The Complete Burj Al Arab Visitor Guide 2026

1. Why Visit Burj Al Arab?

Rising majestically from its own man-made island in the Arabian Gulf, the Burj Al Arab stands as the ultimate symbol of Dubai's ambition and luxury. Often referred to as the world's only "7-star hotel" (an unofficial designation that speaks to its unparalleled opulence), this sail-shaped architectural masterpiece has become as iconic to Dubai as the Eiffel Tower is to Paris.

Designed by British architect Tom Wright of Atkins and completed in 1999, the Burj Al Arab was conceived to create a landmark that would define Dubai's emergence as a global destination. At 321 meters tall, it remains one of the world's tallest hotels and features the world's tallest atrium at 180 meters.

While staying overnight commands rates starting from $1,600 per night, you don't need to book a suite to experience this legendary hotel. From guided tours and afternoon tea to world-class dining and spa experiences, there are numerous ways to step inside this gilded masterpiece and discover why it continues to captivate visitors from around the globe.

2. Key Facts & Specifications

3. Architecture & Design

3.1 The Sail Design

The Burj Al Arab's distinctive silhouette resembles the billowing sail of a traditional Arabian dhow, paying homage to Dubai's rich maritime heritage. The V-shaped structure creates a vast "mast" with the space between the two wings enclosed by a massive atrium.

3.2 Engineering Marvels

• Artificial Island: Built on reclaimed land 280 meters offshore, the island took 3 years to construct using special honeycomb-pattern concrete blocks to reduce wave impact
• Foundation: 230 friction piles extending 45 meters into the seabed
• Facade: Double-layer Teflon-coated fiberglass membrane that shields from desert sun by day and serves as a screen for illumination by night
• Steel Exoskeleton: Giant metal trusses (85m long each) that can expand and contract up to 5cm daily
• Private Bridge: 340-meter curving bridge connects the island to the mainland

3.3 Interior Highlights

• Gold Leaf: 1,790 square meters of 24-carat gold leaf throughout the interiors
• Atrium: 180-meter tall space with dancing fountains, aquariums, and panoramic glass elevators
• Marble: Over 30 types of marble sourced from around the world
• Swarovski Crystal: "Milky Way" ceiling adorned with crystals

4. Inside Burj Al Arab Tour

For the first time since opening in 1999, non-guests can explore the interior of this legendary hotel through the exclusive Inside Burj Al Arab guided tour.

4.1 Tour Details

4.2 What's Included

• Buggy ride across the private bridge to the island
• Traditional Emirati welcome with Arabic coffee and dates
• Exclusive access to the Royal Suite on the 25th floor
• Visit to the Experience Suite with interactive displays and original design sketches
• Access to the Inside Burj Al Arab Boutique
• Photo opportunities at iconic locations
• Access to UMA Lounge terrace with Arabian Gulf views

4.3 Dress Code & Rules

• Dress Code: Smart/elegant casual required. Tailored shorts (knee-length) permitted
• Not Allowed: Beachwear, flip-flops, slippers, tank tops, transparent clothing
• Men: Closed shoes required
• Photography: No photos in main atrium or first floor. No flash or professional cameras
• Arrival: Arrive 15 minutes before scheduled tour time

5. Restaurants & Dining

Dining at Burj Al Arab is one of the most accessible ways to experience the hotel's legendary luxury. Each venue offers a unique atmosphere, from underwater aquariums to panoramic skyline views.

5.1 Fine Dining Restaurants

Al Muntaha (The Ultimate)

• Location: 27th floor, 200 meters above sea level
• Cuisine: 1 Michelin Star French and Italian fine dining
• Chef: Saverio Sbaragli
• Price: AED 700-950 per person (~$190-260 USD)
• Dress Code: Elegant (jacket required for dinner)
• Highlight: Panoramic views of Dubai skyline and Arabian Gulf

Al Mahara (The Oyster)

• Location: Ground floor, accessed via simulated submarine voyage
• Cuisine: Premium seafood
• Highlight: Floor-to-ceiling aquarium with 990,000 liters of seawater
• Age Restriction: Children under 12 welcome at lunch only
• Dress Code: Semi-formal (jacket required at dinner)

