Burj
Burj
Burj
ON BURJ AL ARAB
SUBMITTED TO
MR. ZAIDI
FACULTY MEMBER
INDUS INSTITUTE OF HIGHER EDUCATION
KARACHI
SUBMITTED BY
UNSA SALEEM
KARACHI
LETTER OF ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
, 22th, 2008
Dear Readers,
As students of IIHE we are extremely grateful to the following individuals who supplied
us with generous help, supervision and information without which this report would
never have been completed.
Once again we thank all these people who assisted us and we surely look forward to get
similar kind of help in the future when required.
UNSA SALEEM
KARACHI
Contents
1. Introduction to Dubai
2. Etymology of Dubai
3. Economy of Dubai
4. List of Dubai hotels.
5. BURJ AL ARAB
6. Construction
7. Vital Statistics
8. Features
9. Exterior
10. Interior
11. Rooms and prices
12. Restaurants
13. Review by architecture critics
14. Footnotes
15. Photographs And Details
16. More photos of the best hotel in Dubai
17. Hotel Facilities
18. Important Information of Burj al Arab
19. FULL REVIEW OF BURJ AL ARAB
Introduction to DUBAI
Dubai is one of the seven emirates and most populous city of the United
Arab Emirates (UAE). It is located along the southern coast of the Persian
Gulf on the Arabian Peninsula. The city of Dubai is sometimes called
"Dubai city" to distinguish it from the emirate.Written accounts document
the existence of the city for at least 150 years prior to the formation of the
UAE. Dubai shares legal, political, military and economic functions with the
other emirates within a federal framework, although each emirate has
jurisdiction over some functions such as civic law enforcement and
provision and upkeep of local facilities. Dubai has the largest population and
is the second largest emirate by area, after Abu Dhabi. Dubai and Abu Dhabi
are the only two emirates to possess veto power over critical matters of
national importance in the country's legislature. Dubai has been ruled by the
Al Maktoum dynasty since 1833. The emirates' current ruler, Mohammed
bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is also the Prime Minister and Vice President of the
UAE.
Dubai revenues are from trade, real estate and financial services. Revenues
from petroleum and natural gas contribute less than 6% (2006) of Dubai's
US$ 37 billion economy (2005). Real estate and construction, on the other
hand, contributed 22.6% to the economy in 2005, before the current large-
scale construction boom. Dubai has attracted worldwide attention through
innovative real estate projects and sports events. This increased attention,
coinciding with its emergence as a world business hub, has also highlighted
human rights issues concerning its largely foreign workforce
Etymology
In the 1820s, Dubai was referred to as Al Wasl by British historians.
However, few records pertaining to the cultural history of the UAE or its
constituent emirates exist due to the region's vocal traditions in recording
and passing down folklore and myth. The linguistic origins of the word
Dubai are also in dispute, as some believe it to have originated from Persian,
while some believe that Arabic is the linguistic root of the word. According
to Fedel Handhal, researcher in the history and culture of the UAE, the word
Dubai may have come from the word Daba (a derivative of Yadub), which
means to creep; the word may be a reference to the flow of Dubai Creek
inland.
— Emirate —
Emirate of Dubai
Dubai
Location of Dubai in the UAE
Coordinates: 25°15′52.01″N 55°18′41.9″E
Country United Arab Emirates
Emirate Dubai
Incorporated
9 June 1833
(town)
Incorporated
2 December 1971
(emirate)
Maktoum bin Bati bin Suhail
Founder
(1833)
Seat Dubai
Subdivisions Towns and villages
Government
- Type Constitutional monarchy
Mohammed bin Rashid Al
- Emir
Maktoum
- Crown Hamdan bin Mohammed bin
Prince Rashid Al Maktoum
Area
- Emirate 4,114 km² (1,588.4 sq mi)
- Metro 1,287.4 km² (497.1 sq mi)
Population (2008)
- Emirate 2,262,000
- Density 408.18/km² (1,057.2/sq mi)
- Metro 2,262,000
42.3% Indian
17% Emirati
13.3% Pakistani
- Nationality
7.5% Bangladeshi
9.1% Arab
Economy of Dubai
The Dubai Marina, a residential district, is the world's second largest man-
made marina.
