The Burj Al Arab stands on an artificial island just off Jumeirah Street in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Its sail-like form, which gives it the nicknames The Sail and the Sail Hotel, makes it one of the most recognisable buildings in the city. It is a hotel, and it is also a landmark that many visitors come to see from the outside as well as the inside.
What makes it distinctive
The building is described as the world's only seven-star hotel, a label that signals how strongly it is associated with luxury in Dubai. Its architecture is the main draw: the curved, billowing shape rises from the water and is often photographed from the shoreline and nearby roads. It is widely seen as an emblem of the emirate's ambition in design and hospitality.
What a visit is like
- Viewing the tower from the shore, especially in the evening when it is lit, is the simplest way to experience it.
- The setting on an artificial island gives it a striking position against the sea.
- Those planning to go inside should contact the hotel in advance on +971 4 301 7777 to ask about access and arrangements.
Around it
Jumeirah Street runs along a stretch of Dubai's coast, so a trip to the Burj Al Arab can be combined with time spent along the shore and in the wider city. It suits visitors interested in architecture, the skyline and Dubai's reputation for high-end hotels, and it makes a fitting stop for anyone wanting to see one of the city's best-known symbols up close.
