DISCOVERING THE BURJ AL-ARAB circa 2007

It has been sometime since I have been to Dubai, but I want to share this because Cebu Pacific is already preparing for its maiden flight to Dubai this October 2013 !

My cousin, Espie called me and asked how to get a visa for the U.A.E. I am not updated on this now, but maybe, some of you may have an idea on how to get a tourist visa to Dubai! 

I remember that if you fly with the Emirates (airline) or book a hotel in Dubai, they will help you in preparing your Visa.

the Jumeirah Hotel (wave) and the Burj Al Arab (dhow or boat) in the background... 

One of my most memorable experiences was getting into the BURJ AL-ARAB (Tower of the Arabs)... maybe not every tourist would have the chance to do so!
From the Burj Al- Arab site: https://www.jumeirah.com/en/hotels-resorts/dubai/burj-al-arab

BURJ AL ARAB

The distinctive sail-shaped silhouette of Burj Al Arab is more than just a stunning landmark: it's a symbol of modern Dubai.

Yet for all the wonder this stunning structure provides when you finally see it in person, it's the service within that really makes the Burj Al Arab so extraordinary.

Repeatedly voted the world's most luxurious hotel, this magnificent destination offers you the finest service and facilities throughout – right down to an optional chauffeur-driven Rolls Royce.

Burj Al Arab suite-only accommodation offers discreet check-in within your rooms, a private reception on every floor and a host of personal butlers, each a warm messenger of our unparalleled hospitality.

Come and experience it for yourself.

the Burj Al-Arab from Souk Madinat

From Wikipedia:

Burj Al Arab (Arabic: برج العرب‎,Tower of the Arabs) is a luxury hotel located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. At 321 m (1,053 ft), it is the fourth tallest hotel in the world. Burj Al Arab stands on an artificial island 280 m (920 ft) from Jumeirah beach and is connected to the mainland by a private curving bridge. The shape of the structure is designed to mimic the sail of a ship. Sometimes referred to as "the world's only seven-Star hotel", its star rating is disputed.

Before one can enter into the Burj Al-Arab, they ask you if you already have a booking. We booked for an afternoon tea.

Here are some areas of the Burj Al-Arab.
Lobby.

the lobby...so golden...so bad my camera wasn't that good then...

while in the lobby of the Burj Al-Arab...as you look up to the ceiling...

in the lobby...there are steps with hundred of dancing fountains on each side of the escalator... with a play of lights, water and smoke!!!

dancing fountains and lights...as viewed from the second floor...

looking towards the golden lobby

 

Going up the escalator.

see the aquarium at the sides of the two escalators...

with the fountains in between...

Our afternoon tea at the Sahn Eddar.
from Burj Al- Arab site: https://www.jumeirah.com/en/hotels-resorts/dubai/burj-al-arab/restaurant-at-burj-al-arab/sahn-eddar/

Indulge in the pleasures of a traditional afternoon tea or linger over morning coffee in our magnificent atrium restaurant. A symphony of classical sounds, marble, mosaic and soft touch lighting, it’s easy to surrender to the lush surroundings at Sahn Eddar; prepare to be dazzled with sweet and savoury artisan delights.

Our pastry chefs have drawn on influences from around the globe to help create an afternoon and high tea menu that rivals the very best in the world. The mesmerising water display in the heart of the Burj Al Arab’s atrium serves as a perfect complement to the wonders on your plate.

Entertainment: Daily. Arabic Band/ Solo Harpist/ Classical Quartet

what we ate for afternoon tea...for P 3000.00 ++ each person...

(thanks to Albert and Espie Teng!)

this is a small plate with a small cute dessert...with gold leaf!

So we ate a lot of little cakes... together with a choice of teas.
This cost AED 285.00, which is about $77.00 and is about P3,195.00!
After Espie and Boy came from the Abu Dhabi Emirates Hotel a few days later, they said we should have had the Burj Al-Arab Lunch Buffet instead, since this would have been more filling!... I shouldn't have underestimated them....

We were on our way out, when I got to meet a Filipina from Samar (married to a Kuwaiti), who happened to stay in the hotel. She actually offered to take our pictures and she was very friendly, partly maybe because we were from the Visayas.

I asked if we can see her room. I was surprised that I requested to do so! I was more surprised when she said YES!! 

This is the Deluxe One Bedroom Suite at the Burj Al Arab. Even the suites (they do not want to call it rooms!) are golden and ornate!!!
No wonder it is expensive...
Each suite has two stories, bigger and more spacious than the condominiums or some houses in the Philippines!
The size of the room is 170 sq. meters. (for the smallest suite!)
The deluxe one bedroom suite cost about AED 8988.00 which is about $2,444.00 and is about P100,827.001

From the Burj Al- Arab site: https://www.jumeirah.com/en/hotels-resorts/dubai/burj-al-arab

Our Deluxe One Bedroom suite with King Bed is a fine example in leisurely living, looking out to sea. With beautiful views of the Arabian Gulf, the Deluxe Suite features a handsome spiral staircase that leads you from one floor to the next, perfectly separating the entertainment and living spaces. An elegant dining table promises you convivial or business moments in comfort and privacy.

the frame on the left is a 42-inch TV

the other side of the room, with a peek of the spiral staircase!

And it seems, we own the room!!!

at the spiral staircase going to and from the second floor of the 

Burj Al-Arab room...thanks to our host...Ova R.

The bathroom was even so luxurious, too. (will post the picture if I find it!)

And we were so delighted (and amazed!!!) that we did visit one of the real live Burj Al- Arab famed rooms!

As we were going out, the butler came and was looking for our IDs, but our host told the butler not to do so anymore since we were already on our way out! Lucky, we didn't see him on our way in!!! It would have been such a hassle...

As I look up again, I see the rooms and can now imagine how the rooms look inside!

We went around the rest of the Burj Al-Arab where we were allowed to go to and had pictures in places where they allowed us to take pictures too!
We also passed by the rest room... with complimentary Hermes perfume and lotion for use. 

one of the public restrooms in the Burj ...

with Hermes perfume and lotion for use!

While looking at the Burj Al-Arab site, I can see that basically, the de luxe one bedroom suite still looks similar. I am wondering of the lobby would still look the same...

The Burj Al-Arab is really an engineering wonder and icon of Dubai! That was the first building that I saw that changed colors... and you can imagine, that too is a feat because of the massive size of the tower!

From Wikipedia: Burj Al Arab was designed by architect Tom Wright ofAtkins. The design and construction were managed by
Canadian engineer Rick Gregory also of WS Atkins.
Construction of the Island began in 1994. The building opened in 1999.

A most memorable time in my life...

I am still wondering, though, why Ova R. trusted us. We never really knew who she was or she knowing who we were... 
Was it because we were "Bisaya" (Visayan)?... maybe, she misses her family back home? 
Was it because she was the one who approached us anyway?

I wouldn't really know why... but I guess, this may also be due to the POWER of the SMILE!
(Remember, at another time, I was also given an upgrade to the 90 sq.m. Orchid Suite at the Marina Bay Sands, too! I couldn't see any reason the Filipina front desk lady would give me the upgrade... I just remembered that I smiled at her!)

Whatever it was, we had a grand time at the Burj Al-Arab and a wonderful time around Dubai!
Wonder when I can visit the place again....