Port in Dubai, constructed in the 1970s, has the largest man-made harbour in
the world and was ranked eighth globally for the volume of container traffic
it supports . Dubai is also developing as a hub for service industries such as
IT and finance, with the establishment of industry-specific free zones
throughout the city. Dubai Internet City, combined with Dubai Media City as
part of TECOM (Dubai Technology, Electronic Commerce and Media Free
Zone Authority) is one such enclave whose members include IT firms such
as EMC Corporation, Oracle Corporation, Microsoft, and IBM, and media
organisations such as MBC, CNN, BBC, Reuters and AP.
Burj Al Arab
The Burj Al Arab (Arabic: برج العرب, literally, Tower of the Arabs) is a
luxury hotel located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. At
321 metres (1,053 ft), it is the tallest building used exclusively as a hotel.
However, the Rose Tower, also in Dubai, which has already topped Burj Al
Arab's height at 333 m (1,090 ft), will take away this title upon its opening.
The Burj Al Arab stands on an artificial island 280 metres (919 ft) out from
Jumeirah beach, and is connected to the mainland by a private curving
bridge. It is an iconic structure, designed to symbolize Dubai's urban
transformation and to mimic the sail of a boat.
Construction
Construction of Burj Al Arab began in 1994. It was built to resemble the sail
of a dhow, a type of Arabian vessel. Two "wings" spread in a V to form a
vast "mast", while the space between them is enclosed in a massive atrium.
The architect Tom Wright said "The client wanted a building that would
become an iconic or symbolic statement for Dubai; this is very similar to
Sydney with its Opera House, or Paris with the Eiffel Tower. It needed to be
a building that would become synonymous with the name of the country."
The architect and engineering consultant for the project was Atkins, the
UK's largest multidisciplinary consultancy. The hotel was built by South
African construction contractor Murray & Roberts.The hotel cost $650
million to build.
Burj Al Arab
Tower of the Arabs
Information
Location Dubai, U.A.E.
Status Complete
Constructed 1994-1999
Use Hotel, Restaurant
Height
Antenna/Spire 321 m (1,053 ft)
Roof 210 m (689 ft)
Top floor 200 m (656 ft)
Technical details
Floor count 60
111,500 m²
Floor area
(1,200,000 sq ft)
Elevator count 18
Companies
Architect Tom Wright of WS Atkins PLC
Vital Statistics
The hotel boasts 8,000 square meters of 22-carat gold leaf and 24,000
square meters of 30 different types of marble and it features the tallest
atrium lobby in the world, at 180 meters (590 feet).
The building contains over 70,000 cubic meters of concrete and 9,000
tons of steel.
Special Design Features :It was built to resemble the sail of a dhow, a
type of Arabian vessel. Two "wings" spread in a V to form a vast
"mast", while the space between them is enclosed in a massive atrium.
Features
Inside the building, the atrium is 180 meters (590 ft) tall. During the
construction phase, to lower the interior temperature, the building was
cooled by one degree per day over 6 months. This was to prevent large
amounts of "condensation or in fact even a rain cloud from forming in the
hotel during the period of construction." This task was accomplished by
several cold air nozzles, which point down from the top of the ceiling, and
blast a 1 meter cold air pocket down the inside of the sail. This creates a
buffer zone, which controls the interior temperature without massive energy
costs.
During the day, the white fabric allows a soft, milky light inside the hotel,
whereas a clear glass front would produce blinding amounts of glare and a
constantly increasing temperature. At night, both inside and outside, the
fabric is lit by color-changing lights. During the period of mourning
following the death of Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum in January
2006, the light show and some water features were turned off.
Interior
It is managed by the Jumeirah Group. Despite its size, the Burj Al Arab
holds only 28 double-story floors which accommodate 202 bedroom suites.
