The beautiful silhouette of the Burj Al Arab, which is designed to resemble the sail of a dhow (a traditional wooden cargo ship), is to Dubai what the Eiffel Tower is to Paris. This renowned landmark hotel, which opened in 1999 and stands on an artificial island, has its own helicopter and a fleet of chauffeur-driven Rolls Royce cars. Beyond the spectacular lobby, with its gold-leaf splendor and eye-catching fountain, are 202 suites with more accouterments than a Thanksgiving turkey.
The Burj Al Arab is worth seeing even if only to marvel at the interior, which is as opulent as the outside. The lobby, which stands 590 feet tall and is designed in a red, blue, and green color scheme with gold-leaf pillars, sets the tone. The atrium in the entrance is tall enough to house the Statue of Liberty.
To get beyond lobby security, you must make a reservation for cocktails, afternoon tea, or supper if you are not staying at the Burj Al Arab. A minimum expenditure is required; specifics can be found on Burj's website.
The Burj Al Arab's architecture
The Burj Al Arab, with 60 stories and a height of 1053 feet (321 meters), was the world's highest hotel when it was opened. The unique design and signature translucent fiberglass exterior were created by British architect Tom Wright and serve as a barrier from the desert sun during the day and a screen for the stunning illumination at night.
The inside of the Burj Al Arab, designed by British-Chinese designer Khuan Chew, is as extravagant as the exterior. A crescendo of gold-leaf, crystal chandeliers, hand-knotted carpets, water elements, pillars, and other design features overwhelm you the instant you enter the high lobby. Some of the marble, which covers 258,333 square feet (24,000 square meters), came from the same quarry as Michelangelo's.
The white metal crosspieces at the top of the Burj Al Arab form what is said to be the largest cross in the Middle East – but it’s only visible from the sea. By the time this unexpected feature was discovered, it was too late to redesign the tower – the hotel had already put Dubai on the map and become the icon for the city. See the cross on a boat charter and decide for yourself. The scale is amazing.
Burj Al Arab's bars and eateries
The cobalt-blue and emerald-green color palette may not scream elegance and exclusivity, but it's all forgotten when you're enjoying the Skyview Bar's breathtaking views of the Gulf and Dubai skyline. Despite the high minimum expenditures, a cocktail or afternoon tea at this capsule-shaped lounge protruding out from the main building on the 27th floor is high on many Dubai visitors' to-do lists. It is necessary to make reservations.
If you're looking for a unique cocktail, schedule a table at Gold on 27, which is located on the same floor as Skyview. Many nonalcoholic options are available, with drinks inspired by Dubai's past, present, and future. For example, A Ghaf, A Goat, and A Camel is a delectable concoction made with Cascara milk, bourbon vanilla, white peach nectar, and sweet goat cheese meringue. Make a reservation in advance.
Beaches in the vicinity of the Burj Al Arab
Take a stroll on neighboring Jumeirah Public Beach as the sun sets into the Gulf for the classic Instagrammable photo of you and the Burj Al Arab, and then upload the snap to one of the Smart Palms that offer free waterfront wi-fi. Any time of day, this wide, clean band of sand is an ideal area to spread your towel. In fact, there is now a floodlit zone for swimming at night. It's fun to watch the surfers when the waves are up, even if the waves are only small to medium.
What are the best places to stay near the Burj Al Arab?
Pop stars, aristocracy, billionaires, and the well-heeled frequent the Burj Al Arab. The prelude to the 202 lavishly appointed apartments is the foyer, which features an eye-catching waterfall and sumptuous furnishings. Two large pools and 400 sun loungers are available on the North Deck. The suites are bi-level, with the smallest measuring 1829 square feet (170 square meters) and including a personal butler. The room is lavishly decorated, with moiré silk walls, mirrored ceilings above the beds, curlicue high-backed velvet chairs, and inlaid bathroom tiles depicting scenes from Venice. And what about all that gold? Yes, it's the genuine 24-karat gold.
Where to eat in the vicinity of the Burj Al Arab
Book a table at Al Mahara for a strange dining experience at the Burj Al Arab, where you may dine on fish and shellfish while seated in front of a massive spherical aquarium. A submarine-themed elevator transports you to a gold-leaf-clad tunnel that leads to one of Dubai's most opulent restaurants. Clownfish flit and tiny sharks dart while their turbot and monkfish cousins are devoured as tables circle a circular floor-to-ceiling aquarium. Only the finest seafood imported from the United Kingdom is served here, and it is prepared with precise simplicity. There is a dress code in place, and minors under the age of 12 are not permitted to dine.
What is the best way to get to the Burj Al Arab?
The nearest Dubai Metro station is the Mall of the Emirates, although getting there requires a cab or bus ride. The Burj Al Arab is served by buses 8, 81, and 88.
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