WELCOME TO BURJ AL ARAB HOTEL JUMEIRAH DUBAI :

It would be easy to run out of superlatives when describing Burj Al Arab, a hotel that has already become an internationally recognizable landmark. Burj Al Arab's sail-shaped structure, which soars 321 metres above the Arabian Gulf, has already become as much a point of reference in Dubai as the Eiffel Tower is in Paris. Indeed, Burj Al Arab - is taller than the French monument and just 60 metres shorter than New York's Empire State Building.

Its innovative design, both interior and exterior, has been praised by experts worldwide and Burj Al Arab is universally regarded as a symbol of the new millennium.

For guests staying at the all-suite hotel, the experience will be unmatched. Burj Al Arab scales new heights of luxury, introducing new levels of comfort and service befitting a property that opens its doors to guests at the dawn of a new millennium.

The unique hotel is also rapidly becoming a symbol of Dubai's growing international stature.

Like the United Arab Emirates itself, Burj Al Arab combines the very best of traditional and modern. Here the latest technology is employed alongside Arabian traditions of hospitality, resulting in a truly memorable experience.

Built on a man-made island lying 280 metres off-shore, Burj Al Arab, which houses 202 duplex suites, is the final phase of Dubai's most ambitious resort project to date. The Jumeirah Beach Hotel, with its highly acclaimed restaurants, 600 bedrooms and purpose-built conference and banqueting centre, has already won international awards. Adjacent to the hotel is Wild Wadi, the most technologically advanced water theme park of its kind in the world.

These exciting developments have caught the imagination of both residents and holidaymakers alike, and have collectively raised visitors' expectations of a holiday experience. The opening of Burj Al Arab will undoubtedly serve to raise them even further

SAVOUR THE MOMENT :

A feast for both the eyes and the palate awaits diners at Burj Al Arab. From the highest point of the hotel right down to sea level, the restaurants' locations are as impressive as the creative menus. Whether guests are looking for a healthy snack or the best in haute cuisine, Burj Al Arab has the perfect answer every time. The restaurant which has long fascinated both residents and visitors to Dubai is Al Muntaha. Suspended 200 metres above the Arabian Gulf by an amazing feat of architecture, it certainly lives up to its Arabic name - the ultimate, or the highest. From here, diners can enjoy unrivalled views of Dubai and the coastline.

Reached by the express lift to the 27th level, the restaurant has a sophisticated futuristic design, while remaining true to an overall nautical theme. Diners walk through an arched, futuristic hallway before arriving at the restaurant itself. Its sleek lines are enhanced by polished chrome fittings and tempered by the use of soft blues and greens. Looking out over the awesome expanse of the Arabian Gulf and back towards Dubai, diners can relax over aperitifs or nightcaps in the elegant cocktail area. In the 140-seat restaurant itself, diners can enjoy delicious Mediterranean style cuisine and a view that extends for many miles.

SETTING NEW STANDARDS :

Luxury beyond compare awaits guests in Burj Al Arab's 202 duplex suites. From the moment visitors enter they will be cocooned in an environment of spectacular elegance and sophistication, where every request is granted and every need anticipated. The hotel offers a choice of 142 one-bedroom suites, 18 one-bedroom end suites, four one-bedroom de luxe suites, 28 two-bedroom suites, six three-bedroom suites. Additionally, there are two fantastic Grand Suites and two Royal Suites -which have to be seen to be believed.

All suites are generously proportioned and range in size from 170 to 780 square-metres and feature floor to ceiling and wall to wall windows offering breathtaking views of the sea. Entering a suite, guests come into the elegant hallway with its curving staircase leading to the upper level bedrooms. The hall and ceiling, decorated in strong blues and yellows, reflect the hotel's nautical theme. Blue and gold are the dominant colour schemes in the main reception and living area.

As well as a dining area and a sofa, which will convert into an extra bed, each suite has its own business desk complete with a laptop computer and private fax and copier, meaning the hotel is equally attractive for a business visit as for a holiday.

MEETING ALL EXPECTATIONS :

On the same level as the ballroom are two majlis areas, Tameen and Al-Areeka, and a series of conference suites named after the stars: Suheil, Suha, and Athuraya. Hallways, decorated in yellow, green and blue, follow the natural curves of the ballroom round to the meeting rooms. The rooms cater for every cultural taste as one boardroom and the majlis areas are decorated in Arab style and the others are in Western mode - both again echoing the blue, green and yellow colour scheme. Both boardrooms have a capacity for 20 people and are equipped with two simultaneous translation booths, with the latest in sophisticated technical equipment. The lighting and artwork reflect the hotel's nautical theme, while the soothing, diamond-patterned wallpaper is hand-painted in metallic beige and silver leafing. There are also smaller meeting rooms available. All the rooms have the latest computer technology and all the lighting, curtains and air-conditioning are operated by remote control. The hotel is well equipped to deal with conferences and business meetings of all kinds and can provide all the back-up services that could possibly be required. Outdoor functions can be organized in the grounds of the hotel.

A BREATH OF FRESH AIR :

A different view of the Gulf can be savoured from Bab Al Yam - the sea's door - which is located adjacent to the private outdoor swimming pool and sundeck. The café restaurant serves healthy foods and snacks throughout the day and diners have a choice of eating indoors or relaxing outside by the pool bar. An ideal location to watch the sun slowly setting over the Arabian Gulf is the intimate Juna - eye of the sun. With its warm russet and gold tones and torch lighting, it is a cosy hideaway tucked away on the mezzanine floor. Iuna offers an impressive range of the finest Havana cigars.

