Standing tall against the setting sun or a misty morning, Burj Al Arab donnes Dubai’s skyline with a beautiful and distinctive architectural structure.
Titled the world’s only seven-star hotel, the Burj was built and completed in 1999 (designed by Tom Wright).
Where did it all begin?
In the year of 1993, the superstructure was commissioned to Tom Wright, a renowned British architect whose designs often reflect post-modernism, by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. The aim of building the tower was to invest in the tourism sector of the Emirate by building an unbeatable hotel. Although now overtaken by various organisations in the hospitality sector, at the time, the skyscraper was set to be the tallest hotel at the height of a whopping 1,053 feet.
How was a hotel built on an artificial Island?
One of the biggest hurdles faced by the team of architects and engineers responsible for the construction of the grand structure was the concept of using an artificial island as a base.
This challenge was tackled by a team of experts who went on to install over 200 foundational piles into the seabed that lay 590 feet below. A special type and arrangement of rocks in a honeycomb pattern circled the surface layer to ensure that the power of waves was reduced to prevent erosion, leading to a stable structure.
Design Inspiration
Tom and his then team at WS Atkins had their eureka moment on a beach one morning when Tom spotted a modern sailing yacht.
“The client desired a structure that was and would always be synonymous with the country. As fishing has always been an important trade, Burj Al Arab was built to resemble the sail of a dhow, a type of Arabian vessel”
– Tom Wright
The entire project of Burj Al Arab took five years and involved over 3000 contractors/companies, 250 designers and 3,500 people to complete.
What can you find at Burj Al Arab?
Stay at the Burj
Stay at Burj al Arab and enjoy the only 7-star hotel experience in the world. The hotel has a range of packages with multiple amenities such as dining, access to the waterpark, luxury facilities on the terrace, suites, Butler Services, Spa, Gym, and more.
These are some of their popular packages:
THE TERRACE EXPERIENCE
- Live all your luxurious dreams with this Offer. This package comes with a complimentary luxury cabana on The Terrace, a complimentary scrumptious breakfast, butler service, Hermes amenities, access to the Talise Spa, The Wild Wadi Waterpark and more.
- For more information and to book your stay visit The Terrace Experience.
STAY AND DINE
- Ensure your next meal comes from the best of the best with this package. The offer includes daily complimentary breakfast, a complimentary meal of choice (lunch or dinner), access to mixed and female-only facilities at Talise Spa, world-class butler service and unlimited entry to Wild Wadi Waterpark.
- For more information and to book your stay, visit Stay and Dine.
THE ULTIMATE SUITE INDULGENCE
- Who doesn’t love a sweet discount, stay for three nights or more and earn an exclusive 20% discount. To top it off, you can earn exclusive Jumeirah One Points. The facilities of this offer includes a daily breakfast for two, luxurious Hermes amenities, butler service, access to wellness facilities at Talise Spa, and exclusive access to Summersalt Beach Club at Jumeirah Al Naseem.
- For more information and to book your stay, visit The Ultimate Suite Indulgence.
EXCEPTIONAL STAYCATION
- This offer is only available to UAE nationals and residents. The package offers exclusive savings with up to 20% off of their Jumeirah Flexible Rate. The package includes an indulgent daily breakfast, Hermes amenities, a butler service, temperature-controlled pool and leisure facilities on The Terrace, unlimited access to Wild Wade Waterpark, access to wellness facilities at the Talise Spa, complimentary wifi, exclusive Jumeirah One Points (when booking through Jumeirah), and exclusive access to Summersalt Beach Club at Jumeirah Al Naseem.
- For more information and to book your stay, visit Exceptional Staycation.
Contact: +971 4 364 7194
Email: baareservations@jumeirah.com
SEMI FLEXIBLE RATE
- Book at least seven days in advance, and get your hands on some wild savings. The offer gives you 20% off on the Jumeirah Flexible rate, an indulgent breakfast spread, butler service, Hermes amenities, temperature-controlled pool and leisure facilities on The Terrace, unlimited access to Wild Wade Waterpark, access to wellness facilities at the Talise Spa and complimentary wifi.
- For more information and to book your stay, visit Semi Flexible Rate.
Contact: +971 4 301 7400
Email: baareservations@jumeirah.com
Dine at the Burj
In one of the finest hotels in the world, you have the chance to experience some of the finest dining options, even if you’re not spending a night at the skyscraper.
SAL
One of the most luxurious pool and dining experiences in the Emirate, Sal launched in 2020; the poolside restaurant combines pleasure with a delectable palate.
A treat to your eyes and your tastebuds, the restaurant offers Southern European cuisine, looking over the sparkling waters of the Gulf. Some of its dishes include Manchego Croquetas, Fresh Berries Pavlova, and some of the finest drinks from around the world.
