The Burj Al Arab also known as The Tower of Arabs is one of the major attractions in Dubai. It is located on a man-made island on the Persian Gulf. It was once the tallest building in the world used exclusively as a hotel. It is now the third tallest hotel due to two taller buildings being built, which are used exclusively as hotels just like the Burj Al Arab. The second tallest hotel is located in North Korea and the hotel leading the way is also in Dubai and is called the Rose Tower.
The Burj Al Arab is a staggering 321 metres (1,053 ft) and is one of the reasons why Dubai at the present time is on of the most popular holiday destinations. The Burj Al Arab stands on an artificial island, which is approximately 280 metres (919 ft) out from Jumeirah Beach. The island on which the Burj Al Arab is located is connected to the mainland via a private curving bridge. By private I mean that you have to gain permission in advance in order to get access to the exclusive road leading to the very exclusive hotel.
The Burj Al Arab is a worldwide icon and is one of the major reasons why many people visit Dubai. The Burj Al Arab was built to symbolize Dubai's urban development and huge economical growth. Work on the Burj Al Arab began in 1994 and finished in 1999. The hotel was built to resemble the sail of a dhow, which is a type of Arabian vessel. The Crown Prince of Dubai wanted the Burj Al Arab to be iconic, in the same way the Eiffel Tower is iconic in Paris. He wanted people to think of Dubai whenever the name BURJ AL ARAB was mentioned. The hotel cost a total of $650 million dollars to build and the task was completed by a UK based company.
The Burj Al Arab was Dubai's biggest engineering feat. The island on which the Burj Al Arab rests on consists of 70,000 cubic metres of concrete, which in simple terms converts to 70 million litres. Also in the completion process of the artificial island 9,000 tons of steel was used. Inside the Burj Al Arab there is an atrium, which is 180 metres (590 ft) tall. With that feat achieved the atrium within the Burj Al Arab became the world's tallest. Due to the sheer size of the atrium, the building had to be cooled by 1 degree over 6 months to prevent large amounts of condensation to form. Or in other words to prevent the formation of a possible rain cloud due to the high humidity.
There was some controversy over the birds-eye view of the Burj Al Arab. Some Arabians complained that the overhead view of the Burj Al Arab looked rather like or symbolized the 'Cross'. They demanded for the iconic Burj Al Arab to be knocked down to the ground immediately. Their demands were obviously not met as it would cause a big loss to Dubai's economy and would cause major controversy. The people complaining were reassured that the shape the Burj Al Arab took was just a mere coincidence and was no big deal. They finally accepted that they were wrong and no damage was done. In My opinion what they saw was truly just a misunderstanding and also I think it looks nothing like what they think. And if it did then it would be no major deal as these things are always minor coincidences.
The Burj Al Arab is characterized by many Arabians as the world's first '7-star' hotel. It may be very luxurious and expensive, but it is an over-exaggeration to call it a '7 star. A definite 5 star though. The front of the building known as the dhow area of the building is enclosed by a teflon-coated fiberglass sail. It is coated with teflon to protect it from the harsh desert weather conditions of Dubai. The sail spans over 161,000 square feet, it consists of two layers, and is divided into twelve panels and installed vertically. With the teflon coating it is approximated to last over a period of 50 years. Just looking at the sheer beauty of the building, you can definitely say that the Burj Al Arab is one of Dubai's greatest attraction as well as hotel.
During the day you will be able to view the soft, milky white fabric sail of the Burj Al Arab from quite a distance, obviously due to its sheer size. At night is when the fun starts in the Burj Al Arab. At night, both inside and outside, the fabric is lit with a range of colour changing lights. Near the top of the building is a suspended helipad, one of the most notable features of the Burj Al Arab. The helipad has been a major publicity event holder, with famous faces like Ronan Keating, Tiger Woods, Roger Federer and Andre Agassi taking part in particular events. Ronan Keating shot his music video IRIS on the helipad, with Tiger Woods hitting numerous golf balls into the Persian Gulf, and Roger Federer along with Andre Agassi playing a non-official tennis match.
The interior of the Burj Al Arab consists of 8,000 square meters of 22 carat cold leaf and 24,000 square meters of 30 different types of marble. In the main lobby of the hotel there is a fountain which creates a 3D islamic star pattern. With the sheer beauty of the hotel the prices of the suites are not cheap. Despite the great size of the Burj Al Arab, there are only 28-double storey floors which accommodate 202 bedroom suites. The cheapest suite costs $1000 per night and ranges up to $15,000 per night, depending on the quality of the suites and services. There is also a Royal Suite, built for the super rich and costs $50,000 per night.
There are in total of 7 types of suites. These include the: 1. Deluxe Suite (1 bedroom) 2. Panoramic Suite (1 bedroom) 3. Club Suite (1 bedroom) 4. 2 bedroom Suite 5. 3 bedroom Suite 6. Presidential Suite 7. Royal Suite
1. DELUXE SUITE (1 BEDROOM)
These suites consist of beautiful views of the Arabian Gulf. They also feature handsome spiral staircases that lead you from one floor to the next. Thus acting as a separation of the entertainment and living spaces.
