![Burj Al Arab under construction in April 1997, left, and the landmark hotel in 2021. Photos: James Davis / Corbis; Chris Whiteoak / The National](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/ST4NPGSP4BQNOKSPQ4A2X7STDI.jpg?smart=true&auth=20b86754b37b0622e6e80c2e31f19551c7cfd72184373469145c8ecb67992cf7&width=400&height=225)
Burj Al Arab under construction in April 1997, left, and the landmark hotel in 2021. Photos: James Davis / Corbis; Chris Whiteoak / The National
Burj Al Arab under construction in April 1997, left, and the landmark hotel in 2021. Photos: James Davis / Corbis; Chris Whiteoak / The National
Timeframe: When the construction of Burj Al Arab began three decades ago
Envisioned by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, the ultra-luxury hotel helped propel the city to global fame