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The United Nations has attributed Dubai as a fast growing tourist destination in the world. Dubai, United Arab Emirates* capital, is situated in a desert and has towering edifices and eye-catching architectural designs that are now attracting more tourists than ever.

The Burj Al Arab Dubai in the city of Dubai, is a structure likened to New York's Statue of Liberty, Egypt's pyramids, and Paris* Eiffel Tower. These are landmarks that proudly bear the name of these countries. Burj Al Arab Dubai located in Jumeirah Beach area is known as the grandest hotel in the world. The futuristic design of this hotel resembles a sail ready to run before the wind so stunning that the sight alone brings awe to tourists flocking the place. It is truly difficult for other designs to come close to such architectural masterpiece.

Burj Al Arab is the tallest hotel in the world that towers 321 meters from the ground and stands on an artificial island finely crafted to look like the real thing. This man-made island is already 280 meters above Jumeirah Beach. A curving bridge which was privately constructed is a remarkable piece as well. This connects the island and the hotel to the mainland and city proper. The Rose Tower, another expensive hotel in the city which is also Dubai's pride, will soon inherit the tallest hotel in the world title when it opens April 2008. Rose Tower will rise at 333 meters.

The Jumeirah Group and builder Said Khalil were the architectural minds behind the BurjAl Arab in 1994. The design was inspired by Tom Wright of WS Atkins PLC architecture firm in London. The grand design is mimicry of a boat ready to set a symbolic sail.

Staying in this hotel alone is already considered an activity for tourists so expect cutting edge facilities. Burj Al Arab or *The Arabian Tower*, is the first and only hotel to be rated 7-star. You can just imagine the excellent and lavish splendor of what a 7-star hotel can offer 2 notches up the already extravagant 5-star accommodation.

Although the hotel is tall, its unique shape makes it appear short since looking at it makes you see a boat gliding in the wind. The hotel is so tall that it stands neck to neck with New York City's Empire State Building only 16% shorter. The hotel has an atrium which is designed to be the tallest around the world. The hotel is an all-suite luxury decking 202 real exquisite double floor suites. The most eye catching characteristic of this hotel is the windows created from floor to ceiling giving guests a breathtaking view of the city, the sea and the landscape.

Since the hotel is such a luxurious indulgence, per night stay is about $1,000 for double occupancy single bedroom suites. There are two Royal Suites in the hotel for $5,000 a night. So expensive that it almost costs a fortune to stay for just a few days. If the price is too much to bear for ordinary guests, just seeing the hotel upclose will be enough to make you feel extravagant already.