Jumeirah Burj Al Arab: Dubai's Iconic Luxury Hotel

Towering majestically on the coast of the Persian Gulf, Jumeirah Burj Al Arab has long been known as a symbol of modern luxury and world-class architectural innovation. This Dubai's iconic luxury hotel is shaped like a sail and stands firmly on an artificial island, representing the ambition and futuristic vision of the city of Dubai. Burj Al Arab is often referred to as the world's only seven-star hotel due to its luxury and ultra-premium services. This five-star hotel is not just a place to stay, but a prestigious destination that redefines global hospitality standards.

Who Owns the Burj Al Arab? Facts About Dubai's Luxury Hotel Ownership

Burj Al Arab is one of a chain of luxury hotels owned by the Jumeirah Group, a United Arab Emirates (UAE) government-owned hospitality company founded in 1997. In 2004, the 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 was built on an artificial island, about 280 meters off the coast of Jumeirah. This super-luxury hotel is accessible by land, sea, and air. The land route can be accessed by crossing a bridge that connects it to the mainland. Meanwhile, there is also a helipad on the roof of Burj Al Arab, allowing visitors to reach this luxury hotel by air.

Burj Al Arab Built on A Man-Made Island in The Arabian Gulf

Jumeirah Burj Al Arab was built on an artificial island in the middle of the ocean. The island's construction began in 1994 and took two years to complete, involving around 2,000 workers. The island was built using large rocks surrounded by honeycomb-shaped concrete to protect the foundation from erosion. This artificial island was built using a giant 5,000-ton steel structure made in Finland. This giant steel structure consists of 8 parts which, when combined, can reach a total area of 10,000 square meters.

Burj Al Arab is built on an artificial island

It was no easy task to build an artificial island, especially since a layer of hard rock was found at a depth of approximately 179.8 m (590 feet) below the sand layer at the construction site. However, all these problems were successfully overcome and the construction of the 7 m high artificial island was completed in 2 years. A 400 m (1,115 ft) bridge was built to connect the artificial island to the mainland.

Burj Al Arab Architecture and Construction Process

As a symbol of Dubai's architectural wonders and luxury, Burj Al Arab has a stunning design. The shape of the hotel resembles a sailboat, reflecting Dubai's modern and innovative architecture. Designed by Tom Wright from Atkins, this five-star hotel stands tall as a beacon of luxury on the city skyline. The management design of Burj Al Arab was entrusted to Rick Gregory, an engineer from Canada, while construction management was handed over to David Kirby from Atkins.
 
The interior design of Burj Al Arab was entrusted to Khuan Chew and John Coralan from KCA International, a London-based design company founded by Khuan Chew in 1988. The interior work itself was entrusted to the UAE (United Arab Emirates) company, Depa Group. Irish architect Rebecca Gernon was entrusted with designing the Burj Al Arab helipad, located on the 28th floor, at a height of 312 m above sea level.

Burj Al Arab Environment

The construction of Burj Al Arab was entrusted to the South African contractor Murray & Roberts (now renamed Concor and Al Habtoor Engineering). It took more than 5 years to complete the construction of this most luxurious hotel in Dubai, including the process of reclaiming the artificial island and building the hotel itself. This major project involved around 3,500 people, consisting of engineers, designers, and workers.

The construction of Burj Al Arab consumed around 9,000 tons of steel and 70,000 cubic meters of concrete, equivalent to 360,000 tons of cement. Building a 321-meter-high building on an artificial island certainly required a super strong foundation. To that end, 230 concrete piles, each 40 meters long, were driven into the sand to strengthen the foundation. This Dubai luxury icon was completed in less than three years and opened on December 1, 1999, with construction costs reaching 1 billion USD.

Burj Al Arab Luxury Facilities and World-Class Service

The Burj Al Arab stands at 321 meters tall. This stunning building consists of 59 floors, including three underground floors. The hotel is not only a symbol of modern architectural luxury, but also a paradise for lovers of premium services and high-level privacy. More than 28,000 lights are scattered throughout the building to provide stunning lighting effects when night falls, creating 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 exclusively used for guest accommodation, making it a hotel with a highly selective approach to space and comfort. Inside, there are 202 super-luxurious two-story suites, all facing the Arabian Gulf, offering spectacular views of 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 comfort that exceeds the expectations of a typical five-star hotel.

Luxury Suite Types at Burj Al Arab Jumeirah

Burj Al Arab does not offer standard rooms; all rooms are duplex suites ranging in size from 170 to over 780 square meters. Here are some of the suite types available at this luxurious hotel: 

• Deluxe One-Bedroom Suite
This is the most basic suite type, offering 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 luxurious services.

