Burj al-Arab, UAE

Modern architecture is amazing. What bizarre forms ordinary hotels or hotels can acquire. Under the guidance of experienced engineers, the most fantastic projects are transferred from paper drawings to reality and appear before us as symbols of modern architectural art.

It is difficult to imagine a more suitable place for one of the most beautiful buildings of our time – the five-star Burj Al Arab hotel in the United Arab Emirates. The special chic for which this country is so famous is reflected here in every element of this grandiose building. From a distance, it resembles the white sail of a yacht that moored to the shores of the “oil state”. And although the hotel does not represent any historical or cultural value, everyone who has visited the UAE should see it at least once in their life. This is a kind of tribute to the architectural art of the modern world.

Fantasy turned into reality

Everyone knows the famous expression “He who does not take risks does not drink champagne.” And this quote is the best fit for some representatives of the United Arab Emirates, who, like the inhabitants of ancient Babylon, defy not only the gods, but all the laws of physics. And when for the first time you see those projects that architects want to bring to life, you involuntarily wonder about the presence of common sense in their aspirations.

Parus Hotel belongs to this category of “crazy” projects, which nevertheless managed to be realized. And not so long ago, this building, grandiose in its scale and courage, has become a kind of symbol for those who come to rest in the UAE. In the collection of each such tourist, there are sure to be a couple of photos with the majestic five-star Burj Al Arab hotel. Despite its size, the company spent only 6 years building the hotel.

What is the uniqueness of the building

The hotel received the right to be called “unique” thanks to several ingenious engineering solutions at once. In particular, this is the only hotel of its kind on such a scale that it is located not on solid ground, but in the middle of ocean waves, on a special embankment in the form of a small island. The distance from the beach to the hotel is 270 m.

With this, the engineers wanted to create the most accurate illusion of a white sail swinging on the waves. And, it is worth noting, they succeeded with tremendous success. From a distance, the hotel is very reminiscent of a huge white sail of a yacht or other ship that has anchored nearby, and the crew is about to start lowering the boat to get to the shore.

During its construction, the engineers had to seriously “break their heads” over the creation of a reliable and solid foundation. Initially, it was assumed that it would consist of stone. But such an idea had to be abandoned due to the fact that huge waves that reach a height of several meters during a storm pose a real threat to hotel visitors and to the building itself. Therefore, the architects had to find some more cunning and unusual solutions before the grandiose Burj Al Arab appeared in front of us in all its glory.

In general, you need to be a real wizard to create something like this, and even in the middle of the ocean. But, according to skeptics, money is everything. It seems that this is indeed the case. During the construction of the foundation, 250 concrete columns were used, which have a length of 10 km. And this is about 35 times more than the length of the hotel itself.

Special Technology

During the construction of the walls of the hotel, a special technology was used. In particular, an external skeleton was created, which was supposed to play the role of a reinforcing element. At the same time, the engineers had to solve a number of issues so that the hotel turned out not only durable, but also had an original shape. Let's just say that it wasn't easy. As a result, it was still possible to find a plant that undertook the manufacture of steel rafters unique in its kind. Their weight was 165 tons, and the length reached 85 meters. Such parameters made the builders “sweat” when performing installation work.

All these efforts were due only to the desire of the local Sheikh Mohammed to create such a masterpiece that would become the most striking reminder of luxury and wealth. The customer needed a hotel that would become the most desirable for the rich from all over the world. And it was necessary to put it into operation by the 21st century.

The builders faced another dilemma in the form of vortex formation. Wind gusts in the area of ​​sharp corners of the structure caused the formation of small tornadoes, which posed a clear threat to the building. But even here the inquisitive minds of the builders found a way out. In problem areas, special resonant shock absorbers (in the amount of 10 pieces) were located, which took on wind loads and minimized their impact on the main structure.

A restaurant

Responsible for the grandiose project, the architect Tom Wright threw another puzzle for engineers. He wanted to create a unique restaurant hall, where all visitors will have the impression that they are floating in the air. Despite the crazy idea, everything is possible in the UAE. Therefore, today all visitors to the restaurant in the Dubai Tower can enjoy the grandiose view and feel the inexpressible impressions of conditional weightlessness. The main materials for the creation of the restaurant were aluminum and glass.

Design and high technology

But not only grandiose dimensions and original shape make the Burj Al Arab hotel unique. The interior decoration includes the most expensive types of silk, rare woods and even gold.

Well, how to do without modern high technologies? Do not even hesitate, the Parus Hotel presents the most modern and reliable elements of a technological advantage. These were the wishes of the customer. In particular, the whole complex is equipped with a special system of filters that prevent spontaneous ignition or overload of the electrical circuit. Just imagine, the lighting of the hotel includes 52,000 lamps, which are interconnected by 5,000 km of cable.

Quan Chu was responsible for the interior design, and in just 24 months she had to create something that could impress anyone who crossed the threshold of this grandiose structure. It took 24 thousand sq.m. to implement the project. a special type of marble that is mined in Brazil and Italy, 8 thousand sq.m. gold leaf and velvet, as well as a myriad of crystal.

As a result, one of the most luxurious and unique buildings in the world opened up to visitors. Burj Al Arab is the first step on the way to a whole series of unique buildings and fantastic ideas that, like mushrooms after rain, “grow” on the shores of a wonderful country. From now on, the Sail has become one of the many symbols of luxurious Dubai.

Great service

Able to surprise and unsurpassed service of the hotel. Guests come here from all over the world and anything is at their service here. Luxurious chauffeur-driven cars are ready to take you shopping or just taking a tour of the city, an attentive butler will solve any problems you may have, and such a wide range of additional services, including an excellent spa and pools, only emphasize the five-star status of a grand hotel.

And, of course, both children and adults will appreciate the great vacation in the Wild Wadi Water Park and the benefits of the private Jumeirah Beach. Entrance to the territory for all hotel guests is absolutely free.

For families traveling with several children, there is a system of discounts for accommodation. Enjoy the magnificent view of the Persian Gulf will be able to all the guests of the hotel that stayed in the suites.

The local cuisine can also surprise you with its originality. Along with traditional dishes, the restaurant's menu includes unique author's masterpieces that are served with special chic. It seems that even ordinary waiters who serve the tables of visitors have a special charm of well-being and simply smell of luxury. Seafood dishes served in the restaurant are considered especially popular.

How to get there

I think that dwelling on such a rhetorical question does not make sense. The UAE has long been one of the most desired tourist tours, so you can get to the capital of the state from almost any corner of the globe. As soon as your foot steps on the plane upon arrival, it will not be difficult for you to recognize the marvelous features of the magnificent Burj Al Arab hotel, which is popularly known as the Sails.