Burj Al Arab
Burj Al Arab
A sail-shaped hotel on its own island, the symbol of Dubai luxury. One of the city's most recognisable silhouettes.
Description
Burj Al Arab is a legendary sail-shaped hotel standing on its own artificial island off the Jumeirah coast. Its 321-metre silhouette has become one of the main symbols of Dubai luxury.
The hotel is positioned as one of the most prestigious in the world. You can get inside with a restaurant booking or a tour, but the best view of the "sail" opens up from the neighbouring beaches.
Tip: The best shot is from Kite Beach or Umm Suqeim Beach.
Photos
Photos: Unsplash
Planning your visit
Best time
For photos — sunset and the evening illumination from Kite Beach and Umm Suqeim beaches. To go inside — by booking at any time.
How much time to allow
A photo walk — 20–30 minutes; a restaurant visit or tour — 2–3 hours.
Tickets & prices
Prices are approximate and depend on the slot and conditions — check when buying.
On the map
Interactive satellite map — zoom and pan to explore the place and its surroundings.
Good to know
How to get there
Frequently asked questions about Burj Al Arab
Can you visit Burj Al Arab without staying there?+
Yes, but only with a prior booking — for example, a table at a restaurant or an organised tour of the hotel.
Where is the best place to photograph Burj Al Arab?+
The most postcard-worthy shots come from Kite Beach and Umm Suqeim Beach.
How many stars does Burj Al Arab have?+
The hotel positions itself as ultra-luxury; formally it is a premium-class five-star hotel.
What's nearby
Nearby spots — easy to combine into one route.
Entertainment Wild Wadi Waterpark
An Arabian-legend themed water park with dramatic slides and a view of the famous Burj Al Arab hotel.
Tip: Bring a camera: the upper slides give the best shot with Burj Al Arab in the background.
Culture Madinat Jumeirah
A resort complex styled as an old Arabian town, with canals, the Souk Madinat market and a view of Burj Al Arab.
Tip: Take a traditional abra ride along the complex's canals — especially beautiful in the evening.
Entertainment Mall of the Emirates
One of the city's largest shopping centres, with the Ski Dubai indoor ski complex under its roof.
Tip: Combine shopping with a visit to Ski Dubai — snow and penguins in the heart of the desert.
Similar places
Architecture Burj Khalifa
The tallest building in the world — 828 metres. At the Top observation decks on floors 124, 125 and 148.
Tip: Buy sunset tickets in advance — on-site they cost noticeably more.
Architecture Palm Jumeirah
An artificial archipelago shaped like a palm tree. From above you can see it in full — the fronds, the trunk and the crescent breakwater.
Tip: Ride the monorail along the trunk to Atlantis Aquaventure — the end of the line and the best view of Atlantis.
Architecture Dubai Frame
A giant golden frame 150 metres high in Zabeel Park — a bridge between old and new Dubai.
Tip: From the upper gallery you can see the contrast: the old city on one side, skyscrapers on the other.