Burj Al Arab to fete its 15th anniversary

Built on an artificial island 280 meters from the Jumeirah coast, the five-star luxury hotel was commissioned by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, prime minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, in a bid to erect a landmark that would become an internationally recognized symbol of Dubai in the same way that the Sydney Opera House, the Eiffel Tower and the Taj Mahal are inextricably linked with their respective cities. On December 1, the hotel will host a fireworks show, combined with a visual 3D mapping projection that will be played off the sail-like structure. Longtime partner Hermès will also be launching a series of limited edition gifts that the property has featured over the last 15 years. Designed by architect Tom Wright of WS Atkins, construction of the hotel began in 1994 and involved 250 designers from the UK, US and Dubai, 3,000 companies and contractors, and the labor of 3,500 workmen at any given time. The hotel officially opened its doors on December 1, 1999. At 321 meters, the Burj Al Arab stands taller than the Eiffel Tower and is 60 meters shorter than the Empire State Building. In 2015, the hotel will also be offering special ‘Best of the Burj' packages that feature some of its most luxurious services including a Rolls-Royce Phantom pick-up, stays in the most opulent suites, and a six-course dinner and spa experience. Rates start at 5,990 AED ($1,630 USD) a night, Euronews reported.