Burj Al Arab, Dubai: The world’s most luxurious hotel

By Wale Ojo-Lanre just back from Dubai - updated: Wednesday 13-05-2009

Photo by Wale Ojo-Lanre, taken during the
Sea Waves Helicopter Tour of Dubai•The only 7-star hotel in the world
•The only tallest all suites hotel
•Built inside the Arabian Gulf
•202 opulent duplex suites
•Submarine lift
•Aquarium Restaurant
•Gold plated banquet hall

BEFORE, it was see Paris and die, but the slogan has changed to visit Dubai and live long.

It is a fact. Dubai has a lot to offer. It is a complete city which endeavours to take care of the desire of all.

It is a city weaned from the hand of desert and climatic destiny of parlousness to a vibrant city of luxury, splendour and wealth.

A first time visitor cannot adequately comprehend the essence of the city and the ingenuity of its planners. TTH’s first time visit to the city last year was just an eye opener but a return journey last month enabled this page to appreciate the determination of a group of people to turn woe into wealth.

So it is with Dubai. If you think you have been to The Emperor, that legendary hotel in Johannesburg that seems to be where the world of hospitality ends, (because that was the thought of TTH in 2003 when he had spent a night at this wonderful hotel with David Bechkam), you might be making an error of mis-judgement.

The Emperor is super, but the Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai is the best of them all in every concept. For, seeing is believing, the World Press Conference addressed by the Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, provided an opportunity of a life time in the hotel which has all its suites fully booked till August 30, 2010.

The hotel has been confirmed as the world’s most luxurious. Burj Al Arab is planted inside the Arabian Gulf on an Island of 280 metres from the shores of renowned Jumeirah beach.

It was designed to resemble the graceful sails of an Arabian dhow which soars to an height of 321 metres, above sea level dominating Dubai’s coastline.

Burj Al Arab is wonderful and it offers the ultimate in luxury accommodation.

Its architecturally innovative exterior and truly exuberant interior come together to create the breath-taking effects, offering unparalleled standards of comfort and service.

Towering 27 double-height storeys high, Burl Al Arab comprises a choice of One, Two and Three bedroom Delux Suites, Panoramic and club suites, the presidential suites and two royal suites that extend over the 25th floor.

The reception
The reception is a spectacular floor of exotic finesse. With waterfall and fountains which operate intermittently and forms figures and sounds.

These escalators help you to the next floor which positions one to have a full glare of the unique design of the hotel.

Dining at Al Mahara restaurant
There are seven unique restaurants at Burj Al Arab, namely Al Mahara, Al Muntaha, Al lwan, Skyview bar, Sahn Eddar, Majlis Al Bahar, Baba Al Yam.

The Mahara is most unique. It is located below the sea level. Guests were transported to this restaurant by a simulated submarine because the restaurant is carved out of a magical aquarium.

While dining and consuming the 7- Al Arab are of exceptional decoration with exotic fixtures and fittings. The Al Falerk Ballroom could be described as hall of gold, as solid gold was generously employed to add glitz and glamour to the hall.

The Leisure
The hotel offers a unique nature based luxury spa with products and treatments from world-renowned houses all over the world. The spa encompasses a fitness centre and unisex relaxation areas featuring an aqua retreat.

Everything about Burj Al Arab oose, sophistication, opulence, luxury, class, finesse. It is not just the world's most luxurious hotel but the only 7-star hotel in the world where one need to book a year in advance.

Naira is killing us in Dubai - Nigerians cry out

By Wale ojo Lanre

THE continued fall of naira against international currencies, particularly the dollar and pound sterling is having a serious consequence on Nigerians living in Dubai, United Arab Emirate.

A survey carried out by TTH in Dubai and other Emirates of the UAE, recently, showed that Nigerians are migrating out of Dubai to other Asian countries in their thousands "because the fall of naira has been making mince meat of our efforts here".

Investigation revealed that Nigerians were having a rosy time in Dubai, until June 2008, when the value of a dollar was being exchanged for N118, “since then, we have never have peace for the naira continued to slide while the dollar continued to wax strong and stronger.”

Speaking with TTH, Abiodun Taiwo, a Nigerian and an HND, Marketing graduate of The Polytechnic, Ibadan “I came to Dubai in 1999 and because the naira was strong then, I had good reason to thank God. And so with many of us. But since June last year our stories have changed from better to worse.

"Most of us have started migrating back home. Some of us have left for China, Bangkok, Malaysia, USA.

“In fact, the fall of naira is not having its consequences on Nigerians in Dubai alone, but on Dubai government too because as a Cargo Manager, the volume of trade between Nigeria and Dubai has dropped drastically. Just because the profit margin of goods and services is no longer encouraging.”

Another Nigerian, Christopher Okey, who operates an African Kitchen at the back of a mosque at Deira District in Dubai, was full of lamentation about the fortunes of the naira. "My brother, (covering his head with his palm) we are suffering here. Our suffering is not in the hand of the Dubai Authority or their policy or police, no. We are crying under the yoke of the free fall of naira at the foreign market.

"Most of us are closing our shops and heading somewhere else. I am looking for a buyer for this place. Immediately I get a buyer, I am off, either to Nigeria or Japan.

"Last year when you were here, you saw how busy I was. This place, (pointing to the upper floor of his restaurant) was always full. I always have hectic time attending to thousands of customers, but you can see for yourself now. How many customers have been here since?

"Our fortune is dwindling because less people are coming from Nigeria to trade here".

He appealed to the Federal Government to do “some arithmetics and tinker with the value of the naira and prevent its further slide at the international market.”