The Burj Al Arab
The iconic 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.
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Illustrative image - a scene in the spirit of the place, not a photograph of it. Real photos are below.
The Burj Al Arab is the iconic 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.
What you actually see
- The sail silhouette - the iconic 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, for hotel guests or booked visits.
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. Entering requires a hotel booking, a restaurant reservation or a paid tour.
Honest expectations
You cannot simply walk in; the interior is reserved for hotel guests or those with a restaurant booking or a pricey tour, so most visitors admire and photograph it from the nearby public beach, which is free and gives the best view. The hotel and its dining are extremely expensive.
Nearby
The Madinat Jumeirah souk, the Wild Wadi water park and the Palm Jumeirah are close.
What to pack for The Burj Al Arab
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
