How It's Built: Burj Al Arab
Have you ever dreamed of living like royalty? The Burj Al Arab is a luxury hotel located in the city of Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and is a place to make those dreams come true. The Burj Al Arab stands as one of the tallest hotels in the world (5th to be exact), with sixty-one percent of the building made up of occupiable space which is a significant feat. The hotel sits on an artificial island that is 280m from Jumeirah Beach and is connected to the mainland by a private curving bridge.
Building the Burj Al Arab Hotel
The luxury hotel was designed by the multidisciplinary consultancy Atkins and was led by architect Tom Wright. Canadian engineer Rick Gregory, of WS Atkins, managed the design and construction of the structure. Construction on the building began in 1994 and involved 2000 construction workers during its busiest construction period.
The shape of the hotel is inspired by and designed to resemble the sail of a ship. More specifically, the billowing spinnaker sail of a J-class yacht. The hotel was built by Concor and Al Habtoor Engineering, previously known as Murray & Roberts, while the interior design was led and created by Khuan Chew and John Coralan of KCA international. Irish architect Rebecca Gernon designed the hotel’s helipad (would it really be a luxury hotel without a helipad?) that has many versatile uses including serving as a car race track, a boxing ring, a tennis court, and the jumping-off point for the highest kite surfing jump in history.
Due to several unique features of the hotel, complex engineering was required to achieve this spectacular structure. Because the hotel rests on an island, to secure a foundation, builders drove 230, 40 meter-long concrete pillars into the sand. Engineers then created a ground surface layer of large rocks, circled by a concrete honeycomb pattern, which protects the foundation from erosion.
The building contains over 70,000 cubic meters of concrete and 9,000 tons of steel. Inside the building is an 18 storied atrium which is enclosed by 12 individually tensioned two-layer membrane panels from the north-facing façade. The 202 duplex suite hotel opened on December 1, 1999.
How Much is Burj Al Arab Per Night?
To book one of the regular suites, prices typically start at just over $2000 USD, varying based on different suite options. The outrageously lavish and dazzling royal suite, however, costs a whopping $24,000 a night. It is the 12th most expensive hotel suite in the world, taking up two floors, and dazzles you from the minute you walk off your private elevator and open the doors. The royal suite also features an impressive gold and marble stairway and huge pillars that are covered in 22-karat gold.
Is Burj Al Arab a 7-Star Hotel?
The Burj Al Arab hotel is a five-star hotel, which is the highest official ranking a hotel can receive. However, the hotel has been made famous in the world as “the only 7-star hotel” for its tremendous service, the luxury and prestige of its rooms, excellent restaurants, and much more. The term 7-star was created by a journalist who attended the opening of the Burj Al Arab who felt that the standard five stars didn’t do the decadence of this hotel justice.
Is Burj Al Arab Worth the Money?
Well, it depends on what you classify as worth the money. If it’s your dream to visit some of the nicest hotels in the world, then definitely pay this hotel a visit. If you’re interested in the design and architecture of the building or are curious to find out more about how it was built, it might be worth checking out if you’re ever in the area.
For those of you who can afford to splurge on this luxury hotel, the view is the first argument for why this place is worth it. From the point of arrival, you are surrounded by the hotel's show-stopping scenery and beautiful design. Each suite is as ornate and opulent as you would expect from a seven-star hotel in Dubai, featuring touches of gold, marble, and silk all throughout your suite.
As if the room wasn’t already luxurious enough, your room features a pillow menu with 17 different options to choose from. Furthermore, rooms are equipped with 18 karat gold-plated iPads used to summon your private butler or just to order room service from. Bathroom toiletries are from none other than Hermès, the hotel features two indoor pools and 3 outdoor pools and has nine restaurants on-site, so there are plenty of dining options. Over the top? Maybe. Tempting? Completely.
Can anyone go to Burj Al Arab?
The Burj Al Arab is a private hotel and only guests can visit the building. However, if you are not staying at the hotel, you can book a dining reservation at one of its restaurants. This would be the cheapest way to enjoy the luxury of the hotel and feel like royalty for a moment.
Architecture in Dubai
It is no surprise that the luxurious Burj Al Arab is located in the city of Dubai. Dubai’s vast culture, heritage, explosive growth, and development of the city is reflected in its architecture. Dubai is home to many buildings including the Burj Al Arab, the Burj Khalifa, and many more. All that’s left to ask is: What will be Dubai’s next big project?
