Work on the architectural and engineering marvel began in 1994.The foundation work and the construction of the island took two years. Only when this careful process was completed could work begin on the tower itself.

It took a team of 3,500 designers, engineers and construction staff to fashion the groundbreaking structure out of 360,000 cubic metres of concrete. More than 9,000 tones of steel were used, while 250 foundation piles have been driven 40 metres into the seabed below the tower.

The sail façade, made of double-skinned, Teflon-coated woven glass fibre, represents an astonishing technical feat. This is the first time such technology has been used to this extent in any building worldwide.

Dazzling white by day, the sail is transformed U into a rainbow of colour at night. Using the very latest technical innovations and 142 iridium floodlights the hotel becomes the backdrop for a spectacular light show that can be seen for miles around. A nautical theme, reflecting the island location, dominates throughout. It can be seen from the exterior design, imaginative decor and furnishings, to the aquaria with 500 species of tropical fish from the Gulf and the Great Barrier Reef, and the unique Al Mahara seafood restaurant.

A melting pot of design elements from different eras, cultures and futuristic brilliance, Burj Al Arab U pays homage to all that is best, not only in Arabia, but in the world. Words cannot adequately describe the rich and vivid colours of the property's interior fabrics and furnishings, which have been sourced from around the globe. As you would expect, all that glitters in Burj Al Arab is most certainly gold.

An amazing total of 2,000 square metres of 22-carat gold leaf adorns walls, pillars and domes throughout. Gold is a particularly striking feature in the hotel's elegant and opulent Al Falak ballroom.The colourful, handcrafted carpets have been individually sourced from India, South Africa and The United Kingdom; the beautiful Azul Bahia granite has been quarried in Brazil; while Statutario marble from Carrera in Italy covers walls and floors - the very same stone from which Michelangelo created his masterpieces.

Mosaic tiles, which are used to create vivid patterns throughout the hotel, contain rare Sicis glass found at only one source in northern Italy, while the linen is from Ireland. The sheer scale of Burj Al Arab has meant that many traditional crafts practiced in different countries of the world have been given a much-needed boost. Carpets were made to order, the intricate mosaics hand-cut and set in time-honoured U fashion.

Wall panels in the Special Suites have been painstakingly hand-embroidered, while all wooden doors, inlays and stained glass windows have been lovingly constructed by hand.

Each of the exquisite paintings and sculptures, which reflect Arabian themes ranging from wild-life to Arabesque objets, and abstracts, have been designed and produced exclusively for Burj Al Arab by artists all around the world. With its opulence, technological features and warm hospitality, this oasis of perfection is a towering tribute to the new millennium.