The highest an one of the most luxurious hotels in the world soon after opening in December 1999 became the irreplaceable symbol of Dubai.
The big sail situated on its own artificial island 290 m from the coast during the day gets the bright white colour from teflon and light fiber cover, and during the night sinks in the flood of colourful lights.
At the bottom the fire goes from four oil-shaft like big pipes, symbols of Emirates natural resources, and also from the water fountain. The fountain called ‘volcano’ indeed spits the water through the fire not ceasing it at all – this unique combination of the opposite powers in very common here.
The island is connected with the land by the long causeway, at the beginning of which the guards check the guests. To enter you need to have a reservation at least in one of the hotel restaurants or cafes.
The Burj al Arab (Tower of the Arabs) is the work of architect Thomas Wills Wright and the engineering team from WS Atkins, who were told to create the building that will be the easy to recognize icon of Dubai similar like Opera House for Sydney or Statue of Liberty for New York. The hotel cost US$650 million to build.
The Burj is 321 meters high and is the tallest stand-alone hotel structure in the world, yet it will be soon surpassed by 333 m high Rose Rotana Suites ( Rose Tower) located also in Dubai.
The interior of the highest atrium in the world ( 182 m ) designed by Kuan Chew from KCA International features the stylish carpets, golden and silver interiors. The surface of 1 600 square meters ( mostly ceilings ) has been covered with 24-carat gold.
There are about 1,500 workers employed for the one of few 7-star hotels in the world.
For guest disposal there are prepared 10 white Rolls-Royce limousines, and the helicopter that could take the guests directly from the airport to the landing atop of the hotel. The heliport has been used once by Tiger Woods as a golf green, and changed into the tennis court witnessed meeting of Andre Agassi and Roger Federer.
No reception, the guests are taken directly not to rooms, actually, but two level apartments with rotated canopy bed, plasma TV screen, floor to wall windows overlooking the Persian Gulf even with a separate entrance for the personal butler.
Restaurants (the reservation is necessary):
Al Muntaha
Al Muntaha means ‘The Ultimate’ or ‘The Top’ in Arabic which corresponds to the fact that the restaurant is located on 27th Floor, 200 m above the sea level.
There are spectacular views from the panoramic lift running at speed 6 m/s and from the restaurant itself.
Dress: elegant
Cuisine: Contemporary European Cuisine
everyday 12.30-15.00 and 19.00-23.30
Telephone: +971 4 3017600
Fax: +971 4 3016076
Skyview Bar
The bar is also on 27th floor adjaced to Al Muntaha restaurant
Mon – Sun 11.00am – 2.00am
Cuisine: Cocktail Lounge
Tel: +971 4 3017600
Fax: +971 4 3016076
Al Mahara
To this underground restaurant the guests are taken by the special submarine lift with the real captain. the tables are situated around the central transparent column, which serves also as an aquarium with more than 50 exotic fish and marine creatures.
Dress: semi-formal , jacket for dinner
Cuisine: Contemporary seafood cuisine
everyday 12.30-15.00 and 19.00-23.30
Telephone: +971 4 3017600
Fax: +971 4 3016076