Burj al-Arab Building

Address: Jumeirah St, Umm Suqeim 3, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Website: https://www.jumeirah.com/en/stay/dubai/burj-al-arab-jumeirah

Hours: Hotel operates 24/7; non-resident access restricted to booked experiences (check official site for timings and prices)

Admission: No public access to non-guests except for pre-booked experiences; non-resident visitors usually enter via booking (afternoon tea or dining fees apply; prices vary)

The Burj al-Arab is a luxury hotel in Dubai built on an artificial island and noted for its sail-shaped design. It opened in 1999 and is one of the city’s most recognisable modern landmarks.

The hotel contains 202 duplex suites, high-end restaurants and event spaces, and a prominent helipad near the upper levels. Much of the building’s profile and facilities are designed to emphasise luxury hospitality rather than public tourist display.

Designed by Tom Wright and built for the Jumeirah group, construction took place in the 1990s on a specially formed island linked to the Jumeirah coast by a private bridge. Since opening it has functioned as a private luxury hotel and event venue.

The hotel stands on the Jumeirah shoreline of Dubai, immediately off the city’s coastal road and within the Emirate of Dubai. It is close to other beachfront developments and is readily visible from the Jumeirah public coastline.

• Access and location: The building stands on a man-made island and is connected to the Jumeirah Beach coastline by a private bridge; public access to the hotel interior is generally by prior booking for dining or tours.
• Height and design: The hotel is 321 metres tall and is noted for its sail-shaped silhouette and the large arching structure that defines its skyline presence.

What to See#

• Helipad: A circular helipad located near the tower top, used for VIP arrivals and special events and visible from the waterfront.
• Suites: A collection of duplex suites, including a pair of very large premium suites, making up a total of 202 guest suites in the hotel.
• Signature restaurants: High-end restaurants and private dining venues occupying several floors, including aquarium or underwater-themed dining spaces on the lower levels.

Located on its own artificial island off Jumeirah Beach Road. From Dubai International Airport, it’s about a 20-35 minute drive depending on traffic. Taxis and private cars are the most practical option; the Dubai Metro’s nearest station is Mall of the Emirates (then a short taxi ride).

• Book well in advance for a table or afternoon tea - walk-ins are rarely accepted for non-hotel guests.
• Take the coastal path viewpoint for classic photos of the sail-shaped hotel with Dubai Marina in the background.
• If budget is an issue, many views of the hotel are available from public beaches and Jumeirah public walkways without paying hotel prices.