The Burj Al Arab stands alongside the Burj Khalifa as one of the most iconic buildings in Dubai, celebrated for its striking, modern architecture. This extraordinary hotel has earned the nickname "7-star hotel" due to its unparalleled luxury and exceptional facilities.

Visitors are often amazed by the hotel’s grandeur, and for those planning a luxury vacation in Dubai, the Burj Al Arab remains the top choice. Here are some fascinating facts about this iconic hotel that you may not know.

18th Tallest Building in Dubai

Although it may appear to be shorter, the Burj Al Arab is a towering structure, standing at 321 meters tall, making it one of the tallest buildings in Dubai. This height surpasses even New York City's famous Empire State Building, showcasing the Burj Al Arab's monumental presence in Dubai's skyline.

Five Years of Construction

Construction of this architectural marvel began in 1994. The initial two years were dedicated to creating the island foundation on which the hotel would sit, while the remaining three years were spent building the hotel itself. This ambitious project required incredible planning and engineering to ensure the building could stand strong on its artificial island.

A Hotel of Records

Once holding the title of the tallest hotel in the world, the Burj Al Arab has since been surpassed by three other hotels in Dubai. However, the Burj Al Arab continues to make waves in the world record books. In 2008, it set a Guinness World Record for the most expensive, priced at over 27,000 AED. Additionally, in 2016, the hotel made headlines again when it broke the record for the largest tin of caviar, containing 17kg of Empress caviar – the world’s only fully certified organic caviar.

Built on an Artificial Island

The Burj Al Arab is the world’s first skyscraper constructed on a man-made island, positioned 280 meters off the Dubai coastline. Guests can access the hotel via a private, curving bridge that stretches 340 meters.

To preserve the views and prevent shading the beach, the hotel was intentionally designed to avoid casting a shadow on the shore. The creation of the island took three years to complete, while the hotel itself was constructed in less than three years.

The Largest Swarovski Crystal Ceiling

One of the most visually stunning features of the Burj Al Arab is the Japanese restaurant Junsui, where the ceiling is adorned with more than 21,000 Swarovski crystals. This magnificent installation represents the Milky Way and is valued at over 1.3 million AED, adding a touch of celestial beauty to the already luxurious surroundings.

World's Most Expensive Hotel Suites

Despite the vast size of the Burj Al Arab, it only offers 202 suites, each more luxurious than the last. Even the smallest suite spans 169 square meters, while the largest occupies a staggering 780 square meters.

The Royal Suite is one of the world’s most expensive hotel rooms, priced at over 102,000 AED per night. This makes it one of the most sought-after accommodations for those who want to experience ultimate luxury in the heart of Dubai.

An Underwater Dining Experience

In addition to the hotel's sky-high restaurant, the Burj Al Arab also features an extraordinary underwater dining venue called Al Mahara. Guests access the restaurant through a simulated underwater journey, passing through an immense aquarium that holds around 990,000 liters of water.

The tank's wall is made of thick acrylic glass, about 7 inches in thickness, to withstand the immense pressure of the water. This one-of-a-kind dining experience offers a breathtaking view of marine life as you dine in luxury.

The Highest Helipad in Dubai

Another remarkable feature of the Burj Al Arab is its helipad, located on a platform near the roof. Perched at an incredible height of 689 feet above the ground, this helipad is one of the highest in Dubai and is often used for dramatic helicopter arrivals and departures. The helipad is also featured in several high-profile events, including a famous tennis match played by Andre Agassi and Roger Federer.

The Burj Al Arab is not just a hotel; it is a symbol of luxury, innovation, and architectural brilliance. From its world-record-setting to its underwater restaurant, every aspect of the Burj Al Arab is designed to impress. Whether you are staying in one of its opulent suites or dining under the sea, this iconic hotel promises an unforgettable experience in the heart of Dubai.

How Burj Al Arab Became a Symbol of Arabian Luxury

Video by Interesting Engineering