Construction of Dubai’s Burj Al Arab began 30 years ago this month. Today, the five-star hotel stands as an extraordinary testament to modern engineering and luxury hospitality.
Located on an artificial island off the coast of Jumeirah, the world-famous hotel was conceived by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, to redefine the city's skyline. Designed by British architect Tom Wright, construction began on July 8, 1994, and was completed in December 1999.
The project presented significant engineering challenges, including the need to create a stable foundation on the offshore site using 230 concrete piles, each 40 meters in length. These were topped with a massive concrete raft weighing more than 70,000 tonnes.
The construction team faced additional challenges related to the logistics of building on an island. Materials, equipment and labourers had to be transported to the site efficiently and safely. Specialised construction techniques were employed to handle the unique conditions presented by the marine environment, including the use of non-corrosive materials and protective coatings to safeguard against the harsh coastal elements.
It took two years to construct the artificial island and an additional three years to complete the building itself.
Burj Al Arab is recognisable for its sail-shaped silhouette, one that has been used on Dubai's car number plates for years. Clad in a double-layered Teflon-coated woven fibreglass fabric, the building's facade not only provides structural support but also reflects the changing colours of the sea and sky.
Since its inauguration, Burj Al Arab has set numerous world records. Standing at 321 meters, it held the title of the world's tallest hotel at the time of its completion and remains one of the tallest globally.
A unique feature of the design is its 180-metre atrium, one of the highest in the world. Glass elevators traverse this space, giving guests stunning views as they ascend to their rooms. For accommodation, the hotel offers 202 duplex suites, each designed to exude luxury and elegance. Inside the hotel is the largest Swarovski crystal ceiling in the world, where an installation worth Dh1.3 million ($353,982), recreated the Milky Way by using 21,000 crystals.
Created by London-based interior designer Khuan Chew, the interiors feature lavish materials such as gold leaf, marble and intricate mosaics. Chew explored Arab poetry, science and astronomy for inspiration, with her designs centring on the theme of "desert life". The hotel's interiors were meticulously planned in segments, focusing on the concept of the four elements: earth, air, fire and water.
The hotel's helipad has frequently attracted global attention. In 2004, professional golfer Tiger Woods famously teed off from the helipad. The following year, tennis legends Andre Agassi and Roger Federer played a match on a makeshift court. In 2013, table tennis champions Ma Long and Liu Shiwen made history by playing the first table tennis match on the platform. In 2017, professional kitesurfer Nick Jacobsen achieved a world first by jumping off the helipad with his kiteboard.
Despite many newer and bigger hotels and structures being built since its opening, Burj Al Arab remains a global landmark of Dubai, one that also symbolises the incredible ambition and vision needed to build a city of architectural wonders.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The cost of Covid testing around the world
Egypt
Dh514 for citizens; Dh865 for tourists
Information can be found through VFS Global.
Jordan
Dh212
Centres include the Speciality Hospital, which now offers drive-through testing.
Cambodia
Dh478
Travel tests are managed by the Ministry of Health and National Institute of Public Health.
Zanzibar
AED 295
Zanzibar Public Health Emergency Operations Centre, located within the Lumumba Secondary School compound.
Abu Dhabi
Dh85
Abu Dhabi’s Seha has test centres throughout the UAE.
UK
From Dh400
Heathrow Airport now offers drive through and clinic-based testing, starting from Dh400 and up to Dh500 for the PCR test.
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
Brief scores:
Manchester United 4
Young 13', Mata 28', Lukaku 42', Rashford 82'
Fulham 1
Kamara 67' (pen),
Red card: Anguissa (68')
Man of the match: Juan Mata (Man Utd)
Washmen Profile
Date Started: May 2015
Founders: Rami Shaar and Jad Halaoui
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Laundry
Employees: 170
Funding: about $8m
Funders: Addventure, B&Y Partners, Clara Ventures, Cedar Mundi Partners, Henkel Ventures
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Starring: Rose, Jisoo, Jennie, Lisa
Directors: Min Geun, Oh Yoon-Dong
Rating: 3/5
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Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea
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Director: M. Night Shyamalan
Rating: 5/5
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Company%20Profile
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Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
