Sail hotel in Dubai: how Burj Al Arab works and how to get inside

Burj Al Arab in Dubai cannot be confused with any other building. Its white sail-shaped structure stands directly in the sea, not on the shore. Millions of people have seen it in photos, but few know what the hotel looks like inside.

The hotel opened in 1999 and remains one of the city's most recognizable landmarks. Behind the sail-shaped shell are a helipad and interiors of marble and gold leaf (according to Wikipedia).

We looked into how this building is designed, what is inside, and how to get in. Below are only facts with sources, no promotional language.

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Key facts about Burj Al Arab

💡 In short:

• Burj Al Arab stands on an artificial island 280 m from Jumeirah Beach (Wikipedia).
• The 321 m tall building has 56 floors and 202 rooms (Wikipedia).
• Without staying overnight, you can get inside on an official guided tour or with a restaurant reservation.
• Prices, opening hours and visiting rules: 09/2026, verified on the official Jumeirah website.

The hotel stands directly in the waters of the Persian Gulf, not on the city waterfront. The building's silhouette echoes the sail of an Arab dhow, and this shape was chosen not only for its beauty (according to the Jumeirah brand history). The hotel is managed by the Jumeirah group.

Part of the height is taken up by technical levels rather than guest rooms. Guests are drawn by the very fact of staying inside a symbol of Dubai.

© Yacine Hary · CC BYPhoto: Yacine Hary, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

How the sail hotel came to be

The sail-shaped design was proposed by British architect Tom Wright of Atkins (according to Jumeirah). The client was Dubai's ruler Sheikh Mohammed, who wanted the city's most recognizable building by the start of the 21st century.

Construction began in 1994, and the hotel welcomed its first guests in 1999 (according to Britannica). At the peak of the work, up to two thousand people were on site.

At first, there was only sea where the hotel now stands. Engineers had to create an island, build a bridge to it, and only then start construction. You will see the result from the shore: the white building seems to float above the water.

Why the hotel stands on an artificial island

The hotel was built on a reclaimed island off Jumeirah Beach (according to Wikipedia). A private curved bridge connects it to the shore, and guests drive across it to the main entrance. This location gives you a panoramic view of the bay from almost any floor.

The foundation rests on piles: 230 concrete piles, each 40 m long, were driven into the seabed (according to Wikipedia). This is how engineers protected the building from storm waves and weak soil. Without this cushion under the water, the sail would have gradually settled over time.

Storm waves in the bay rise several meters. The sturdy piles and the protective embankment around the island absorb their impact. That is why the hotel has stood calmly in open water for more than twenty years.

Engineering solutions: frame and wind

The hotel's frame is assembled as an external steel skeleton that holds the shape of a sail. A huge atrium the full height of the building was left between the two wings. A system of resonant dampers absorbs wind gusts at the sharp edges of the structure.

At a height of 210 m there is a helipad (according to Wikipedia). It has been used for unusual events: tennis was played here and a car race was staged. An ordinary guest cannot get onto the pad; a separate event is required for a visit.

The facade made of Teflon-coated fiberglass acts as a sun screen. During the day it blocks the heat, and at night it turns into an illuminated canvas. The translucent material was chosen specifically so the hotel would glow from within.

Restaurant above the bay: Al Muntaha

The Al Muntaha restaurant is located on the 27th floor and looks out over the bay (according to Wikipedia). The project's designer, Tom Wright, wanted to create a dining room where guests feel as if they are floating in the air. Aluminum and glass were used for the room's finishes.

© Alberto-g-rovi · CC BY-SAPhoto: Alberto-g-rovi, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

You can book a table even without staying at the hotel. Window seats are reserved in advance, especially for sunset. The menu changes, but French and Italian cuisines form its core. Many guests come up here for the view, not just for the food.

Interiors: marble, gold, and crystal

The interiors were designed by Khuan Chew of KCA International (according to Wikipedia). She combined marble, gilding, crystal, silk, and rare woods in the decor. The centerpiece is the atrium with a fountain, visible from almost every floor.

