When Jumeirah Burj Al Arab first opened in 1999, it changed the face of Dubai tourism forever. Today, the hotel is synonymous with the Arabian hospitality and distinctive experiences that Dubai is best known for, with its legendary sail-shaped architecture becoming a symbol of the city’s ambitious growth. As Jumeirah Burj Al Arab celebrated its 25th anniversary last Sunday (December 1, 2024), here are 25 of the most iconic moments that grabbed headlines, made history, and captured hearts.
Designed with intent
In October 1993, renowned architect Tom Wright conceptualised Jumeirah Burj Al Arab’s distinctive design. His initial vision was sketched in pencil on a restaurant napkin after he was inspired by the sails of a passing ship.
Reaching new heights
When construction of Jumeirah Burj Al Arab was completed in 1999, it was the tallest hotel in the world, standing at 321 metres.
Turtle power
The Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project (DTRP) launched in 2004 at Jumeirah Burj Al Arab and neighbouring Madinat Jumeirah, run in collaboration with Dubai’s Wildlife Protection Office and with laboratory work provided by the Central Veterinary Research Laboratory. Since then, the project has released more than 2,190 rescued and rehabilitated sea turtles safely back into the Arabian Gulf, with 88 of them monitored by satellite tracking.
Tiger tees off
In 2004, Tiger Woods hit golf balls on Jumeirah Burj Al Arab’s helipad to mark the start of the Dubai Desert Classic.
Tennis in the clouds
In 2005, tennis legends Roger Federer and Andre Agassi played their infamous tennis match on the helipad ahead of the Dubai Duty Free Championships.
Swim for a cause
The first Dubai Holding Burj Al Arab Swim event took place in 2006. The annual fun-filled community event offers a 1,600m and 800m option and raises money for the Al Jalila Foundation to support obesity research.
Crystal-clear luxury
Renowned Czech glass artisans Lasvit designed 210 crystal installations exclusively for Jumeirah Burj Al Arab in 2007. Only 210 pieces were created and no two are identical.
Drinks with a view
In 2008, Skyview Bar served up the world’s most expensive cocktail for AED27,321, featuring a 55-year-aged Macallen single-malt whisky served in an 18-carat gold souvenir tumbler.
Sky’s the limit
In 2013, His Excellency Nasser Al Neyadi of Skydive Dubai became the first skydiver to land on the helipad, capturing the experience on a GoPro camera.
Need for speed
In 2013, Formula One legend David Coulthard did “doughnuts” – or what the Infinity Red Bull Racing team referred to as “the Red Bull Seven Star Pin” – on the helipad in the Infiniti 750bhp F1 car.
Champions at play
Also in 2013, China’s world number one table tennis players, Long Ma and ShiWen Liu, played the first-ever table tennis match on the platform.
Defying gravity
In a world first, Danish kitesurfer Nick Jacobsen broke records when he jumped off the helipad with his kiteboard, using the kite as a parachute and hang glider in 2017.
Stunt doubles
The two champions returned to the helipad with two more table tennis pros – Zhang Jike and Li Xiaoxia – for a mixed doubles helipad event in January 2014. They were part of a Chinese national team sponsored by Dubai.
Fancy fleet
To celebrate its 15th birthday, Jumeirah Burj Al Arab added four white bespoke Phantom series IIs to its iconic fleet of Rolls Royce motor cars.
Alfresco at its finest
The Terrace at Jumeirah Burj Al Arab opened in 2016, making headlines for being the first man-made luxury beach destination of its kind.
Just for kicks
Premier league legends Rio Ferdinand and Bobby Zamora played a friendly game of two touch football on the helipad in 2017.
Spar in the sky
In November 2017, heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua sparred with boxing guru Seb Eubank in a makeshift boxing ring on top of the helipad.
Sky-high yoga
As part of the XYoga Festival in 2020, internationally renowned yogi Sjana Elise led a 60-minute yoga session on the helipad.
Mirror, mirror
SAL restaurant opened in 2020 and was an instant must-visit dining destination, thanks to its ‘Mirror Box’ dining room. The innovative, unique design showcases the stunning views of the Arabian Gulf, the 100-metre infinity pool, and Dubai’s skyline.
Cartier in the Clouds
The Unexpected World of Cartier high jewellery collection was unveiled on the hotel helipad at an incredible event titled Head in the Clouds in 2021.
Nothing but the beat
During lockdown, legendary DJ David Guetta streamed a live set from the helipad as part of his United at Home global tour in 2021.
Honouring heritage
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of UNESCO World Heritage in 2022, Jumeirah Burj Al Arab hosted the sky-high Art Maze, a multi-day exhibition featuring a labyrinthine gallery showcasing art, culture and technology.
Shooting for the stars
2022 also saw fine-dining restaurant Al Muntaha, meaning ‘the ultimate’ in Arabic, awarded its first Michelin star. Serving up the finest in French and Italian cuisine from acclaimed Chef Saverio Sbaragli, the stunning restaurant located on the on the 27th floor continues to retain the accolade year after year.
Bullseye landing
In a gravity-defying stunt that has never been seen before, Red Bull pilot Luke Czepiela landed a plane on the helipad in 2023.
Night of the dragon
During a spectacular New Year’s Eve celebration, Jumeirah Burj Al Arab ushered in 2024 by setting a new world record for the first 360-degree drone show around a single building. The show featured 1,500 drones that created a 300-metre-long Chinese dragon circling the iconic hotel.
Looking to the future, Jumeirah Burj Al Arab will continue to reinvent itself and redefine what’s possible for generations to come. As the city itself evolves, there is no doubt that the iconic hotel will continue to surprise and delight residents and guests alike, while setting a dizzying standard for luxury hospitality on the global stage.
All imagery credit: Jumeirah
