The iconic Burj Al Arab is recognized as the world’s finest hotel and an international symbol for the Emirate of Dubai.

A true architectural wonder, the Burj Al Arab was designed to replicate a huge billowing sail which soars a majestic 321 metres into the sky. It is a major tourist attraction and has become one of the world’s most photographed buildings.

Client: HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Architect: W.S. Atkins & Partners Overseas
Main Contractor: Al Habtoor/Murray & Roberts J.V.
Completed: 1997

Arabian Profile made a unique contribution to this project – designing, building and erecting 305 visually-stunning internal balconies.

APL built a factory on site to mould 36,000m2 of composite panels with Glass Fibre Reinforced Polyester (GRP) skin featuring a textured finish with honeycomb backing, insulated with fire-rated rockwool.

Rival plans estimated a project duration of 24 months and a weight of more than 6 tons for each sail wall & balcony panel. APL completed the job in 12 months with panels weighing 3.5 tons. This achieved a total weight reduction of 900 tons and fire retardancy more than twice specification.