Significance: Tallest hotel on earth and possibly the most luxurious
Architectural Influence: Designed to amaze, named 'Arabian Tower'
Project Visionary: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai
Goal: Turn Dubai into a top-class tourist destination to counter economic decline post-oil era
Construction Challenges
Initial Phase
Start Date: November 1994
Main Advisor: Sultan bin Saleh M.
Vision: Diversify economy using tourism assets (sun, sand, sea)
Budget: Speculated over a billion dollars
Architects: A young team from the UK led by Chief Architect Tom Wright
Challenges: Lack of experience in constructing such large buildings, high pressure due to global attention
Iconic Design: Form inspired by a modern sailing yacht, aiming for simplicity and uniqueness (flag atop the tower, comparison with Eiffel Tower and Sydney Opera House)
Island Construction: Needed to build an island for hotel foundation
Weather Challenges
Storms: Faced powerful storms like 'Shamal'
Structural Integrity: Engineers had to ensure the island could withstand natural forces
Concrete Blocks: Innovative use of concrete blocks to absorb wave impact
Engineering Tests: Wind tunnel tests to study wind effects and vibrations (vortex shedding)
Tuned Mass Dampers: Installed to counteract wind-induced vibrations
Foundation Challenges
Geology: No bedrock, relied on supporting piles with skin friction
Earthquake Risks: Precautions taken against earthquakes (liquefaction)
Steel Reinforcement: Extending piles to ensure solid foundation
Main Building Construction
Exoskeleton Design: External steel structure for stability
Diagonal Trusses: Required precision fitting and handling thermal expansion
Heavy Lift Transporters: Used to position large trusses
Interior Challenges
Temperature Control: Needed air conditioning during construction due to high humidity and temperature variations
Interior Design: Created by Quan Chu, aiming for ultraluxury with the use of gold leaf, marble, and custom furnishings
Electrical Load: Adapted to provide 14 kW per suite and implemented harmonic filters to prevent fire risks
Construction Milestones
Artificial Island Completion: Faced marine and weather challenges, adapted foundation techniques
Skilled Workforce: Key engineers remained heavily involved on-site
Recent Achievements: Tallest fabric wall, world-class harmonic filter systems
Atrium Decoration: Redesigned to add more color upon Sheikh’s request
Conclusion
Opening: December 1999, in time for millennium celebrations
Cost: Suites up to $28,000 per night
Features: Includes the unique undersea restaurant, helipad, and iconic interiors
Legacy: Paved the way for future ambitious projects like Palm Islands and World Islands
Global Symbol: Burj Al Arab stands as an international icon of Dubai’s transformation and luxury tourism industry