The smallest suite occupies an area of 169 square meters (1,819 sq ft), the
largest covers 780 square meters (8,396 sq ft). It is one of the most
expensive hotels in the world. The cost of staying in a suite begins at $1,000
per night; the Royal Suite is the most expensive, at $28,000 per night.
Suites feature design details that juxtapose east and west. White Tuscan
columns and a spiral staircase covered in marble with a wrought-iron gold
leaf railing show influence from classicism and art nouveau. Spa-like
bathrooms are accented by mosaic tile patterns on the floors and walls, with
Arabian-influenced geometries, which are also found elsewhere in the
building.
Restaurants
Al Mahara
One of its restaurants, Al Muntaha (Arabic meaning "Highest" or
"Ultimate"), is located 200 metres (660 ft) above the Persian Gulf, offering a
view of Dubai. It is supported by a full cantilever that extends 27 metres
(89 ft) from either side of the mast, and is accessed by a panoramic elevator.
The main chef there- Edah Semaj Leachim, was awarded Chef of the Year
2006 and also owns the restaurant, in accordance with the Burj Al Arab
hotel.
The Burj Al Arab has attracted criticism as well as praise, described as "a
contradiction of sorts, considering how well-designed and impressive the
construction ultimately proves to be." The contradiction here seems to be
related to the hotel’s extreme opulence. "This extraordinary investment in
state-of-the-art construction technology stretches the limits of the ambitious
urban imagination in an exercise that is largely due to the power of excessive
wealth." Another critic includes the city of Dubai as well: "both the hotel
and the city, after all, are monuments to the triumph of money over
practicality. Both elevate style over substance." Yet another: "Emulating the
quality of palatial interiors, in an expression of wealth for the mainstream, a
theater of opulence is created in Burj Al Arab … The result is a baroque
effect". Sam Wollaston writing in The Guardian described the Burj as
"...fabulous, hideous, and the very pinnacle of tackiness - like Vegas after a
serious, no-expense-spared, sheik-over".
Footnotes
1. Guest Service
2. World's Tallest Hotels", Emporis (March 2008). Retrieved on 2008-
03-23.
3. The opening of the Rose Tower was originally scheduled to take place
in April 2008, but has still not opened as of late May 2008.
4. Rotana to bring 10,000 more rooms under management", Gulf News
(2007-11-22). Retrieved on 2008-04-06.
5. Four Dubai Openings For Rotana Hotels". Rotana Hotels (2008-01).
Retrieved on 2008-04-06.
6. Burj Al Arab". Galinsky. Retrieved on 2008-06-08.
7. Dubai's Dream Palace - Burj al-Arab Hotel". Megastructures. No. 70.
8. Murray & Roberts", Murray & Roberts (2006-06-21). Retrieved on
2006-06-21.
9. Burj Al Arab", Forbes Traveler. Retrieved on 2007-01-24.
10. Burj Al Arab", EgyptEng.com engineering directory. Retrieved on
2007-01-24.
11. Designing with Structural Fabrics", Architectural Record (2006-10-
01). Retrieved on 2007-01-24.
12. Tennis on the Burj", Gargles (2006-09-29). Retrieved on 2007-01-24.
13. World's Top Tennis Stars at Burj Al Arab", Burj Al Arab online.
Retrieved on 2007-01-24.
14. Damluji, Salma Samar, The Architecture of the U.A.E.. Reading, UK:
2006.
The marketing technique of self-declaring the 7 star title has worked very
well. Burj al-Arab became one of the most wanted destinations, and not only
in the United Arab Emirates. To keep objectivity, the hotel is officially 5 star
deluxe. The service and the unseen luxury definitely makes it stand out of
the other 5 star hotels. The service includes private chauffeur with Rolls
Royce or BMW 7, private reception desk every floor, helicopter pad
(helicopter trips to the center of Dubai or to the Dubai International Airport),
restaurant located 200m above the sea level, with amezing view on the city.
The hotel offers free entry to the Wild-Wadi Water Park as well.
Celebrities appear daily at this hotel, Andre Agassi had a tennis game with
Roger Federer on the helipad, and Ronan Keating made his video clip at the
same place. Burj al-Arab stands on an artificial island which is linked to
Jumeirah by a private bridge.
