Burj Al Arab, Dubai's Icon of Luxury

Burj Al Arab, Dubai's Icon of Luxury

Dubai is famous for all forms of luxury, and one of the icons that represents this luxury is the Burj Al Arab hotel. Located on an artificial island, this hotel offers unmatched first-class facilities and services. Thanks to its grandeur, Burj Al Arab is often referred to as the only seven-star hotel in the world, although there is no official seven-star rating system for hotels.

Ownership of Burj Al Arab

Burj Al Arab is one of the luxury hotel chains owned by Jumeirah Group, a hotel company owned by the government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) which was founded in 1997. In 2004, Jumeirah Group officially became a subsidiary of Dubai Holding, a global investment company owned by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai. Burj Al Arab is built on an artificial island, about 280 meters off the coast of Jumeirah. Burj Al Arab can be accessed by land, sea, and air. The land route can be accessed by crossing a bridge that connects it to the mainland. Meanwhile, on the roof of the Burj Al Arab there is also a helipad, which allows visitors to reach this luxury hotel by air.

Burj Al Arab Built on An Artificial Island

Burj Al Arab is built on an artificial island in the middle of the ocean. The construction process of the island began in 1994 and took 2 years to complete involving around 2,000 workers. The island is built using large stones surrounded by honeycomb-shaped concrete to protect the foundation from erosion. This artificial island is built using a giant steel structure weighing 5,000 tons made in Finland. This giant steel structure consists of 8 parts which when combined will have a total area of ​​10,000 square meters.

Burj Al Arab is built on an artificial island

It is not an easy job to build an artificial island, especially at the location of the island construction, a layer of hard rock was found at a depth of around 179.8 m (590 ft) below the sand layer. However, all these problems were overcome and the construction of the 7 m high artificial island was successfully completed in 2 years. A 400 m (1,115 ft) long bridge was built to connect the artificial island to the mainland.

Architecture and Construction Process of Burj Al Arab

As a symbol of Dubai's architectural wonder and luxury, the Burj Al Arab has a stunning design. The shape of the hotel that resembles a boat's sail reflects Dubai's modern and innovative architecture. Designed by Tom Wright of the Atkins company, the hotel stands tall as a beacon of luxury on the city's skyline. The Burj Al Arab's design management was entrusted to Rick Gregory, a Canadian engineer, while construction management was handed over to David Kirby of the Atkins company.

Burj Al Arab Environment

The interior design of Burj Al Arab was entrusted to Khuan Chew and John Coralan of KCA International, a London design company founded by Khuan Chew in 1988. The interior work itself was handed over to a company from the UAE (United Arab Emirates), Depa Group. Irish architect Rebecca Gernon was entrusted to design the Burj Al Arab's helipad located on the 28th floor, at a height of 312 m above sea level. The construction of Burj Al Arab was handed over to the contractor company Murray & Roberts (now renamed Concor and Al Habtoor Engineering) from South Africa.

The construction of Burj Al Arab took more than 5 years, including the process of reclaiming the artificial island and building the hotel itself. This large project involved around 3,500 people, consisting of engineers, designers, and workers. The construction process used around 9,000 tons of steel and 70,000 cubic meters of concrete or the equivalent of 360,000 tons of cement. Building a 321 m high building on an artificial island certainly requires a super strong foundation. For that, as many as 230 concrete pillars 40 m long were embedded in the sand to strengthen the foundation. Burj Al Arab was completed in less than three years and opened on December 1, 1999, with a construction cost of 1 billion USD.

Exclusive Facilities and Services

The Burj Al Arab stands at 321 meters tall. This stunning building consists of 59 floors, including three underground floors. This hotel is not only a symbol of modern architectural luxury, but also a paradise for lovers of premium service and high-level privacy. More than 28,000 lights are spread throughout the building to create a stunning lighting display at night, displaying colorful effects that make the building look like a glowing crystal in the middle of the Arabian Gulf.