Location: The Terrace, Burj Al Arab
Timings: Lunch: 12:30 – 17:30 | Dinner: 19:00 – 22:30
Email: restaurants@jumeirah.com
Contact: 800 323232
For more information and reservations, visit Sal Restaurant, Burj Al Arab.
AL MUNTAHA
Experience a Michelin-starred dining experience at Al Muntaha. The One Michelin-starred spot. Its hand-crafted menu includes seafood dishes like Yellowtail and King Salmon Carpaccio, St. Jacques Scallops and an extensive bar menu featuring Wines, Champagnes, Martinis, and more.
Location: 27th Floor, Burj Al Arab
Timings: Lunch: 12:30 - 14:30 | Dinner: 19:00 - 22:00
Email: restaurants@jumeirah.com
Contact: 800 323232
For more information and reservations, visit Al Muntaha, Burj Al Arab.
SAHN EDDAR
A Bright and inviting space, Sahn Eddar, literally translating to ‘reception of the house,’ will lift up your spirits whether you visit the atrium lounge for lunch or afternoon tea.
The spot is known for its traditional afternoon tea and savoury artisan pieces. Some of the stellar items on their menu include Mise en Bouche, which is as complex as it sounds, featuring Alaskan King Crab, Foie Gras Terrine, and some comfort food like Rissoto and Penne Pasta. They also have a wide range of drinks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic.
Read more: https://focus.hidubai.com/gold-foods-in-dubai/
Location: First Floor, Burj Al Arab
Timings: Daily, Beverages: 10:00 - 23:00, Food: 12:00 - 23:00 | Afternoon Tea, 15:00 - 18:00
Email: restaurants@jumeirah.com
Contact: 800 323232
For more information and reservations, visit Sahn Eddar, Burj Al Arab.
AL IWAN
Donned with rich red interiors, Al Iwan is luxurious Arabesque dining. The Arabian eatery is family-friendly and gives diners the option to choose from a buffet or an ala carte dinner.
The restaurants menu includes a variety of the classics that every Middle-eastern is familiar with, such as Hummus, Lentil Soup, Vine Leaves, Fattoush, Kibbeh, Shish Taouk and some novel desserts like Ile Flottante. They also have a menu for the little ones and some drinks for the adults.
Location: First Floor, Burj Al Arab
Timings: Lunch: Daily, 12:30 – 15:30 Dinner: Daily, 18:30 – 00:00
Email: restaurants@jumeirah.com
Contact: 800 323232
For more information and reservations, visit Al Iwan, Burj Al Arab.
RISTORANTE L'OLIVO AT AL MAHARA
Enjoy your stunning dishes with a view of the life underwater with the restaurant located at Al Mahara displaying the iconic aquarium.
The two Michelin-starred restaurant serves Italian cuisine developed by revered chef Andrea Migliaccio. The dishes on its menu include exquisite starters such as Oysters and Beluga, Sevruga and Oscietra Imperial Caviar and main seafood courses such as Blue Lobster, Black Cod, Sea Bass and Gilthead. The spot also has a range of fruity, sour, vermouth & bitter, etc. cocktails.
Location: Ground Floor, Burj Al Arab
Timings: Daily Dinner: 18:30 - 22:00
Email: restaurants@jumeirah.com
Contact: 800 323232
For more information and reservations, visit Ristorante L’Olivo at Al Mahara.
BAB AL YAM
An interactive dining experience that fuses Middle Eastern and European flavours offers you an experience straight out of the movies. The restaurant featuring an open kitchen, looks over the sea. Its menu includes some of your breakfast staples, such as Avocado Toast, Arabic Shakshouka and Truffle benedict.
Location: Ground Floor, Burj Al Arab
Timings: Daily: Breakfast: 7:00 - 11:00 (for Burj Al Arab guests)
Email: restaurants@jumeirah.com
Contact: 800 323232
For more information and reservations, visit Bab Al Yam, Burj Al Arab.
GILT
On its way to secure the spot for your next date night location, Gilt, a new contemporary bar, offers more than just drinks in one of the fanciest locations in Dubai. The glitzy location has a glamorous menu featuring items like Lobster bao, French Toast, Chicken wings, Mochi Icecream and some interesting drinks like Masala Chai Sour, De La Louisiane and some classic wines.
Location: 27rh Floor, Burj Al Arab
Timings: Sunday – Thursday, 18:00 – 01:00 | Friday - Saturday, 18:00 – 02:00
Email: restaurants@jumeirah.com
Contact: 800 323232
For more information and reservations, visit Gilt, Burj Al Arab.