Burj al-Arab has the most luxurious interior imaginable. Khuan Chew,
Design Principal of KCA International was responsible for the interior
design. The most expensive materials were used throughout the building.
There is no exact data about the cost of the hotel, but rumours say that the
return of investment could be 100 years, although the nights at Burj al-Arab
start at $1000. The Royal Suite costs $28000 per night.
There are 202 duplex suites in the hotel, the smallest suite starts at 169 m²,
and the largest is 780 m². Each suite has floor to the ceiling windows with
spectacular views on the Persian Gulf. Every suite has sumptuous living and
dining area, and office facilities. They are equipped with 42 inch Plasma
screen TV, and everything is automated and can be controlled via remote.
The list goes on, like 13 pillows to choose from and similar thoughtful care
for the guests.
There is huge variety of brilliant, elegant restaurants that offer much more
than the average. Al Mahara (The Oyster) let you enjoy your meal next to a
large circle aquarium. The Skyview Bar leaves you with an unforgettable
experience drinking coctails -made by Rikard Lindqvist (mixologist) from
Sweden- 200 m above the sea-level. If that is not enough, there are 8 more
restaurants to choose from.
The Tower of the Arabs from an exact angle (sailing into the city of Dubai)
can be viewed as a Christian symbol, the cross. It is still widely disputed,
wether the British architects made it intentionally, or this is only a harmless
coincidence. As United Arab Emirates is an Islamic country, such symbol
would not make the locals happy, as Burj al-Arab is the iconic tower of their
country, that represents their dream of the modern Dubai.
Emirates Palace
Burj al-Arab was the first hotel to self-declare the 7-star title, but soon
another hotel appeared in the United Arab Emirates, the Emirates Palace in
Abu Dhabi. While Burj al-Arab lies on a small artificial island, Emirates
Palace is surrounded by a spectacular garden with multiple swimming pools
and amezing fountains. The hotel kept the traditional arabic architectural
style.
More photos of the best hotel in Dubai:
Hotel Facilities
General
Restaurant – Bar – 24-Hour Front Desk – Newspapers – Garden – Non-
Smoking Rooms – Rooms/Facilities for Disabled Guests – Family Rooms –
Elevator – Express Check-In/Check-Out – Safety Deposit Box –
Soundproofed Rooms – Luggage Storage – Shops in Hotel – Ski Storage –
Allergy-Free Room Available – All Public and Private spaces non-smoking –
Airconditioning
Activities
Sauna – Fitness Centre – Spa & Wellness Centre – Massage – Children's
Playground – Billiards – Jacuzzi – Library – Squash – Indoor Swimming
Pool – Outdoor Swimming Pool
Services
Room Service – Meeting/Banquet Facilities – Business Centre –
Babysitting/Child Services – Laundry – Dry Cleaning – Barber/Beauty
Shop – VIP Room Facilities – Currency Exchange – Souvenirs/Gift Shop –
Shoe Shine – Packed Lunches – Car Rental – Tour Desk –
Fax/Photocopying – Ticket Service – ATM/Cash Machine on site
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel and is free of charge.
Guest Parking
Free private parking is possible on site.
Hotel Policies
These are general hotel policies. As they may vary per room type;
Cancellation
If cancelled up to 7 days before date of arrival, no fee will be charged.
If cancelled later, the first night will be charged.
In case of no-show, the total price of the reservation will be charged.
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Hotel information
Surrounded by white beaches and the blue waters of the Arabian Gulf, you
can choose from a variety of activities while staying at Burj Al Arab. Relax
in the superb outdoor pool or soak up the rays on the private beach.
Alternatively, take time out in the spacious airy gymnasium boasting the
very latest in equipment and with personal trainers on hand. Explore new
boundaries and enjoy unlimited complimentary access to Wild Wadi Water
Park.
Please note that the dress code in the hotel lobby and the restaurants is smart
casuals.
