Burj Al Arab
The sail-shaped hotel on its own island off Jumeirah Beach — 321 metres tall, opened in 1999, and the building that made Dubai's skyline famous.
Burj Al Arab stands on an artificial island 280 metres off Jumeirah Beach, connected to the shore by a private curved bridge. Its Teflon-coated fibreglass sail rises 321 metres, which made it the tallest hotel in the world when it opened in December 1999. The 'seven-star' label was coined by a journalist, not the hotel, but it stuck.
Can you go inside?
Not as a walk-in. The bridge is guarded, and only guests and people with a confirmed restaurant, afternoon-tea, spa or 'Inside Burj Al Arab' tour booking pass. The guided tour (about 90 minutes) shows the atrium, a Royal Suite and the helipad terrace; afternoon tea at Sahn Eddar or Skyview Bar is the classic way to see the gold-leaf interior with a view.
Where to photograph it
- Jumeirah Public Beach / Sunset Beach: the postcard angle with the sail and the sea, best in the last hour before sunset.
- Madinat Jumeirah's waterways and Souk Madinat terraces: the sail framed by wind towers.
- From the water: yacht and dhow cruises from Dubai Marina pass close to the island.
- Kite Beach and Jumeirah Beach Hotel's pier for a side profile.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, with a restaurant, afternoon tea, spa or guided tour reservation shown at the bridge; casual visits are not allowed.
