Standing tall on a man-made island, Dubai's Burj Al Arab is a luxurious resort and a landscaping monument
Located on Dubai’s Jumeirah Beach strip, the unique sail-shaped building of Burj Al Arab makes it Dubai’s most recognisable landmark. Standing 280 meters offshore on a man-made island, the luxurious resort forms part of The Jumeirah Beach Resort complex and has been described as the most opulent hotel in the world.
Rising from the Arabian Gulf and soaring to a height of 321 metres, Burj Al Arab is the tallest all-suite hotel in the world. A masterpiece of contemporary architecture, it is linked to the mainland by a slender, gently curving causeway and stands proud as one of the tallest buildings in the world and the tallest single structure on a man-made island.
Designed in the shape of a billowing Arabian dhow sail, Burj Al Arab has established itself as a palace-like haven and a world-class and inspirational landscape structure.
It took two years to reclaim the land from the sea and just under three years to construct the iconic building. The concept architect behind the project was Thomas Willis Wright, with construction by WS Atkins Partners Overseas.
The sail proved a technical challenge, featuring a double-skinned, Teflon-coated woven glass fibre screen across its ribbed belly. A dazzling white by day, it transforms to display a spectrum of colour at night, and marks the first time such technology has been used vertically to such a form and extent in any building world-wide.
70,000 cubic metres of concrete and more than 9,000 tons of steel were employed in the construction of the tower. And to secure the man-made island, 250 foundation piles have been driven 40 metres into the sea bed.
The interior of Burj Al Arab is just as fascinating as the exterior, with the inside of the resort evocative of an Arabian fantasy. The lobby is carpeted in a rich combination of vibrant colours and lavish materials, with chairs and sofas upholstered in flame-reds and yellows to continue the theme. The mezzanine fountain, a kaleidoscope of colour and patterns, is programmed to shoot a water column up to 32 metres in the air, drawing the eye up the gold columns to the triangular blue ceiling 180 metres away. The resort’s spacious interior is heightened by the huge panoramic windows, which afford impressive views of the Arabian Gulf.
The resort features 202 duplex suites, six award-winning signature bars and restaurants, including an underwater-themed restaurant featuring a huge aquarium surrounding the dining areas, a swimming pool and a spa and health club.
Few places in the world compare with Dubai. A vibrant and cosmopolitan city, Dubai retains a warm cultural heart within a strikingly contemporary landscape. The Burj Al Arab, with its innovative design and iconic presence, has taken landscape design and construction to a whole new level.
Contact
Burj Al Arab
Ph: +9714 301 7777
Web: www.jumeirah.com
Project Particulars
Concept Architect: Thomas Willis Wright
Construction: WS Atkins Partners Overseas
Interior Designers: KCA International (led by Kuan Chew)
