Jumeirah Burj Al Arab is one of the world’s most recognisable hotels, its sail-shaped structure just off the coast of Dubai standing as a symbol of the city. But it’s not just the outside that has made the hotel famous; inside, its design is equally as distinctive, thanks to gold-laden hallways, shark-filled aquariums and a towering atrium. More than 25 years after it first opened its doors in December 1999, the hotel has just closed for 18 months of restoration works, helping to restore, upgrade and preserve its famously opulent interiors. As we bid farewell to the Burj Al Arab as we know it, we take a look at some of the most impressive facts about this Dubai icon.
Its iconic design was born on the back of a napkin
When British architect Tom Wright first dreamt up the Burj Al Arab’s famous structure, he was sitting at the Chicago Beach Hotel, which once occupied the sands where the Burj now sits, staring out across the Arabian Gulf. Inspired by the shape of the sail of a traditional dhow, he sketched his vision on the back of a napkin – the first glimpse of what would go on to become a symbol of the city.
It was once the world’s tallest hotel
Standing at 321 metres, Burj Al Arab was the world’s tallest hotel upon opening, although it passed the title to another Dubai hotel in 2006, when Rose Rayhaan by Rotana opened on Sheikh Zayed Road, standing at 333 metres. The title has changed hands many times since, but it’s back in Dubai as of November 2025 following the opening of 377-metre-tall Ciel Dubai Marina, currently the world’s tallest hotel.
And its atrium is still the tallest of its kind in the world
It may have lost its world’s tallest hotel title but its towering 180-metre atrium, stretching up through the hollow centre of the sail-shaped structure, has maintained its crown as the world’s tallest atrium of its kind and it makes for quite the showstopping entrance.
The aquarium is home to more than 4,000 marine animals
Speaking of showstopping entrances, it’s not just the atrium that wows guests on arrival. Guests are also greeted by a living reef aquarium, occupied by more than 4,000 marine animals, with 400 species of fish, rays and sharks living in harmony. The aquarium is visible from the lobby but also acts as a backdrop for the hotel’s underwater restaurant, Ristorante L'Olivo at Al Mahara.
It stands on a private, manmade island
While it may look like a part of Dubai’s Jumeirah coastline, Burj Al Arab actually sits just off it, on a purpose-built island 280 metres from the coastline. The island is held in place by 230 concrete piles, driven 40 metres deep into the seabed. A winding, private causeway connects the island to the mainland.
Inside, there’s close to 1,800 square metres of 24-carat gold leaf
The Burj Al Arab is known for its opulence, thanks in no small part to the 1,790 square metres of 24-carat gold leaf shimmering across its interior surfaces. Magpie-eyed travellers will spot it everywhere, from grand columns in the lobby to its grand atrium and aptly named 27th-floor bar, Gilt.
As well as 86,500 hand-fixed Swarovski crystals
And it’s not just the gold that sparkles. Across the hotel, there are more than 86,000 hand-fixed Swarovski crystals, found adorning the ceilings, dripping from chandeliers and framing mirrors.
Over 30 different types of Statuario marble are used throughout the hotel
If it was good enough for Michelangelo, it’s good enough for the Burj. There are more than 30 different types of Statuario marble used for the hotel’s walls and floors – the same material used to create some of the artist’s most famous sculptures, from La Pietà to David.
All rooms are two-storey suites
There are no standard rooms here. All 198 of Burj Al Arab’s suites are duplexes, stretching up over two storeys, with a sweeping, gold-laden staircase at their centre. Double-height windows ensure panoramic views, either back across the city or out towards the open Arabian Gulf. Each comes with its own private butler.
Guests receive Hermès fragrances at turndown
In-room amenities are suitably lavish. All toiletries are Hermès (and include a full-sized eau de parfum for him and her to take home), as well as mini fragrances left on the pillow at turndown.
The hotel’s ‘seven-star’ label is unofficial
The first travel writers to visit after opening its doors in 1999 labelled it a “seven-star” hotel, claiming five-star was not enough to do it justice. The unofficial label has stuck, setting a bar for luxury hotels across the world.
There’s a Michelin-star restaurant on site
There are seven on-site restaurants, as well as gold-laden sky bar, Gilt, and a dessert shop. French-Italian restaurant Al Muntaha from chef Sbaragli was awarded a Michelin star in Dubai’s 2023 guide.
Hotel guests can access a private island via a yacht
In 2025, Jumeirah debuted Cape Morris, a private island at the edge of the World Islands accessible only to guests of Burj Al Arab, or villa and suite guests at other Jumeirah properties, with a starting cost of Dh35,000 ($9,500). A private yacht is required to get there, which of course, is all part of the experience.
And can also be chauffeured in a Rolls-Royce
Or, for those who prefer to stay on land but require an equally luxurious transfer, a Rolls-Royce chauffeur can be arranged for airport transfers, intercity trips or rented by the hour.
There’s a helipad on the roof
And for those who really want to arrive in style, there’s a helipad on the roof. The circular platform has played host to many Dubai cultural moments over the years, from a DJ set by David Guetta to a tennis rally between Roger Federer and Andre Agassi.
