The Burj Al Arab
The famous sail-shaped hotel of Dubai - a soaring symbol of the city's ambition rising from its own island, one of the most photographed and luxurious buildings in the world.
Updated 23 October 2026
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The Burj Al Arab is the famous symbol of Dubai, a soaring hotel shaped like the billowing sail of a dhow, rising 321 metres from its own artificial island off the Jumeirah coast. A byword for opulence and often dubbed the world's most luxurious hotel, its striking silhouette, lit in colour by night, embodies the city's soaring ambition, and it is among the most photographed buildings on earth. The hotel closed in 2026 for its first full restoration, announced by its operator in April 2026 and planned to take eighteen months, with reopening expected in October 2027; until then it is a building to look at from outside.
History
The hotel was designed by the consultancy Atkins under the architect Tom Wright, whose translucent fibreglass facade shades the building by day and is lit as a screen by night. It was built by Murray & Roberts with Al Habtoor Engineering on an artificial island 280 m from Jumeirah Beach and opened on 1 December 1999; in April 2026 Jumeirah announced its first major restoration, expected to last around 18 months (Wikipedia, Burj Al Arab).
What you'll find
- The sail silhouette - the famous dhow-sail shape rising from the sea.
- The night illumination - the tower lit in shifting colours after dark.
- The beach views - the classic view from the Jumeirah public beach.
- The luxury interior - the gilded lobby, closed with the hotel until its reopening, expected in October 2027.
When to go
November to March for pleasant weather; the classic free view is from the nearby Jumeirah public beach, lovely at sunset and after dark when the tower is lit. The interior is closed during the restoration, expected to end in October 2027.
Things to know
The hotel is closed for restoration until about October 2027, so for now everyone admires and photographs it from the nearby public beach, which is free and gives the best view. When it is open the interior is reserved for hotel guests or those with a restaurant booking or a pricey tour, and both the hotel and its dining are extremely expensive.
Nearby
The Madinat Jumeirah souk, the Wild Wadi water park and the Palm Jumeirah are close.
Key facts
Source: Wikidata, item Q62939, read on 18 October 2026.
What to pack for The Burj Al Arab
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
- Comfortable walking shoes - Sightseeing means kilometres of pavement and cobbles daily. Find on Amazon
- A slim anti-theft daypack - Zips that close properly; keep it in front in crowds and on transit. Find on Amazon
- A refillable water bottle - Many cities have public fountains; save money and plastic. Find on Amazon
- A light layer + compact umbrella - For museum air-con and a sudden shower. Find on Amazon
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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
