Burj Al Arab - Dubai, United Arab Emirates
What is it - The transition of the Emirate of Dubai into a top 10 world tourist destination is one of the most amazing economic development stories of the 20th century. An important symbol of that achievement was the construction of the iconic Burj Al Arab Hotel on a man-made island located just offshore in the Persian Gulf under the direction of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid , the present ruler of the royal Maktoum family.
The Sheikh directed his architects and contractors to design a building that would become an attraction in and of itself. He wanted the building to represent the image of Dubai worldwide like the Statue of Liberty in New York or Eiffel Tower in Paris. After spending a reported $1to $2 billion, they succeeded in creating an unique structure that looks like the white and blue sails of a sleek dhow or a J class racing yacht rising more than 1,000 feet out of the water by day, and like a lighted lantern drifting down from the sky at night. The hotel is one of the tallest in the world and is visible throughout Dubai across the flat landscape of the city and surrounding desert areas. The engineering required for the construction is truly impressive when you consider that the hotel was built on reclaimed land near the shore, hundreds of steel pilings had to be driven into the sand to secure the immense structure, and some parts of the building including its parking garage are located in an underwater basement.
Amenities for the Rich and Famous
To describe the difference between the Burj Al Arab and other showcase hotels, one journalist designated it as a seven-star hotel when it opened even though hotel classifications range from one star to five stars. The amenities of the project certainly surpassed virtually all competitors. The hotel was built with approximately 200 suites each of which contain two stories and a minimum of 7,200 feet of space. Rooms cost between $1500 and $6,000 per night depending on the season and size of the room.
Among the special amenities available for guests are a helipad on an upper floor, a fleet of chauffeured Rolls- Royce cars for transportation, a private beach and the nearby Jumeirah Beach Marina. Inside there are nine chic restaurants, lounges and bars including one at the top of the building and another which serves an excellent Arabian buffet. The interior décor is very colorful with elaborate designs and lots of gold leaf. The most prominent features are the interior atrium which rises to the top of the building and an explosive fountain. Some critics feel that the design of the hotel’s interior does not fit with the elegant exterior. The entrance is somewhat underwhelming because you come into the hotel and then go up two large escalators to the main lobby. Nevertheless, guest reviews of the hotel and the service there are strong. The hotel is popular with Chinese, Russian, and Arab guests.
How to Visit the Hotel
Unless you want to pay for a room, there are two ways to see the Burj Al Arab. Access to the gated entrance road is limited so tourist buses and curious visitors line up near Jumeirah Beach or the Wild Wadi water park to view the surroundings and take some beautiful pictures. The other alternative is to go on a city tour that includes a meal at the hotel or make a reservation in the elegant Skyview Bar for its famous afternoon tea. We arranged to see the Burj Al Arab by booking a tour through our hotel which included a lunch at the Arabian buffet which was held in a large banquet room high up in the hotel. The food was excellent, but our view was somewhat restricted by the drawn curtains. Although visitors cannot tour the hotel, you can sit in the lobby to take pictures or have a drink and see the hotel and its guests in action.
When to go - Dubai is a popular destination throughout the year but particularly from November to April when temperatures are comfortable, and the beaches provide a respite from northern climates. Since there are so many indoor air-conditioned attractions in Dubai, people also travel there from May to September when outdoor temperatures can exceed 100 degrees.
How to Get Here - Dubai has one of the largest airport hubs in the world which is served by the Emirates Air flagship airline. Emirates offers direct service from 9 cities in the United States with competitive economy fares and comfortable seating. Another alternative is to fly on Etihad Airways which lands 60 minutes away in Abu Dhabi. Numerous other carriers fly direct to Dubai from European hubs. Once you arrive in Dubai, traveling to the Burj Al Arab by taxi or viewing it from the beach if you are staying in the area is convenient.
Cost - The cost for an extraordinary afternoon tea with a panoramic view from the Skyview Bar at the Burj Al Arab is approximately $150 per person.