Burj Al Arab, The Super Luxury Hotel

Of the total 59 floors, only 28 are used exclusively for guest accommodation, making this a hotel with a very selective approach to space and comfort. Inside, there are 202 super luxurious two-story suites that all face the Arabian Gulf, providing spectacular views at both sunrise and sunset. Each suite is designed to the highest standards, equipped with the latest technology, 24-hour personal butler service, gold and marble décor, and comforts that go beyond the expectations of a typical five-star hotel.

Luxury Suite Types at Burj Al Arab

Burj Al Arab does not provide regular rooms, all are duplex suites ranging from 170 to more than 780 square meters. Here are some types of suites available at the luxury hotel Burj Al Arab :

• Deluxe One-Bedroom Suite

This is the most basic suite type that already offers a spacious living room, separate bedroom, bathroom with jacuzzi and rain shower, and a sophisticated entertainment system. This suite is perfect for guests who want a high level of comfort with direct access to the hotel's luxury services.

• Panoramic Suite

For guests who want a more romantic atmosphere, the Panoramic Suite is the superior choice. This suite has floor-to-ceiling curved glass windows that present a 180-degree panorama of the sea and the city of Dubai. The natural lighting that enters creates a warm and charming atmosphere throughout the day.

• Club Suite

The Club Suite presents a contemporary design concept with work space facilities, a private dining room, and a separate family room, making it ideal for business people or small families.

• Diplomatic Suite

For special guests such as heads of state, celebrities, or elite businessmen, Burj Al Arab provides the Diplomatic Suite with three bedrooms, a private meeting room, a spacious dining area, and an internal elevator connecting the two floors of the suite. The interior is specially designed with luxurious furniture, Persian carpets, and a high-value art collection, making every corner of this suite feel like a palace.

• Presidential Suite

The Presidential Suite is only available in a very limited number. This suite features a grand piano, a private cinema, a spa room, and a dedicated butler service that has been exclusively trained. With an area of ​​​​over 667 square meters, the Presidential Suite offers total privacy and a royal stay experience.

• Royal Suite

Royal Suite in Burj Al Arab

The most exclusive suite often booked by royal families and world figures. This suite includes two large bedrooms, an automatic rotating bed overlooking the sea, a private elevator, a dining room decorated with a gold mosaic ceiling, and a bathroom with a marble and jewel-lined plunge pool. There is even a special room for the guest's personal staff, ensuring maximum comfort and privacy.

Classy Restaurants and Bars

Burj Al Arab offers nine restaurants and bars serving a variety of cuisines from around the world. Here are some of the top restaurants :

Al Muntaha Restaurant

• Al Muntaha
Located on the 27th floor, this restaurant offers contemporary European cuisine with a Middle Eastern twist, as well as stunning views of the Arabian Gulf.

• Al Mahara
This restaurant is surrounded by a stunning aquarium, serving fresh and innovative seafood dishes.

• Sahn Eddar
Serving light bites and drinks in a relaxed atmosphere, accompanied by live music.

• Al Iwan
Serving traditional Arabic cuisine in a luxurious décor.

• Junsui
Offering Japanese cuisine in a calm and minimalist setting.

• Bab Al Yam
A beachfront restaurant serving grilled seafood, steaks and wood-fired pizzas.

• Scape Restaurant & Bar
Located on the terrace of the Burj Al Arab, this restaurant offers a fusion of Californian cuisine with a Middle Eastern twist.

• Gold on 27
A luxurious bar with gold décor offering a wide selection of premium drinks.

• Skyview Bar & Restaurant
Serving delicious dishes with a stunning panoramic view from the 27th floor.

Luxurious Halls and Function Rooms at Burj Al Arab

The Burj Al Arab, an icon of luxury in Dubai, offers a number of exclusive halls and function rooms designed for a variety of luxurious events. One of them is the Al Falak Ballroom, a magnificent space in the style of a classic European ballroom with crystal chandeliers and a stunning dome ceiling, perfect for weddings or gala dinners. In addition, the Al Suha Boardroom provides exclusive meeting facilities with stunning sea views, ideal for high-level business meetings.