From the finest seafood in the world to modern International cuisine with the
most delicious ingredients, exclusive dining options cater to your culinary
cravings in a multitude of elegant settings that cannot be discovered
anywhere else. Choose to dine high up among the stars, at the base of the
world's tallest atrium or even 'under the sea'!
Room information
Burj Al Arab does not have rooms; it has 202 suites, each one arranged over
two floors with floor to ceiling glass windows which offer simply
breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf.
Decorated with lavish textures and exuberant colours, each suite features a
sumptuous living and dining area, state of the art entertainment system and
office facilities. Their sheer opulence in every tiny detail is underpinned with
technology that does everything from controlling the 42 inch Plasma screen
TV to closing the curtains.
Important information
Valid identification for all the guests will be requested upon arrival at the
hotel, which may be either passport or a valid UAE driving license.
Some nationalities can get an entry permit stamped in their passport upon
arrival at the airport. Please check your visa requirements before traveling.
Room type Price per stay
AED 599
0 i
Deluxe One Bedroom Suite
• excluding service
charges and city tax
Panoramic One Bedroom Suite AED 6740 i
• excluding service
Room type Price per stay
charges and city tax
Deluxe 2 Bedroom Suite AED 11980
US$ 5990 = INR 292231.93
Room Facilities: Minibar, Safety Deposit Box, TV, Telephone, Fax, Air
Conditioning, Jacuzzi, Radio, Bathroom Amenities, Toilet, Bathroom, Cable
TV, Tea/Coffee Maker, Hairdryer, Wake Up Service/Alarm Clock, Bathrobe,
Refrigerator, Work Desk, Seating Area, DVD Player, CD Player, Video
Games, Dressing Room, Slippers
Breakfast: Buffet breakfast is not included and costs AED 250.00 per
person.
Taxes: VAT is not applicable. 10 % service charge per stay is not included.
10 % city/tourist tax per stay is not included.
The Burj Al Arab also known as The Tower of Arabs is one of the major
attractions in Dubai. It is located on a man-made island on the Persian Gulf.
It was once the tallest building in the world used exclusively as a hotel. It is
now the third tallest hotel due to two taller buildings being built, which are
used exclusively as hotels just like the Burj Al Arab. The second tallest hotel
is located in North Korea and the hotel leading the way is also in Dubai and
is called the Rose Tower.
The Burj Al Arab is a staggering 321 metres (1,053 ft) and is one of the
reasons why Dubai at the present time is on of the most popular holiday
destinations. The Burj Al Arab stands on an artificial island, which is
approximately 280 metres (919 ft) out from Jumeirah Beach. The island on
which the Burj Al Arab is located is connected to the mainland via a private
curving bridge. By private I mean that you have to gain permission in
advance in order to get access to the exclusive road leading to the very
exclusive hotel.
The Burj Al Arab is a worldwide icon and is one of the major reasons why
many people visit Dubai. The Burj Al Arab was built to symbolize Dubai's
urban development and huge economical growth. Work on the Burj Al Arab
began in 1994 and finished in 1999. The hotel was built to resemble the sail
of a dhow, which is a type of Arabian vessel. The Crown Prince of Dubai
wanted the Burj Al Arab to be iconic, in the same way the Eiffel Tower is
iconic in Paris. He wanted people to think of Dubai whenever the name
BURJ AL ARAB was mentioned. The hotel cost a total of $650 million
dollars to build and the task was completed by a UK based company.
The Burj Al Arab was Dubai's biggest engineering feat. The island on which
the Burj Al Arab rests on consists of 70,000 cubic metres of concrete, which
in simple terms converts to 70 million litres. Also in the completion process
of the artificial island 9,000 tons of steel was used. Inside the Burj Al Arab
there is an atrium, which is 180 metres (590 ft) tall. With that feat achieved
the atrium within the Burj Al Arab became the world's tallest. Due to the
sheer size of the atrium, the building had to be cooled by 1 degree over 6
months to prevent large amounts of condensation to form. Or in other words
to prevent the formation of a possible rain cloud due to the high humidity.
There was some controversy over the birds-eye view of the Burj Al Arab.
