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

Burj Al Arab under construction in April 1997, left, and the landmark hotel in 2021. Photos: James Davis / Corbis; Chris Whiteoak / The National

Construction of Dubai’s Burj Al Arab began 30 years ago this month. Today, the five-star hotel stands as an extraordinary testament to modern engineering and luxury hospitality.

Located on an artificial island off the coast of Jumeirah, the world-famous hotel was conceived by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, to redefine the city's skyline. Designed by British architect Tom Wright, construction began on July 8, 1994, and was completed in December 1999.

The project presented significant engineering challenges, including the need to create a stable foundation on the offshore site using 230 concrete piles, each 40 meters in length. These were topped with a massive concrete raft weighing more than 70,000 tonnes.

The construction team faced additional challenges related to the logistics of building on an island. Materials, equipment and labourers had to be transported to the site efficiently and safely. Specialised construction techniques were employed to handle the unique conditions presented by the marine environment, including the use of non-corrosive materials and protective coatings to safeguard against the harsh coastal elements.

It took two years to construct the artificial island and an additional three years to complete the building itself.

Burj Al Arab is recognisable for its sail-shaped silhouette, one that has been used on Dubai's car number plates for years. Clad in a double-layered Teflon-coated woven fibreglass fabric, the building's facade not only provides structural support but also reflects the changing colours of the sea and sky.

Since its inauguration, Burj Al Arab has set numerous world records. Standing at 321 meters, it held the title of the world's tallest hotel at the time of its completion and remains one of the tallest globally.

A unique feature of the design is its 180-metre atrium, one of the highest in the world. Glass elevators traverse this space, giving guests stunning views as they ascend to their rooms. For accommodation, the hotel offers 202 duplex suites, each designed to exude luxury and elegance. Inside the hotel is the largest Swarovski crystal ceiling in the world, where an installation worth Dh1.3 million ($353,982), recreated the Milky Way by using 21,000 crystals.

Created by London-based interior designer Khuan Chew, the interiors feature lavish materials such as gold leaf, marble and intricate mosaics. Chew explored Arab poetry, science and astronomy for inspiration, with her designs centring on the theme of "desert life". The hotel's interiors were meticulously planned in segments, focusing on the concept of the four elements: earth, air, fire and water.

The hotel's helipad has frequently attracted global attention. In 2004, professional golfer Tiger Woods famously teed off from the helipad. The following year, tennis legends Andre Agassi and Roger Federer played a match on a makeshift court. In 2013, table tennis champions Ma Long and Liu Shiwen made history by playing the first table tennis match on the platform. In 2017, professional kitesurfer Nick Jacobsen achieved a world first by jumping off the helipad with his kiteboard.

Despite many newer and bigger hotels and structures being built since its opening, Burj Al Arab remains a global landmark of Dubai, one that also symbolises the incredible ambition and vision needed to build a city of architectural wonders.