If Sindbad, of Arabian Nights fame, should today sail the shores of the United Arab Emirates, he would be truly surprised to see a giant mammoth sail rising above the horizon and climbing endlessly into the blue sky. What seems to be an incredibly large ship, would no doubt bring to his mind other monsters and magical beings which he encountered during his many sea voyages. 'A mirage of a giant on an enormous wind surfer', which Sindbad would see, is an apt description of Burj al-Arab Hotel (the Arab Towers Hotel), the United Arab Emirates' magnet for jet-setters and all types of other affluent travellers.

Unknown to most of the world's ordinary travellers, this stunning hotel that dominates the Dubai skyline opened its doors in December 1999 to those fortunate enough to experience its splendour and luxury. Visually spectacular, it is acknowledged to be the world's most luxurious hotel. A much sought after abode of the rich and famous, it has put Dubai, the United Arab Emirates' commercial heart, on the tourist map of the affluent.

A billowing, sail-shaped structure 321 m (1,053 ft) high, taller than Paris's Eiffel Tower and just 60 m (196 ft) shorter than New York's Empire State Building, it is the world's tallest freestanding hotel. Some 3,500 designers, engineers and building workers took part in the building of this amazing structure. Located 280 m (918 ft) offshore and secured to the seabed, some 45 m (148 ft) below the surface of the water, the Burj is built on an offshore man-made island, overlooking the Arabian Gulf. It has already become a new definition in service and luxury some even say decadence.








> The interior, a museum of future art, overwhelming in its rich colours and affluent atmosphere, is simply breathtaking. A sumptuous world of blues, gold and reds provides guests with a truly visual treat - a finesse of interior design that elevates the hotel to pinnacles of excellence. Designed by Kwan Chew, a British-based designer, it is an eclectic mix of gold-leafed pillars and silver sidings, overlooking blue and red leather sofas and canary-tiled floors. No one walks away without being impressed by the hotel's huge breathtaking atrium or the panoramic view of Dubai and its coastline from all the rooms.

Only the finest materials were used - from English oak and the finest-weave Irish linen to rare Sicis glass, attractive mosaics, Brazilian Azul Bahia granite and the same marble as that used by Michaelangelo for his sculptures. One can feel the pure and sheer richness of the place just by walking through the lobby area, rimmed by designer jewellery and high-class clothing boutiques.