Dubai, the city of extravagance, futuristic architecture, and unparalleled luxury, is home to one of the most iconic hotels in the world—the Burj Al Arab. Often referred to as the world’s only 7-star hotel, the Burj Al Arab is not just a place to stay—it’s a destination in itself. Towering over the Arabian Gulf on its own artificial island, this sail-shaped masterpiece invites guests into a world of opulence, grandeur, and personalized luxury.

If you’re planning a Dubai tour, stepping inside the Burj Al Arab is like stepping into a dream. Whether you’re checking in for a stay, booking a dining experience, or joining the exclusive inside tour, here’s what to expect inside this architectural marvel.

A Grand Arrival: The First Impression

Your journey begins long before you enter the hotel’s golden doors. Located on a private island connected to the mainland by a bridge, access to the Burj Al Arab is tightly controlled. Guests and tour visitors pass through a gated entrance, and immediately, you're greeted with impeccable landscaping, luxury vehicles, and the towering silhouette of the hotel shining in the sun.

Once inside, you're welcomed by uniformed doormen and the soft aroma of fresh flowers. The atrium—the tallest in the world at over 180 meters—is a jaw-dropping introduction. The space bursts with color, cascading water features, and gold-plated columns that stretch toward the heavens. An escalator takes you past aquariums teeming with exotic fish, and everything sparkles under an ever-changing light display.

The Iconic Royal Suite: Where Royalty Rests

If your tour includes a visit to the Royal Suite, get ready for a glimpse into unmatched opulence. This two-story suite is the epitome of excess, boasting a rotating four-poster bed, private cinema, library, and a lavish marble-and-gold bathroom with Hermes amenities. The furniture is regal, the carpets plush, and every detail screams luxury.

Even if you're not staying overnight, walking through the Royal Suite is like stepping into a modern-day palace—one that floats above the sea.

Gold, Gold, and More Gold

They don’t call it a 7-star hotel for nothing. The Burj Al Arab is gilded with over 1,790 square meters of 24-karat gold leaf. From the elevator buttons to the stair railings and even some of the ceilings, gold is everywhere. It’s tastefully done—not gaudy—but undeniably present. This design choice is not just about luxury; it’s a nod to the grandeur of Arabic royalty and tradition.

The Skyview Bar: Sip Above the Clouds

Perched on the 27th floor, the Skyview Bar is the perfect place to sip on a signature cocktail while enjoying panoramic views of the city and the sea. Floor-to-ceiling windows curve around the room, offering uninterrupted vistas of the Palm Jumeirah, the Dubai Marina, and beyond.

The cocktails here aren’t your standard fare—expect molecular mixology, rare ingredients, and dazzling presentations. Booking ahead is essential, and while it’s a splurge, it’s one that offers unforgettable memories.

Culinary Excellence: A Journey Through Taste

Dining at the Burj Al Arab is a sensory journey. There are nine signature restaurants and bars, each offering a distinct experience.

Al Mahara, the famous underwater-themed restaurant, offers a surreal dining experience surrounded by a giant floor-to-ceiling aquarium. It's as close as you can get to dining in Atlantis.

Al Muntaha, located 200 meters above sea level, serves contemporary European cuisine with panoramic views.

Scape Restaurant & Lounge, on the terrace, offers a relaxed ambiance with vibrant Californian fusion dishes.

The service is impeccable—each dish is a piece of art, and every bite an explosion of flavor. Whether it’s a lavish buffet breakfast or a romantic candlelit dinner, expect your taste buds to be dazzled.

The Terrace: A Leisure Paradise

The Burj Al Arab’s Terrace is a 10,000-square-meter luxury leisure facility that stretches over the sea. It houses an infinity pool, sunbeds, private cabanas, and a swim-up bar. The views from the pool are mesmerizing, especially at sunset when the water reflects the fiery sky.

If you're on a tour, you may not swim, but you can take in the spectacular design—elevated decks that give you the illusion of floating above the sea. For hotel guests, it’s a tranquil oasis with VIP service and ultimate privacy.

Personalized Service: The Art of Hospitality

What truly sets the Burj Al Arab apart is its legendary service. With a staff-to-suite ratio of 6:1, your every need is anticipated. Each suite comes with a dedicated butler, trained to cater to your preferences and available 24/7.

From pillow menus to private check-ins, no request is too extravagant. Want a helicopter transfer to the airport? Done. Need a Rolls-Royce to explore the city? Consider it arranged. This is hospitality on another level—one where luxury and warmth walk hand in hand.

The Exclusive Inside Tour: A Peek Behind the Curtain

Not staying at the hotel? Don’t worry—you can still experience the magic with the Inside Burj Al Arab tour, a 90-minute curated experience that takes you through the hotel's history, design, and legendary stories.

Highlights include:

The immersive Experience Suite, where holograms and digital storytelling bring the Burj’s construction and design philosophy to life.

The Royal Suite, accessible exclusively on the tour.

Historical exhibits, showcasing photographs, artifacts, and early design sketches.

The tour is ideal for travelers who crave a touch of luxury without booking a suite. It’s part museum, part gallery, part fantasy.

Dress to Impress

Whether you're staying overnight or just visiting, the Burj Al Arab has a strict smart-casual dress code. Think elegant evening wear, not beach shorts and flip-flops. After all, you're stepping into a place where elegance is the standard, not the exception.

Capture the Moment

Photography inside the Burj Al Arab is allowed in many areas—so get your camera ready. The atrium alone offers dozens of Insta-worthy angles. But don’t forget to take a moment to simply look, breathe, and appreciate the artistry without the lens.

Beyond the Hotel: Burj Al Arab’s Cultural Impact

More than just a hotel, the Burj Al Arab is a symbol of Dubai's ambition and vision. Since its completion in 1999, it has become one of the most photographed structures in the world. It represents innovation, engineering prowess, and the city’s drive to redefine luxury.

It’s featured in movies, fashion shoots, and luxury travel shows, often referred to as a beacon of the Middle East’s modern identity.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

Absolutely.

The Burj Al Arab is not just accommodation—it’s an experience, a statement, and a journey into a world where luxury has no limits. Whether you’re exploring it on a tour or indulging in an overnight stay, it’s an unforgettable highlight of any Dubai itinerary.

So when planning your Dubai adventure, make sure you carve out time to step inside this icon of architectural brilliance and immerse yourself in a world where the extraordinary is the everyday.