Burj Al Arab turns 25: From Napkin Sketch to Unmatched Luxury

It all started with a restaurant napkin. Back in 1993, architect Tom Wright doodled what would become one of the most recognisable silhouettes in the world. Six years later, the Burj Al Arab was unveiled, soaring 321 meters into the Dubai sky. Taller than the Eiffel Tower but shorter than the Empire State Building, it debuted as the tallest hotel in the world. And let’s not forget its claim to fame as one of the few seven-star hotels – a title as mythical as the unicorn but well-earned in sheer opulence.

In a city teeming with ultra-luxury hotels, the Burj Al Arab stands apart – not just as a symbol of opulence but as an experience that redefined what hospitality means. From the moment you arrive, presumably in one of their bespoke Rolls-Royces or by a helicopter, you’re immersed in a level of service that borders on theatrical. Each suite comes with a dedicated butler, ready to handle anything from unpacking your suitcase to curating a bespoke dining experience. The smallest room? A casual 170 square meters – because the word ‘standard’ isn’t in the Burj Al Arab’s vocabulary. 

The Burj’s helipad at 212 meters above sea level has long become a stage for adrenaline-fueled absurdity that we all secretly love. It hosted everything from tennis matches with Federer and Agassi to Tiger Woods casually teeing off. And who could forget the time a Formula 1 car roared across it, or when a professional kitesurfer leapt off it? More recently, Red Bull decided to land a plane there – because traditional runways are overrated.

Inside, the Burj Al Arab is a temple to luxury. Think gold-leaf accents, the same statuario marble Michelangelo used for David, and a Swarovski crystal ceiling that mimics the Milky Way. Each of its 198 suites is a mini-palace, complete with Hermès toiletries that make you smell as expensive as the room itself and a pillow menu, because who sleeps on just one type of pillow, right? When it comes to extravagance, Burj Al Arab plays in a league of its own.

Still, for all its glitz, the hotel has a softer side, too. The Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project, launched in 2004, has nursed over 2,190 sea turtles back to health. It’s proof that even amid its towering grandeur, Burj Al Arab keeps an eye on the delicate ecosystems of the Arabian Gulf.

Over the years, this ultimate hospitality landmark has added more jewels to its crown. Its Terrace – a floating luxury beach constructed in Finland and shipped to Dubai – boasts infinity pools lined with millions of mosaic tiles. Skyview Bar served a cocktail priced at AED 27,321, as a nod to its height. And let’s not forget Al Muntaha, the Michelin-starred restaurant that proves fine dining tastes even better at 200 meters above the ground.

As Dubai continues to evolve, Burj Al Arab remains its gleaming symbol of ambition, extravagance, and just a hint of playful audacity. Here’s to 25 years of redefining luxury, smashing records, and keeping the world’s attention firmly on Dubai. Because when your “birthday cake” includes fireworks, world records, and a 360-degree drone display, you’re not just ageing – you’re elevating. Happy 25th, Burj Al Arab. You’ve earned every inch of that gold leaf.