Book Now
Aerial view of Burj Al Arab and the Jumeirah coastline

Burj Al Arab

Dubai’s sail-shaped icon on its own island. See how to step inside, and where to photograph it for free.

  • About 321 m tall
  • Reservation required
  • Free viewing spots
LocationJumeirah, Dubai
HeightAbout 321 m
Tour fromAbout AED 249
Afternoon teaFrom about AED 600

Dubai’s most famous hotel

Burj Al Arab Jumeirah stands on an artificial island about 280 metres off Jumeirah Beach, joined to the coast by a private causeway. Its sail-like shape, inspired by a traditional dhow, has become the symbol of Dubai. It opened in 1999 and is about 321 metres tall.

It is often called a seven-star hotel, but that is a journalist’s description rather than an official rating. The hotel is officially five-star deluxe. What is certain is the atrium, about 180 metres tall, and the dramatic interiors.

There are no walk-in tickets. Non-guests can only enter with an advance booking: the guided Inside Burj Al Arab tour, a restaurant or afternoon tea reservation, or a hotel stay. If you only want to see it, the best views are free from the public beaches and Madinat Jumeirah.

321 mHeight
1999Opened
280 mIsland from the shore
180 mAtrium height

Ways to experience Burj Al Arab

Choose how close you want to get. Prices come from published guides and change by date.

Inside Burj Al Arab guided tour

A guided visit of about 90 minutes with access to the lobby and public areas. Upgrades can be added.

Afternoon tea at Sahn Eddar

A classic afternoon tea in the atrium, with a confirmed booking giving access to the island.

Restaurants and bars

Fine dining and sky-high bars with advance reservations and a minimum spend.

Free photo spots

Jumeirah Public Beach, Sunset Beach (Umm Suqeim) and Kite Beach give head-on views. Madinat Jumeirah frames the hotel across the water.

Jet ski and boat views

Sea-level views and photos from the water, offered from Umm Suqeim Marina.

Evening light display

The facade is lit with colourful light shows after dark, best seen from the beach.

Plan your visit

A simple evening plan that combines photos with a reservation or tour.

  1. Afternoon

    Hotel pickup

    Your driver takes you to Jumeirah. Allow extra time for traffic around sunset.

  2. Before your booking

    Photos on the beach

    Take a few photos at Umm Suqeim or Madinat Jumeirah while the light is good.

  3. Your reservation

    Tour or afternoon tea

    Arrive in smart dress with your confirmation and ID. Taxis are checked at the causeway gate.

  4. After sunset

    Evening views

    See the facade lit up from the beach or from Madinat Jumeirah.

  5. Evening

    Return transfer

    Meet your driver at the agreed point for the ride back.

Ways to visit and indicative prices

Prices are indicative and come from published 2026 guides, in UAE dirhams (AED). They change by date, season and menu.

Popular

Guided tour

About 90 minutes, advance booking.

About AED 249per person

Upgrades cost extra

Afternoon tea

Sahn Eddar, atrium setting.

From about AED 600per person

Minimum spend acts as entry

Beach viewing

Public beaches and Madinat Jumeirah.

Free

No ticket needed

How to get in

Visits are by reservation only. Tour and restaurant times are set when you book, and afternoon tea runs at fixed seatings. There are no walk-in tickets, and only guests with a booking may cross the causeway.

These figures are not an official price list. We confirm current prices and availability before you pay. Booking early is strongly recommended.

How we help you visit

We arrange the transport and tickets so the day is simple. Entry fees are set by the attraction and can change, so we confirm the exact total before you pay.

We take care of

  • Return hotel or home transfer by private car or shared vehicle
  • Help with tour and afternoon tea reservations
  • Pickup timed for sunset or your reservation
  • Photo stops at the best public viewpoints
  • Friendly support on WhatsApp during your visit

Not included

  • Tour, tea or dining fees unless booked with us
  • Hotel stays
  • Jet ski or boat rides
  • Tips

Good to know before you go

Dress code

Smart dress is required for the tour and restaurants. Beachwear and flip-flops are discouraged.

Bring your confirmation

You need a confirmed booking and photo ID to cross the causeway.

Photography

Interior photography follows the hotel rules. Public beaches are the best place for exterior photos.

Getting there

The nearest metro is Mall of the Emirates, then a 10 to 15 minute taxi ride.

Entry rules, prices and available experiences are set by the hotel and can change. We always confirm the latest details before you pay.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, but only with an advance booking. Options include the guided Inside Burj Al Arab tour, a restaurant or afternoon tea reservation, or a hotel stay. There are no walk-in tickets.

Published guides list the guided tour from about AED 249 per person and afternoon tea from about AED 600 per person. Prices change, so we confirm before you pay.

No. That label came from a journalist’s description. The hotel is officially a five-star deluxe property.

Jumeirah Public Beach, Sunset Beach (Umm Suqeim) and Kite Beach have head-on views. Madinat Jumeirah frames the hotel across the water, and sunset and the evening light show are the best times.

Smart dress for the tour and restaurants. Avoid beachwear and flip-flops.

Yes. We offer return transfers from hotels and homes in Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman, timed to your reservation.

More to see in the UAE

Add another stop to your trip. Every option includes hotel pickup on request.

Want to see Burj Al Arab?

Send us your date, hotel and number of guests. We will reply with availability and the exact price.