Al Iwan

• Location: First floor, overlooking the atrium
• Cuisine: Traditional Arabic and International buffet
• Price: Lunch AED 350, Dinner AED 375-380 (~$95-103 USD)
• Best For: Families seeking authentic Middle Eastern cuisine

5.2 Lounges & Bars

Sahn Eddar (Afternoon Tea)

• Location: Lobby atrium
• Experience: Traditional afternoon tea with pastries, finger sandwiches, and scones
• Price: AED 490 per person ($133 USD), with champagne AED 590 ($160 USD)
• Hours: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM (food served from 12:00 PM)
• Highlight: Live classical music, tea sommelier service

Skyview Bar

• Location: 27th floor
• Experience: Cocktails with panoramic Dubai skyline views
• Minimum Spend: AED 200-250 per person (~$55-68 USD)
• Age Restriction: 16+ years only

Gilt (formerly Gold on 27)

• Location: 27th floor
• Experience: Signature cocktails in a gold-themed setting
• Cocktails: AED 90 each ($25 USD)
• Age Restriction: 21+ years only

UMA Lounge

• Location: Ground level outdoor terrace
• Experience: Light bites and beverages with Arabian Gulf sunset views
• Famous For: 24-carat Gold Cappuccino

5.3 SAL Beach Club & Restaurant

• Location: Burj Al Arab Terrace (outdoor deck)
• Cuisine: Mediterranean (Spanish & Portuguese influence)
• Price: AED 1,000 for dinner for two ($272 USD)
• Hours: Lunch 12:30 PM – 5:00 PM, Dinner 7:00 PM – 10:15 PM
• Age Restriction: 12+ years only
• Features: Access to pools and cabanas

6. Suites & Accommodation

Every room at Burj Al Arab is a duplex suite spanning two floors, ranging from 170 to 780 square meters. All guests receive 24-hour butler service, complimentary access to Wild Wadi Waterpark, private beach access, and a 24-carat gold iPad.

6.1 Suite Categories & Pricing

6.2 Royal Suite Highlights

The Royal Suite, occupying the 25th floor, represents the pinnacle of hotel luxury:

• Private elevator access
• Two bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms featuring Jacuzzis and rain showers
• Rotating four-poster canopy bed
• Private cinema and library
• Dining room seating 12 guests
• 24-carat gold bathroom fixtures
• Hermès toiletries
• Selection of 17 pillow types

6.3 Guest Inclusions

• 24-hour dedicated butler service
• In-suite check-in
• Unlimited access to Wild Wadi Waterpark
• Private beach and pool access
• Complimentary access to Talise Spa facilities
• 24-carat gold iPad for concierge services
• Chauffeur-driven Rolls Royce transfers available

7. Facilities & Experiences

7.1 Talise Spa

• Location: 18th floor
• Facilities: 14 treatment rooms, infinity pool, separate male/female saunas, steam rooms, plunge pools
• Non-Guest Access: Book a treatment of 90+ minutes for full spa access
• Hotel Guest Access: Complimentary access to all spa facilities
• Highlight: Temperature-controlled infinity pool with panoramic Dubai skyline views

7.2 Burj Al Arab Terrace

• Size: 100,000 square meters extending 100m into the Arabian Gulf
• Pools: Saltwater infinity pool (812 sq m) and freshwater family pool (612 sq m)
• Amenities: 4 jacuzzis, 126 beach sunbeds, 24 luxury day beds, swim-up bar
• Pool Hours: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM

7.3 Helipad

• Height: 212 meters above sea level (59th floor)
• Diameter: 24 meters (78 feet)
• Guest Arrivals: Available for helicopter transfers (~$2,722 one-way)
• Weddings: From AED 200,000 (~$55,000)

Famous Helipad Events:

1. Roger Federer vs Andre Agassi tennis match (2005)
2. Tiger Woods golf tee-off (2004)
3. Rory McIlroy hole-in-one (2011)
4. Red Bull F1 car donuts with David Coulthard

