-al-iwan
Address: First Floor, Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah Rd
Contact Details: +971 800 323232, [email protected]
Pricing: $$$
Al Iwan is an Arabian open buffet restaurant, richly decorated in red and gold, in the hotel’s huge atrium with sea views. It’s also very family-friendly, should you like to bring the kids along.
For the mains, we love the seafood platter, grilled calamari, and lamb biryani (mixed rice dish). If you’re a traveler, I bet you’ll also enjoy the assorted Arabic sweets by the dessert bar.
But what I like the most about this spot is its themed events. For example, Fridays are for Persian cuisine while Saturdays offer Spices Night, showcasing colorful dishes from the East.
Sahn Eddar
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Website: https://www.jumeirah.com/en/stay/dubai/burj-al-arab-jumeirah/dining/burj-al-arab-sahn-eddar
Address: 1st Floor – Burj Al Arab Jumeirah
Contact Details: +971 800 323232, [email protected]
Pricing: $$
Craving pastries and tea a few hours after lunch? Sahn Eddar offers fancy afternoon tea with live music for a soothing dining experience.
The star of the show is the gold cappuccino, but there are many other items to try. I like the Turkish coffee, salted fudge cappuccino, and signature hot chocolate. In my view, tea lovers might also love the Persian rose or Silver Needle white teas.
In my opinion, the pastry selection can get overwhelming since it looks endless. However, you can always opt for the assorted Arabic pastries first to see which ones are your favorites.
Gilt – Sky Bar
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Website: https://www.jumeirah.com/en/stay/dubai/burj-al-arab-jumeirah/dining/burj-al-arab-gilt
Address: 27th Floor – Burj Al Arab Jumeirah
Contact Details: +971 800 323232, [email protected]
Pricing: $$
Should you want the perfect night with friends, Gilt is a modern cocktail bar that I think is worth a visit. It’s got lots of craft cocktails and a vibrant atmosphere in the Burj Al Arab to keep the fun going.
If you want a drink with a kick, why not try the Masala Chai Sour? For me, the Smoky Milk (Mezcal Mexican spirit) can be pretty memorable too!
On top of that, I love that this high-end bar can accommodate many drinks you like that aren’t on the menu—we suggest asking the barista for a pleasant surprise!
Where to Shop around Burj Al Arab
Al Jaber Gallery
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Website: https://aljabergallery.com/
Address: Dubai Mall – Unit LG – 190 – Sheikh Zayed Rd – Downtown Dubai
Contact Details: +971 55 600 2033, +971 55 600 2110 (English), +971 55 600 1977 (Arabic), [email protected]
Al Jaber Gallery is a gift shop in Dubai Mall you can visit after your Burj Al Arab tour. I reckon some shoppers might like its fixed prices. Not everyone could be a fan of bargaining or haggling, and this store takes that kind of pressure off.
It also sells a wide variety of items, such as magnets, earrings, jewelry boxes, flower vases, and chocolate-coated dates. To top it all off, I noticed that everything comes with a nice bag for each customer—no need to fuss about wrapping the presents later.
Dubai Mall Fashion Avenue
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Address: 57XG+PG – Dubai Mall – Downtown Dubai
Contact Details: +971 800 382246255
Fancy a more posh shopping spree? Dubai Mall Fashion Avenue is a chic annex to the massive Dubai Mall, providing over 200 luxury designer fashion brands. You can also enjoy several eyewear shops, perfume stores, and cafes.
While the shops and restaurants usually open around 10 am, note that some options can open earlier. I suggest giving specific boutiques a call before your arrival to be sure.
It’s handy for me that there are tons of entertainment options too! You can watch a movie, immerse in virtual reality (VR), skate at the ice rink, or drop the kids at KidZania—everyone’s happy!
Souk Madinat Jumeirah
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Website: https://www.jumeirah.com/en/collection/madinat-jumeirah
Address: King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud St – Al Sufouh 1
Contact Details: +971 4 366 8888, [email protected]
If you want to shop in a non-mall setting, Souk Madinat Jumeirah is the place to be. It’s a bazaar recreated in the traditional Middle Eastern style, with stalls and restaurants under a wooden-covered arcade. Lots of old-world charm, in my opinion.