The perfect place to enjoy all the hotel's comings and goings is Sahn Eddar - the atrium lounge. Warm and welcoming with its blue, yellow and flame-red furniture on mosaic and marble flooring, it provides the perfect backdrop for guests wishing to linger over morning coffee or afternoon tea. Other restaurants include the aptly named and suitably stunning Amphitheater Lounge at the Assawan Spa and Health Club, and Diwania, the meeting-place, again at the Spa, where guests and club members can relax in the well-stocked library and enjoy a game of snooker on one of Burj Al Arab's five custom-made tables.

MAKING FITNESS FUN :

Maintaining a fitness regime is no problem for guests staying in Burj Al Arab. The lavishly decorated, two-storey Assawan Spa and Health Club on the 18th level has everything, and more, that a fitness enthusiast could possibly need. Assawan also offers the ultimate in pampering treatments for those who prefer less strenuous pursuits. The spa is open 24 hours a day for the convenience of both hotel guests and club members.

Assawan's decor is reminiscent of the bathing pools of bygone times, while its range of treatments and products are drawn from all four corners of the globe. The large, circular reception area, decorated in relaxing green, white, red and black, is the hub from which all activity generates. Just off this area is the Spa's squash court. In keeping with Middle Eastern tradition, there are separate ladies' facilities as well as areas for men and women to exercise together. And, apart from the colour schemes - green and yellow in the mixed area, and mauve and pink for women -the facilities are identical.

The spa is on two levels. On the lower level are the changing rooms, which lead to the sauna, steam room and plunge pool and on to the exquisite indoor swimming pool. The pool is itself modeled on those of ancient Middle Eastern civilizations. Mosaic columns line the pool area which also includes a separate Jacuzzi and plenty of comfortable seating areas. The crowning glory of this luxury is, as you would expect, a breathtaking view.

The pool for men and women is called Ma Sama, which takes its name from 'water of the sky' while the ladies' pool is Katr Enada - a name taken from the Arabic for dewdrops. On this lower level are also four dry-treatment rooms, with floor to ceiling windows, where guests can enjoy a relaxing massage or facial.

On the upper level are five further rooms for hydrotherapy treatments. The gyms are located on the upper level. Large, airy, mirrored rooms boast the very latest in fitness equipment - from treadmills, bikes and step machines for aerobic exercise, to weight machines designed to tone every part of the body. Personal trainers are on hand to devise training programs to suit each guest's requirements.Once the guest has had their assessment, their personal profile is fed on to a smart card. As the guest moves around the gym, he or she slots the card into each piece of equipment.

The computer-controlled system then selects the correct level of exercise for each individual. Visitors using the gym have the choice of watching one of a bank of television screens, or enjoying the mesmerizing vistas out over the Gulf and back towards Dubai. Adjacent to the gyms are the aerobics rooms and the Assawan Spa's boutiques, which sell exclusive sportswear. For relaxation after a strenuous workout, guests can choose between the Assawan's two exclusive lounges.

The aptly-named Amphitheater Lounge, on the spa's lower level, carries through the ancient Middle Eastern theme from the nearby pools. Imposing terracing provides a backdrop to the comfortable sofas and chairs, where guests can enjoy healthy fresh drinks and juices. On the upper level, Diwania serves snacks and drinks, while guests and members can enjoy a game of snooker on its custom-made table or relax in the library, which has an impressive collection of the latest books and compact discs.

OUTSIDE ATTRACTIONS :

The sumptuous interior of Burj Al Arab is reflected in grand style by its superb outdoor facilities. In addition to the lavish indoor pool area at the Assawan Spa and Health Club, the hotel also has an outdoor swimming pool on the edge of the Arabian Gulf. Here guests can take a dip in the pool, relax in the Jacuzzi or top up their tans on the plush sundeck. Bab Al Yam café and outdoor pool bar is the perfect place to enjoy sundowners and an early supper, or simply have a bite after a vigorous swim. For guests who would like to swim in the calm, azure waters of the Arabian Gulf itself, Burj Al Arab has its own private beach, with buggies laid on to ferry guests back and forth.

Located at the end of the purpose-built causeway directly opposite the hotel, the beach offers guests that unbeatable combination of sun and surf - as well as a welcome opportunity to admire Burj Al Arab from a different angle. The more adventurous can enjoy all the thrills and spills of the adjacent Wild Wadi Water Park with its state-of-the-art rides.

The Jumeirah Beach Hotel and its myriad attractions is just a short walk along the beach. Many of Dubai's magnificent sporting facilities are situated nearby. If a game of golf is on the cards, the championship courses at the Emirates Golf Club, Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club and Dubai Golf and Racing Club beckon. During the season, world class horse racing can be enjoyed at Nad Al Sheba racecourse, culminating in the glittering social event of the year, the Dubai World Cup. A wide array of water sports facilities are readily available, along with tennis courts. And no visit to Arabia would be complete without an exciting desert safari, with the thrills of driving among the dunes. These outings frequently culminate in a barbecue feast, complete with belly-dancer and often a falconry display. Dubai's incomparable shopping malls and souqs are all within a 20-minute drive of the hotel.

AT YOUR SERVICE :

Guests are assured of absolute privacy when staying at Burj Al Arab, with no floor housing more than 12 suites. With the highest standards of service in mind, guests' needs will be catered for round the clock by the hotel's team of butlers. Specially trained at Lady Apsley's School for Butlers in Britain, they will be in the suites as guests arrive to greet them with welcoming refreshments, They will then be on hand to demonstrate the suites' sophisticated technology and carefully unpack the guests' luggage. The butlers will then be on hand night and day to ensure that each guest has anything they might need. They will also make a detailed note of each guest's likes and dislikes. These preferences will then be referred to every time the guest returns to stay at Burj Al Arab.