- Area: 170 sq. mts - Lower level - Living room with large lounge, dining table for 4, private bar counter, guest washroom - Upper level - Dressing room, bedroom with king size or twin bed, luxury bathroom with Jacuzzi - Occupancy - 2 Adults and 2 Children below the age of 12, or 3 Adults (subject to extra occupancy charge) - Transport - Chauffeur driven Rolls Royce BMW available at a charge or helicopter transfers
2. PANORAMIC SUITE (1 BEDROOM)
Both levels of the Panoramic Suite offer you great views of the Arabian Gulf through floor to ceiling glass windows in an extremely luxurious setting.
- Area: 225 sq. mts - Lower level - Living room with large lounge, dining table for 4, private bar counter, guest washroom, storage closet - Upper level - Bedroom with king size bed, luxury bathroom and dressing room - Occupancy - 2 Adults and 2 Children below the age of 12, or 3 Adults (subject to extra occupancy charge) - Transport - Chauffeur driven Rolls Royce BMW available at a charge or helicopter transfers
3. CLUB SUITE (1 BEDROOM)
The club suites like all the rest provide excellent views of the Dubai landscape and its one of a kind club facilities make it ideal for both regular and private entertainment.
- Area: 330 sq. mts. - Lower level - Living room with large lounge, full size snooker table, dining table for 6, cocktail bar, guest washroom, storage closet - Upper level - Loft with sitting area, dressing area, bedroom with king size bed, luxury bathroom - Occupancy - 2 Adults and 2 Children below the age of 12, or 3 Adults (subject to extra occupancy charge) - Transport - Chauffeur driven Rolls Royce BMW available at a charge or helicopter transfers
4. 2 BEDROOM SUITE
These suites provide very good views of the sea, and consist of a large dining area with separate kitchen and two lounges.
- Area: 335 sq. mts. - Lower level - Living room with large lounge area, dining table for 6, kitchen and separate butler entrance, small lounge, guest washroom, office with chess table - Upper level - Master bedroom with king size bed and adjoining luxury bathroom and dressing room, second bedroom with twin beds and luxury bathroom - Occupancy - 4 Adults and 2 Children below the age of 12, or 5 Adults (subject to extra occupancy charge) - Transport - Chauffeur driven Rolls Royce BMW available at a charge or helicopter transfers
5. 3 BEDROOM SUITE
The 3 bedroom suite, with large spaces for many forms of entertaining as well as living make it ideal for family purposes as well as entertaining purposes.
- Area: Area - 670 sq. mts. - Lower level - 3 living areas, dining area with table for 8, kitchen and separate butler entrance, study area and library, private bar counter with seating for 4, bedroom with twin beds and attached luxury bathroom - Upper level - 2 master bedrooms, each with king size bed and adjoining luxury bathroom - Occupancy - 6 Adults and 2 Children below the age of 12, or 7 Adults (subject to extra occupancy charge) - Transport - Chauffeur driven Rolls Royce BMW available at a charge or helicopter transfers
6. PRESIDENTIAL SUITE
This is known as presidential for one reason and one reason only. Its due to the high level of luxury, space, décor and amenities.
- Area: 667 sq. mts - Location: 24th floor - Lower level - Spacious living area with private bar, large dining area with kitchen and separate butler entrance, study area and library, Majlis (reception) style lounge - Upper level - Master bedroom and second bedroom, each with adjoining marble bathrooms with spa bath, walk-in shower, fine porcelain fittings, and full sized Hermes fragrances and body products - Occupancy - 4 Adults and 2 Children below the age of 12, or 5 Adults (only) - Transport - Chauffeur driven Rolls Royce BMW available at a charge or helicopter transfers
7. ROYAL SUITE
The stately and opulent Royal Suite on the 25th floor is the last word in luxury, with its lavishly appointed interiors, majestic colour scheme and sumptuous furnishings. (as stated on the official website)
- Area: 780 sq. mts - Location : 25th floor - Exclusive privileges - Private elevator, private cinema - Special features - Marble and gold staircase, leopard print tufted carpets, Carrarra marble flooring and mahogany furniture - Lower level - Dining area, Arabic majlis (reception) style lounge and library - Upper level - Master bedroom with rotating four-poster canopy bed and second bedroom, each with adjoining marble bathrooms with spa bath, walk-in shower, fine porcelain fittings and full sized Hermes 24 - Faubourg fragrances and body products - Occupancy - 4 Adults and 2 Children below the age of 12, or 5 Adults (only) - Transport - Chauffeur driven Rolls Royce BMW available at a charge or helicopter transfers
All the suites look exciting and glamorous, but are in fact for most everyday people too expensive. The $1000 suite, which is in fact the cheapest would be the best solution. However, if you do not prefer to stay in the hotel you can opt to just visit the place, which is why it is known as an attraction. It would cost you approximately £200 to visit and there is a very specific dress code. The dress code states that all visitors and also people staying should wear 'smart casual' clothes that are non revealing. You have to also consider that you have to book in advance to get close to the exclusive Burj Al Arab.
For more information visit the official website, where you can book suites.
Link to official website: http://www.burj-al-arab.com/
Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed my review and also didn't get bored.
(+) Beautiful beach hotel in the most buzzing area of Dubai! (-) There is still construction surrounding the hotel, but everywhere has to start somewhere.
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