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Burj Al-Arab is a luxury hotel on an artificial island 280 meters offshore in Dubai, managed by Jumeirah. The distinctive sail-shaped tower, designed by Tom Wright and opened in December 1999, stands 321 meters tall and houses 199 exclusive suites. The hotel is currently undergoing a comprehensive restoration by French architect Tristan Auer, which began in April 2026 and is expected to last approximately 18 months.
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The hotel occupies an artificial island constructed 280 meters offshore from Dubai's coast, connected to the mainland by a private bridge. The site was formerly Chicago Beach, named after the Chicago Bridge & Iron Company, which operated there welding large floating tanks locally known as Kazzans. Construction of the island required three years of land reclamation and involved driving 230 concrete piles, each 40 meters long, into the sand. The building rests on this reinforced foundation surrounded by a concrete honeycomb pattern to protect against erosion.
The hotel's distinctive sail-shaped silhouette was designed by British architect Tom Wright of the consultancy Atkins. The structure stands 321 meters tall with a 180-meter atrium at its core. Construction required over 70,000 cubic meters of concrete and 9,000 tons of steel. The interior was designed by Khuan Chew and John Carolan of KCA International, featuring materials including gold leaf, Statuario marble, and Swarovski crystal.
The ongoing restoration by French architect Tristan Auer preserves the hotel's original sail-shaped design while introducing contemporary comfort and discreet technological upgrades. The approach maintains the building's bold décor and intricate craftsmanship while refining the flow and elevating details throughout the property.
The hotel contains 199 exclusive suites, each allocated eight dedicated staff members and 24-hour butler service. Suite sizes range from 169 square meters for the smallest to 780 square meters for the largest. Each suite incorporates the hotel's interior design by Khuan Chew, featuring gold leaf, marble, and crystal finishes.
The hotel operates six restaurants. Al Muntaha, meaning 'The Ultimate,' is located 200 meters above the Persian Gulf and accessed by a panoramic elevator, supported by a cantilever extending 27 meters on either side. Al Mahara, meaning 'Oyster,' is accessed via a simulated submarine voyage and features a seawater aquarium containing 990,000 liters of water, with an acrylic glass wall 18 centimeters thick.
The property includes a private beach and a helipad located at 210 meters above ground on the building's 28th floor. The helipad has hosted a tennis match between Roger Federer and Andre Agassi, as well as athletic stunts by Red Bull athletes. The hotel's distinctive architecture and offshore location make it a recognizable landmark in Dubai.
Editorial verification: Burj al-Arab is affiliated with Jumeirah; this was confirmed on the brand's own website or hotel list, and the hotel was matched to its official website by our editorial board.
Burj Al-Arab is located on an artificial island 280 meters offshore from Dubai's coast in the United Arab Emirates. The hotel is connected to the mainland by a private bridge.
The hotel contains 199 exclusive suites ranging in size from 169 square meters to 780 square meters. Each suite includes eight dedicated staff members and 24-hour butler service.
The hotel has six restaurants. Al Muntaha is located 200 meters above the Persian Gulf and accessed by a panoramic elevator. Al Mahara features a seawater aquarium with 990,000 liters of water and is accessed via a simulated submarine voyage.
The hotel's distinctive sail-shaped design was created by architect Tom Wright and resembles a dhow sail. Standing 321 meters tall, it was constructed on an artificial island using 230 concrete piles and contains over 70,000 cubic meters of concrete.
The hotel is temporarily closed for a comprehensive restoration that began in April 2026 and is expected to last approximately 18 months. The restoration preserves the original design while introducing contemporary comfort.
The helipad is located at 210 meters above ground on the building's 28th floor. It has hosted notable events including a tennis match between Roger Federer and Andre Agassi, as well as athletic stunts by Red Bull athletes.
Burj al-Arab is affiliated with Jumeirah; this was confirmed on the brand's own website or hotel list, and the hotel was matched to its official website by our editorial board.
Burj al-Arab is in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Address: P.O.Box 74147, Umm Suqeim 3, Dubai, Dubai Emirate, United Arab Emirates.
| Location | Dubai, United Arab Emirates |
|---|---|
| Address | P.O.Box 74147, Umm Suqeim 3, Dubai, Dubai Emirate, United Arab Emirates |
| Brand / alliance | Jumeirah |
| Official website | jumeirah.com |
| Area guide | Umm Suqeim luxury hotels |
| Verified | by the editorial board |
Sources: jumeirah.com/en/stay/dubai/jumeirah-burj-al-arab-a-jumeirah-icon · en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burj_Al_Arab
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Hotel data: Wikidata (CC0), OpenStreetMap (ODbL), official websites.
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