For more private and Arabian-style events, the Majlis Al Tamini presents a warm and authentic Middle Eastern atmosphere. This room is often used for family gatherings or exclusive discussions with a local cultural nuance. Meanwhile, for those looking for an elegant outdoor atmosphere, the Sunset Garden is the ideal choice for a reception or cocktail party under the Dubai sunset sky. No less stunning, the Palm Lawn is a large green open space with a backdrop of the sea and the Burj Al Arab, perfect for weddings or luxury product launches. All of these halls and spaces not only offer state-of-the-art facilities and world-class services, but also provide an unforgettable experience that reflects the high standards of the Burj Al Arab.

Luxurious Facilities at The Amazing Burj Al Arab

The Burj Al Arab is not only known for its iconic architecture, but also for the various super luxurious facilities provided for its guests. This hotel is a true embodiment of architectural wonder that combines futuristic design with unmatched personal service. One of the best facilities is the Al Sawan Health Club and Spa, an exclusive fitness and spa center located on a high floor with sea views. Located on the 18th floor of the Burj Al Arab, the spa offers world-class treatments, a sauna, steam room, and an indoor swimming pool designed for total relaxation and wellness.

For guests who want to stay active, the hotel provides complete sports facilities such as a modern fitness center, squash courts, and personal trainer services. Water sports activities such as jet skiing, parasailing, and paddleboarding are also available through the hotel's concierge team.

Burj Al Arab Terrace, Luxury Floating Above The Sea

The Burj Al Arab Terrace is an exclusive extension that stretches over the waters of the Arabian Gulf, offering an unparalleled relaxing experience. Located on the back side of the iconic Burj Al Arab Jumeirah hotel, this luxurious terrace covers an area of ​​over 10,000 square meters and floats directly above the sea, making it one of the most luxurious floating terraces in the world.

Burj Al Arab Terrace

Burj Al Arab Terrace’s main features include two infinity pools—one for adults and one for families—and 32 private cabanas, including a royal cabana with air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, butler service, and spa services right to your seat. There’s also direct ocean access for swimming, and the Scape Restaurant & Lounge serves light bites and cocktails in a relaxed, elegant setting.

With its open ocean views, world-class personalized service, and exclusive ambiance, Burj Al Arab Terrace is a favorite place to sunbathe, relax, or host a lavish private event. It truly blends sophisticated design with exceptional comfort, creating a modern oasis on the water that only hotel guests and exclusive members can enjoy.

Talise Spa, A Wellness Oasis at the Top of a Luxury Icon

Located on the 18th floor of Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, Talise Spa offers a world-class relaxation experience 150 meters above the Arabian Gulf. With a calming panoramic view of the sea, this spa operates daily from 8am to 9pm for pool and fitness facilities, and treatment sessions from 9am to 9pm. Here are some of Talise Spa's featured facilities:

• Treatment Rooms

Private treatment rooms designed for maximum comfort.

• Indoor Mosaic Pool

An indoor pool with Middle Eastern mosaic pillars to combine the freshness of the water and the beauty of the architecture.

• MindSpa Cabin

Binaural sound therapy and 3D sound technology for deep meditation without physical touch.

• Sauna & Steam Room

A detoxifying session before or after a massage treatment.

Burj Al Arab's Luxury Transportation Services and Gold-Plated iPads

Burj Al Arab Helipad

In addition, Burj Al Arab offers a variety of luxury transportation services to add to the comfort and luxury of the guest experience. A limousine service with Rolls-Royce cars is ready to take guests to and from various locations in Dubai. Even for those who want a more spectacular experience, there is a private helicopter service directly from the airport to the Burj Al Arab helipad located on the top floor. One of the most unique and iconic facilities offered to guests is a 24-carat gold-plated iPad. This exclusive device is given to every guest who stays as a virtual concierge that allows them to access various information about hotel services. Of course, this iPad cannot be taken home, because it is only loaned during your stay at Burj Al Arab. All of these facilities and services prove Burj Al Arab's commitment to providing a stay experience that is not only luxurious, but also personal, exclusive, and unforgettable.

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