Skyscrapers: Burj Al Arab

The Burj Al Arab, Dubai's first mega-project stands 321 above the Persian Gulf -literally- on a small island 280 metres from the coast, linked by a bridge. It is the world's second-tallest hotel.

Construction of the Burj Al Arab began in 1994, and was completed five years later in 1999, at a cost of US$650 million. The atrium of the hotel is 180 metres tall (which may make you a bit dizzy if you're looking down!)

The Burj Al Arab is considered the world's only seven star hotel, with guests receiving complimentary butlers and chaffeur-driven Bentleys during their stays, as well as an underwater restaurant and complete views over the city and Gulf. Suites start at US$1,000 per night and the most expensive suite costs a whooping US$28,000 a night. Similarly, the largest suite is 780 square metres large -that's over three times the size of a four-bedroom, two-storey middle class home!