© giggel · CC BYPhoto: giggel, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

The finishes are designed to make a first impression. The lobbies are full of light, mirrors, and gold details, and crystal chandeliers add a warm tone during the day. Interior surfaces are clad in thousands of square meters of stone and gilded panels.

The expensive materials were chosen deliberately: the client wanted to impress guests from the first step (according to Jumeirah). The interior work took about two years. During that time, craftsmen created one of the most recognizable lobbies in the world.

Service and infrastructure

Guests are offered personal butlers, chauffeured cars, a spa, and several pools (according to Jumeirah). The property has restaurants serving cuisines from different countries, including seafood dishes. You will see the full list of services when booking.

Next to the hotel are the Wild Wadi water park and a section of Jumeirah Beach. The luxury suites offer views of the Persian Gulf. Families with children have separate accommodation terms here, which are confirmed at check-in.

The hotel's cuisine focuses on seafood, served in the main restaurants. Even breakfast here is turned into a special event with a view of the gulf. If you are traveling for impressions rather than savings, the hotel lives up to its reputation.

How to get inside without booking a room

Hotel guests always have access. For everyone else, there are two ways: the official Inside Burj Al Arab guided tour or a table reservation at a restaurant, such as Al Muntaha. The tour takes about an hour and a half, shows the atrium and the Royal Suite apartments, and runs on a schedule.

© Saaremees · CC BY-SAPhoto: Saaremees, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Tickets are best purchased online in advance. During renovations, some areas may be closed, so check the tour schedule and restaurant hours before your visit. You can see tour options on the Dubai tours page on GetYourGuide. Guests staying at the hotel have access to some areas without a separate ticket.

How to get there

The hotel is located in the Jumeirah district, on an artificial island near Jumeirah Beach. Navigator reference point: 25°08′29″N 55°11′07″E (according to Wikipedia). Open on the map.

From Dubai International Airport, the taxi ride takes about half an hour. A private bridge leads to the hotel, and there is no other way onto the island. Upon arrival, you will immediately recognize the white sail from the car window.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

How many stars does Burj Al Arab have?

The hotel is often called a seven-star property, but that is a label from the press, not an official category. On paper, Burj Al Arab operates as a five-star hotel in the Jumeirah group (according to Wikipedia). The "seven stars" talk started after enthusiastic media coverage in 1999.

Can you get inside without staying there?

Yes, through the official Inside Burj Al Arab guided tour or by booking a table at one of the hotel's restaurants. During the renovation, check the tour schedule and restaurant availability in advance. Tickets are sold online, and weekend slots are worth booking ahead.

How much does a room at Burj Al Arab cost?

Exact prices depend on the season and room category. Every room here has suite status, so the minimum rate usually starts in the four figures in euros per night (according to Jumeirah). Check current rates when booking.

Is the hotel currently open to guests?

Since April 2026, the hotel has been undergoing its first major renovation, expected to last about 18 months (according to Wikipedia). Some areas may be closed, and the interiors are being refreshed. Before your trip, check the dates and available services on the official website.

Does the hotel have its own beach?

Yes, the hotel has a private section of Jumeirah Beach. Access is open to hotel guests only.

How many rooms and floors does the hotel have?

All rooms have suite status and span two levels (according to Wikipedia). The number of rooms, floors, and the building's height are listed in the "In short" section at the beginning of the article.

In short: what to book

Burj Al Arab suits those who want to see the sail-shaped hotel from the inside and are willing to pay for the experience. For everyone else, a tour and a walk along the nearby beach are enough.

• If you are staying at the hotel: book a suite with a view of the bay.
• If you only want to get inside: book the Inside Burj Al Arab guided tour or reserve a table at Al Muntaha.
• If you are traveling with kids: plan a day that includes Wild Wadi.

We recommend starting with a tour ticket, and adding a night at the hotel if your budget allows. During the renovation, check in advance which areas and restaurants are open. You can check accommodation prices on Trip.com.