15 Fascinating Facts You Didn't Know About Burj Al Arab

The Jumeirah Burj Al Arab is more than just a luxury hotel; it's a landmark shrouded in fascinating stories and impressive statistics. Beyond the well-known sail-shaped silhouette lies a history of ambitious design, engineering marvels, and mind-boggling opulence. Here are 15 fascinating facts that reveal what makes this Dubai icon truly extraordinary.

It's built on its own island. The hotel stands 280 meters offshore on a purpose-built island, connected to the mainland by a private bridge.
The design was inspired by a boat's sail. Architect Tom Wright sketched the initial concept on a napkin in 1993, inspired by the wind-filled sail of a dhow, a traditional Arabian vessel.
It's taller than The Shard's hotel. At 321 meters, it is the world's tallest all-suite hotel, standing 12 meters taller than The Shard in London.
It features the world's tallest atrium. Soaring over 180 meters, the breathtaking lobby is flanked by golden columns and is a record-holder itself.
Over 24,000 sqm of marble was used. The walls and floors are adorned with 30 different types of Statuario marble, the same used by Michelangelo.
Its interiors are gilded in 24-carat gold. Approximately 1,790 square meters of gold leaf embellish the interior surfaces of the hotel.
There are 86,500 Swarovski crystals in one mirror. The frame of the mirror in the Junsui bar features tens of thousands of individually hand-fixed crystals.
Every suite is two stories high. All 198 suites are duplexes, connected by a grand staircase, and feature floor-to-ceiling windows.
The helipad has hosted incredible stunts. It has been used for a tennis match between Federer and Agassi, a car spinning stunt by David Coulthard, and a DJ set by David Guetta.
It has its own camel. A camel named Musafir (meaning "traveler") offers guests symbolic walks around the hotel's grounds.
You can drink a gold cappuccino. The hotel serves a signature cappuccino topped with luxurious 24-carat gold leaf.
It has a dedicated turtle rehabilitation program. The hotel supports the Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project, having helped release over 2,150 sea turtles back into the Gulf.
A team of over 40 chefs work in the pastry kitchen. Led by Executive Pastry Chef Tom Coll, they create exquisite desserts for the hotel's restaurants.
It has a fleet of Rolls-Royce Phantoms. Bespoke Rolls-Royce Phantoms are available for guest transfers, adding to the ultra-luxurious arrival experience.
It's been called a "7-star hotel." While the official rating is 5-star, a journalist once famously argued it was so luxurious it must be "7-star," a nickname that has stuck in popular culture.