7.4 Wild Wadi Waterpark

• Location: Adjacent to Burj Al Arab
• Access: Unlimited complimentary access for all hotel guests
• Rides: 30 water rides and attractions
• Highlights: Jumeirah Sceirah (120m slide), Breakers Bay wave pool

8. How to Visit (Without Staying)

The Burj Al Arab is not accessible to the general public without a booking. Here are the ways non-guests can experience the hotel:

8.1 Access Options

• Inside Burj Al Arab Tour – From AED 245 (~$67). Best value for exploring the hotel interior including Royal Suite
• Afternoon Tea at Sahn Eddar – From AED 490 (~$133). Classic experience in the lobby atrium
• Cocktails at Skyview Bar – Minimum spend AED 250 ($68). 27th floor with Dubai skyline views
• Fine Dining Reservations – Al Muntaha, Al Mahara, or Al Iwan. Book well in advance
• SAL Beach Club – Mediterranean dining with pool access (12+ only)
• Talise Spa Treatment – Book 90+ minute treatment for full spa and pool access

8.2 Viewing from Outside

• Umm Suqeim Beach: Free public beach with unobstructed views of the hotel
• Souk Madinat Jumeirah: Waterways and restaurants with Burj Al Arab backdrop
• Abra Boat Ride: AED 75 ($20) for 20-minute cruise from Madinat Jumeirah with photo opportunities

9. Getting There

9.1 Location

Address: Jumeirah Street, Umm Suqeim 3, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

9.2 Transport Options

By Car / Taxi

• Taxi from Dubai Mall: AED 50-70 ($14-19)
• Taxi from Airport: AED 80-100 ($22-27)
• Valet parking available at Jumeirah Beach Hotel (for tour guests)

By Metro + Taxi

• Take Red Line to Mall of the Emirates station
• Taxi from station: AED 25-35 ($7-10)

By Bus

• Routes 8, 81, X28 stop at Burj Al Arab Hotel Bus Stop
• Short walk (~9 minutes) to Jumeirah Beach Hotel ticketing lounge

Hotel Guest Transfers

• Rolls Royce Phantom: ~$326 USD one-way
• BMW: ~$95 USD one-way
• Helicopter: ~$2,722 USD one-way (landing on 59th floor helipad)

10. Best Time to Visit

10.1 Best Months

• Ideal: September, October, April, May (shoulder seasons with pleasant weather, fewer crowds)
• Peak Season: December – February (busiest, highest rates)
• Summer: June – August (very hot, but lower rates)

10.2 Best Time of Day

• For Tours: Morning tours offer cooler temperatures; sunset tours (5-7 PM) provide stunning Arabian Gulf views
• For Dining: Book 5:30-6:30 PM for golden sunset during your meal
• For Photography: Evening for exterior shots when the facade is illuminated

10.3 Booking Recommendations

• Book tours and dining 1-2 weeks in advance
• For peak season and special dates (Valentine's Day, New Year's Eve), book 2-4 weeks ahead
• Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends

11. Nearby Attractions

12. Insider Tips

12.1 Before You Go

1. Book in advance – Tours and restaurants fill up, especially during peak season
2. Check dress codes – Each venue has specific requirements; pack accordingly
3. Arrive 15 minutes early – Required for tour check-in at Jumeirah Beach Hotel
4. Bring valid ID – Required for all bookings
5. Consider combo experiences – Tour + dining or Tour + Burj Khalifa packages available

12.2 During Your Visit

1. Try the Gold Cappuccino – Signature 24-carat gold drink at UMA Lounge
2. Take photos during the buggy ride – Best exterior shots of the hotel
3. Respect photography rules – No photos in atrium or first floor
4. Ask your butler about upgrades – Dining reservations can often be arranged
5. Visit the boutique – Exclusive souvenirs only available to tour guests and hotel visitors

12.3 Money-Saving Tips

Inside Burj Al Arab Tour offers the best value for experiencing the hotel's interior

• Lunch is generally less expensive than dinner at the restaurants
• Al Iwan buffet offers the most food for your money at ~AED 350
• View from outside – Umm Suqeim Beach and Madinat Jumeirah offer free views
• Book online – Often includes discounts and instant confirmation

13. Contact Information