Completed through the partnership of Murray & Roberts and Al Habtoor for the Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Burj al Arab is the world’s tallest structure with a membrane façade. It was designed to resemble a sailing dhow and built on a man-made island in the Arabian Gulf and it is the ultimate expression of luxury and hospitality.
This project presented a range of construction challenges, not least of which was the logistics of erecting a massive, complex steel structure requiring 9 000 tons of steel produced in and transported from South Africa and lifted by three massive cranes. The atrium is 180 metres high, one of the tallest in the world. A 24 metre wide helipad projects from the building 210 meters above the ground.
Partnership and teamwork were key elements of the success. The partnership with Al Habtoor was mutually beneficial, enabling Al Habtoor to tackle this major project in its own market and Murray & Roberts to generate new international growth and success.
The Burj al Arab was officially opened in November 1999, one month ahead of schedule and in time for the turn of the millennia. The project today represents a global icon of construction achievement.