• Panoramic Suite
For guests who want a more romantic atmosphere, the Panoramic Suite is the best choice. It features floor-to-ceiling curved glass windows offering a 180-degree panorama of the sea and the city of Dubai. Natural lighting creates a warm and inviting atmosphere throughout the day.

• Club Suite
The Club Suite features a contemporary design concept with a work space, private dining room, and separate family room, making it ideal for business travelers and small families.

• Diplomatic Suite
For distinguished guests such as heads of state, celebrities, or elite entrepreneurs, Burj Al Arab offers 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 collection of high-value art, making every corner of this suite feel like a palace.

• Presidential Suite
The Presidential Suite is available in very limited numbers. This suite has a grand piano, private cinema, spa room, and exclusive butler service. With an area of more than 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 leaders. It includes two large bedrooms, an automatic rotating bed facing the sea, a private elevator, a dining room decorated with a gold mosaic ceiling, and a bathroom with a marble-lined soaking pool and gemstones. There is even a special room for guests' personal staff, ensuring maximum comfort and privacy.

Luxury Restaurants and Bars at Jumeirah Burj Al Arab

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.

Luxury Halls and Event Spaces at Burj Al Arab

Burj Al Arab, an icon of luxury in Dubai, offers a number of exclusive halls and multipurpose rooms designed for various luxurious events. One of them is the Al Falak Ballroom, a magnificent room in the style of a classic European ballroom with crystal chandeliers and a stunning domed ceiling, perfect for weddings or gala dinners. Additionally, the Al Suha Boardroom provides exclusive meeting facilities with breathtaking sea views, ideal for high-level business meetings.
 
For more private and Arabic-style events, Majlis Al Tamini offers a warm and authentic Middle Eastern atmosphere. This room is often used for family gatherings or exclusive discussions with a local cultural feel. Meanwhile, for those seeking an elegant outdoor setting, Sunset Garden is the ideal choice for receptions or cocktail parties under Dubai's sunset sky. Equally stunning, Palm Lawn is a spacious green open space with a backdrop of the sea and Burj Al Arab, perfect for weddings or luxury product launches. All of these halls and rooms not only offer state-of-the-art facilities and world-class service, but also provide an unforgettable experience that reflects the high standards of Burj Al Arab.
 
Al Sawan Club and Spa: Exclusive Fitness and Spa Center at Burj Al Arab

Burj Al Arab is not only known for its iconic architecture, but also for the various super-luxurious facilities it provides for its guests. The hotel is a true architectural marvel that combines futuristic design with unparalleled 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 Burj Al Arab, this spa offers world-class treatments, saunas, steam rooms, and an indoor swimming pool designed for total relaxation and fitness.

Burj Al Arab Terrace, A Luxurious Floating Terrace in Dubai

Burj Al Arab Terrace is an exclusive extension that stretches over the waters of the Arabian Gulf, offering an unparalleled relaxing experience. Located at the rear of the hotel, this luxurious terrace covers an area of more than 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

The main facilities of Burj Al Arab Terrace include two infinity pools—one for adults and one for families—as well as 32 private cabanas, including a royal cabana with air conditioning, flat-screen TV, personal butler, and spa services delivered directly to your seat. In addition, there is direct access to the sea for swimming, as well as the Scape Restaurant & Lounge, which serves light meals and cocktails in a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere.
 
With open views of the open sea, world-class personal service, and an exclusive atmosphere, Burj Al Arab Terrace is a favorite spot for sunbathing, relaxing, or hosting luxurious private events. This place truly combines sophisticated design with exceptional comfort, creating a modern oasis on the water that can only be enjoyed by hotel guests and exclusive members.

Talise Spa Burj Al Arab, A Luxury Spa with Ocean Views

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

Burj Al Arab Helipad

Burj Al Arab offers a range of luxury transportation services to add to the comfort and luxury of the guest experience. A limousine service with Rolls-Royce cars is available to transport guests to and from various locations in Dubai. For those seeking an even more spectacular experience, a private helicopter service is available directly from the airport to the Burj Al Arab helipad located on the top floor.

24-Karat Gold-Plated iPad Service at Burj Al Arab

One of the most unique and iconic amenities offered to guests is a 24-karat gold-plated iPad. This exclusive device is given to every guest staying at the hotel as a virtual concierge, allowing them to access various information about hotel services. Of course, this iPad cannot be taken home, as it is only loaned out during the guest's stay at this most luxurious hotel in Dubai. All these facilities and services demonstrate Burj Al Arab's commitment to providing a stay experience that is not only luxurious but also personal, exclusive, and unforgettable.

(Latest Update in 2026)
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