There’s a fantastic variety of shops, from unique souvenirs and handmade crafts to high-end boutiques. Whenever it gets too sunny, I appreciate that there are many shaded alleyways and cool indoor spaces to get cool and comfy.
For me, the live music and the backdrop of the iconic Burj Al Arab also add to the pleasant vibe. And when you get peckish, I recommend trying out the local delicacies for a more memorable experience.
Where to Stay near Burj Al Arab
Beach Walk Boutique Hotel
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Website: https://www.beachwalkboutique.com/
Address: Park Jumeirah – Jumeirah Beach Rd – next to Umm Suqeim – Umm Suqeim – Umm Suqeim 3
Contact Details: +971 4 332 2277, +971 58 109 2811, [email protected]
Pricing: $$
Beach Walk Boutique Hotel is a 3-star hotel only a 6-minute walk from Jumeirah Public Beach along the Gulf. This spot is also 2 km from the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah and a 13-minute walk from the Wild Wadi Water Park—more family-friendly options!
We like that its well-lit rooms offer free Wi-Fi, minibars, flat screens, and safes. There are also Nespresso machines, tea-making facilities, and sitting areas when needed. Do note that only some rooms have balconies, though—make sure to ask first!
And if you need a nice treat after a long day, I think the hotel’s got you covered with its chill cafe and bakery on-site.
Jumeirah Mina Al Salam
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Website: https://www.jumeirah.com/en/stay/dubai/jumeirah-mina-a-salam
Address: 45PP+39 – Jumeirah St – Madinat Jumeirah – Umm Suqeim 3
Contact Details: +971 800 6234628, 971 4 366 8888, [email protected]
Pricing: $$$
Next to the Arabian Gulf, Jumeirah Mina Al Salam is a 5-star accommodation near several fantastic tourist spots. It’s 4 km from the Mall of the Emirates and 5 km from the Ski Dubai indoor ski centre. There are airport transfers for hassle-free trips too!
In my book, you’ll get to appreciate the beauty of the city’s architecture and interiors here. Its Arabian-style rooms include the usual amenities, though I appreciate the marble bathrooms with rainfall showers for fancy baths the most.
I also bet you won’t need to travel far to find a suitable dining option—there are over 40 restaurants and bars here! This ranges from chic afternoon tea to casual American BBQ. My favorite is the dining spot on the beach for the breezy scenery, though.
Jumeirah Al Qasr
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Website: https://www.jumeirah.com/en/stay/dubai/jumeirah-al-qasr
Address: Madinat Jumeirah – King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud St – Umm Suqeim
Contact Details: +971 800 6234628, +971 4 366 8888, [email protected]
Pricing: $$$
Want to partner your Burj Al Arab tour with a water park experience? Jumeirah Al Qasr is a 5-star spot that’s only a kilometer away from the Wild Wadi Water Park. For me, the kids you bring to the tour will love you even more!
The plush rooms have balconies, but I recommend upgrading yours to add ocean views. And if you have the means for it, I like that the suites have separate living rooms, whirlpool tubs, and kitchens—though I advise inquiring about the last one first.
On top of that, I adore the free perks: breakfast, exclusive lounge access, airport transfers for suite guests, and even water park tickets! Alternatively, you can go to the private beach if you don’t want to go far for water activities.
Tips When Visiting Burj Al Arab
Now that you’re familiar with the ins and outs of this iconic hotel tour, here are more things to keep in mind for a fun and productive day.
Arrive at least 15 minutes earlier! It’s wise to go to the ticket lounge before your scheduled tour. This lets you have enough time to sort out any weather, parking, or queueing inconveniences that might come your way.
Use valet parking. Parking is limited around here, so I recommend ticket-holders to use the valet parking service at Jumeirah Beach Hotel for efficiency.
Don’t bring professional cameras. Flash photography or professional cameras aren’t permitted inside, so I say stick to your phones for now.
Mind what you wear. Smart casual attire is required when visiting Burj Al Arab. Avoid wearing beachwear, flip-flops or slippers, T-shirts, and open or sports shoes.