SKYVIEW BAR
As apparent by the name, the Skyview Bar quite literally offers you a view of the skyline of Dubai alongside your meals from the 27th floor. The bar and restaurant give diners the option to choose from a wide range of drinks, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
Location: 27th Floor, Burj Al Arab
Timings: Daily: 17:00 - 23:30
Email: restaurants@jumeirah.com
Contact: 800 323232
For more information and reservations, visit Skyview Lounge, Burj Al Arab.
Experiences
The Burj Al Arab is more than just a hotel; it’s a destination in of itself. From the chance to witness the wildlife to riding a yacht and spending some quality time with a date or your family, the Burj is the perfect spot for a staycation for those residing within and away from Dubai.
BURJ AL ARAB TERRACE
Whether it’s choosing a place to spend an afternoon for some socialisation or a relaxing day away from all that plagues your mind, The Terrace is your getaway for a relaxing day.
The terrace features four Jacuzzis, 126 beach sunbeds, 24 luxury day beds, a family freshwater pool and an adults-only saltwater infinity pool levitating right above the sea and the SAL restaurant.
Timings: Family Freshwater pool: 10:00 - 19:00 and Adults-only Infinity pool: 10:00 - 19:00
BURJ AL ARAB TOUR
Take a guided tour of the Burj and learn more about the history of the tower. From the very first hand-drawn sketch of the skyscraper to exclusive access to the ideas and inspirations behind the scenes of its construction, the tour will wow you, especially if you’re a fan of the visual arts. You will also have the chance to take some photos at the iconic photo ops located at the destination.
For more information and bookings, visit Inside Burj Al Arab,Tour
SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVES
Keeping in line with the United Arab Emirates' goal towards sustainability, the hotel has multiple recycling bins located around the hotel. You may also opt out of getting your rooms cleaned daily and choose to reuse towels during your stay. There are also Electric car charging stations available for visitors for their green vehicles.
RENT A CAR
Why hail cabs when you can travel in the car of your dreams? From rolls Royce to BMW and Mercedes, the Burj houses some of the most sought-after supercars from around the world. They also provide a service where you can use the assistance of a chauffeur, including airport pick-up service.
For more information and bookings, contact +971 4 301 7131 / +971 4 301 7681 or email BAAtransportation@jumeirah.com
RIDE A YACHT
Enjoy a spa on a private yacht or relax in one of the spacious cabins and leave all your worries to the hospitality experts navigating the water. The yacht service gives you the option to take a dive, have a long lunch, and have a spa while being tended to by a butler, hostess and chef.
For more information and bookings, contact: +971 4 301 7777 or email baaconcierge@jumeirah.com
KIDS CLUB
No more worrying about what your kids will do on a staycation; the Burj has a complimentary Sinbads Kids Club at Jumeirah Al Qasr and Kids Club at Jumeirah Beach Hotel. The activities for the kids include arts and crafts, gaming, lego building, board games, creative activities and more.
For more information and bookings, contact:: +971 4 301 7499 or email: baaconcierge@jumeirah.com
TURTLE REHABILITATION SANCTUARY
Take part in sending turtles back to their safe space with this experience launched in 2004. Over 1950 rehabilitated turtles have been released into their natural habitat since the launch of the project. You have the chance to feed the turtles being rehabilitated at the Turtle Rehabilitation Sanctuary at Jumeirah Al Naseem, before their release.
WILD WADI WATERPARK
One of the widest-known waterparks in the UAE, Wild Wadi waterpark, is a fun spot for kids and adults alike, with activities that cater to both age groups. The waterpark offers tickets for free during your birth month on the purchase of two UAE resident tickets at the main gate. It also has multiple offers for UAE Residents and VISA cardholders. The waterpark also has lifeguards. The waterpark is themed around a character from popular Arabian folklore called Juha.
Also read: https://focus.hidubai.com/water-parks-in-dubai/
For tickets and more information, visit Wild Wadi Waterpark.
INTERESTING THINGS ABOUT BURJ AL ARAB
- Talk about Luxury!
Burj Al Arab has interiors that are 24-karat gold plated and features the world's largest Swarovski Crystal ceiling.
- Helipad… more like your next event venue!
From tennis matches to proposals, the Helipad at the Burj is a popular location.
- Rest in duck nests from Iceland
Eiderdown duvets are made from hand-picked abandoned duck nests in Iceland
- Sweet dreams indeed
The Burj features a pillows menu with over 17 types of pillows
- Talk about detail
The hotel houses six in-house florists that are responsible for all floral arrangements at the Burj.
Visit Burj Al Arab
The closest metro station to the Burj is the Mall of the Emirates.
The buses 8, 81 and X28 will get you to the Burj.
For more information about Burj Al Arab, visit their website.
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