Burj Al Arab

The Burj Al Arab, which means Arabic Tower, is an absolute iconic landmark in Dubai and probably the most luxurious hotel in the world. It is one of the few hotels in the world that are considered a 7-star hotel. The hotel floats on an artificial island in the Persian Gulf 300 m (984 ft) from the Dubai shore. Referring to the importance of ships in Dubai, the design of the structure mimics the sail of a dhow (which is a traditional wooden Arabic cargo vessel). The height of the hotel is 321 m (1.053 ft) and its 202 suites vary in size between 169 and 780 sq m (1.819 and 8.396 sq ft). The total costs of the Burj Al Arab are estimated at AED 4,4 billion (USD 1,2 billion).

When the hotel opened its doors in 1999 it put Dubai on the map as a luxury travel destination. For those who can afford it has the hotel a helipad and a fleet of Rolls Royce limousines. The gorgeous lobby has an abundance of gold-leaf and marvelous fountain with a height of 30 m (98 ft). In the hotel are several restaurants, one of them is restaurant Al Mahara and is famous for having an enormous fish tank. On the 27th floor is restaurant Al Muntaha and the Skyview Bar which have stunning views over the Persian Gulf. At the Skybar you can get delicious cocktails or the popular afternoon tea.
Seen from the sea the metal construction of the Burj Al Arab with its Skybar have the shape of a cross. This cross is so immense that it probably is one of the largest in the world. At the time that they discovered this aspect the building was already such an iconic landmark for Dubai that they wouldn’t change it anymore.

If you don’t stay at the hotel, but want to get past the lobby. We from Meet The Cities recommend to make a reservation in a bar or restaurant in the Burj Al Arab where you can make your expenses as low (note the minimum spend) or as high as you want.