Some Arabians complained that the overhead view of the Burj Al Arab
looked rather like or symbolized the 'Cross'. They demanded for the iconic
Burj Al Arab to be knocked down to the ground immediately. Their demands
were obviously not met as it would cause a big loss to Dubai's economy and
would cause major controversy. The people complaining were reassured that
the shape the Burj Al Arab took was just a mere coincidence and was no big
deal. They finally accepted that they were wrong and no damage was done.
In My opinion what they saw was truly just a misunderstanding and also I
think it looks nothing like what they think. And if it did then it would be no
major deal as these things are always minor coincidences.
The Burj Al Arab is characterized by many Arabians as the world's first '7-
star' hotel. It may be very luxurious and expensive, but it is an over-
exaggeration to call it a '7 star. A definite 5 star though. The front of the
building known as the dhow area of the building is enclosed by a teflon-
coated fiberglass sail. It is coated with teflon to protect it from the harsh
desert weather conditions of Dubai. The sail spans over 161,000 square feet,
it consists of two layers, and is divided into twelve panels and installed
vertically. With the teflon coating it is approximated to last over a period of
50 years. Just looking at the sheer beauty of the building, you can definitely
say that the Burj Al Arab is one of Dubai's greatest attraction as well as
hotel.
During the day you will be able to view the soft, milky white fabric sail of
the Burj Al Arab from quite a distance, obviously due to its sheer size. At
night is when the fun starts in the Burj Al Arab. At night, both inside and
outside, the fabric is lit with a range of colour changing lights. Near the top
of the building is a suspended helipad, one of the most notable features of
the Burj Al Arab. The helipad has been a major publicity event holder, with
famous faces like Ronan Keating, Tiger Woods, Roger Federer and Andre
Agassi taking part in particular events. Ronan Keating shot his music video
IRIS on the helipad, with Tiger Woods hitting numerous golf balls into the
Persian Gulf, and Roger Federer along with Andre Agassi playing a non-
official tennis match.
The interior of the Burj Al Arab consists of 8,000 square meters of 22 carat
cold leaf and 24,000 square meters of 30 different types of marble. In the
main lobby of the hotel there is a fountain which creates a 3D islamic star
pattern. With the sheer beauty of the hotel the prices of the suites are not
cheap. Despite the great size of the Burj Al Arab, there are only 28-double
storey floors which accommodate 202 bedroom suites. The cheapest suite
costs $1000 per night and ranges up to $15,000 per night, depending on the
quality of the suites and services. There is also a Royal Suite, built for the
super rich and costs $50,000 per night.
Both levels of the Panoramic Suite offer you great views of the Arabian Gulf
through floor to ceiling glass windows in an extremely luxurious setting.
The club suites like all the rest provide excellent views of the Dubai
landscape and its one of a kind club facilities make it ideal for both regular
and private entertainment.
4. 2 BEDROOM SUITE
These suites provide very good views of the sea, and consist of a large
dining area with separate kitchen and two lounges.
5. 3 BEDROOM SUITE
The 3 bedroom suite, with large spaces for many forms of entertaining as
well as living make it ideal for family purposes as well as entertaining
purposes.
6. PRESIDENTIAL SUITE
This is known as presidential for one reason and one reason only. Its due to
the high level of luxury, space, décor and amenities.
7. ROYAL SUITE
The stately and opulent Royal Suite on the 25th floor is the last word in
luxury, with its lavishly appointed interiors, majestic colour scheme and
sumptuous furnishings. (as stated on the official website)
All the suites look exciting and glamorous, but are in fact for most everyday
people too expensive. The $1000 suite, which is in fact the cheapest would
be the best solution. However, if you do not prefer to stay in the hotel you
can opt to just visit the place, which is why it is known as an attraction. It
would cost you approximately £200 to visit and there is a very specific dress
code. The dress code states that all visitors and also people staying should
wear 'smart casual' clothes that are non revealing. You have to also consider
that you have to book in advance to get close to the exclusive Burj Al Arab.
Dimensions
height 321 m
number of floors (above ground) 60