The 25th anniversary of the globally recognized helipad situated at Burj al Arab.
The construction and financial sectors in the city were still in their infancy. The city hadn't yet earned a reputation as a playground for the wealthy and influential. The tallest building stood tall at 149 meters, which was the first skyscraper ever built in Dubai: the World Trade Center.
That year, the ruling body of Dubai approached British architecture firm Atkins Global with a mission to design a building that would leave an indelible mark on people worldwide, symbolizing the UAE.
In simpler terms: they wanted to put the Emirates on the map.
Atkins Global's managing director for the Middle East at the time, Simon Crispe, remembered being asked to provide the UAE with a visual symbol as iconic as Sydney's Opera House is to Australia or as Paris' Eiffel Tower is to France.
An international team of architects spent the next seven years in secrecy, designing the man-made island and constructing a 321-meter tall building.
The Burj al Arab, which translates to "Arabian Tower" in Arabic, was officially opened in 1999 and quickly became a beacon for the global elite. The hotel is now synonymous with luxury, from its opulent suites to the rare sharks within its aquarium.
One element, however, has arguably played the most significant role in bolstering Burj's reputation.
Soaring above the ordinary
Perched 212 meters above sea level, the hotel's helipad juts out from the distinctive sail-shaped building.
According to the Burj al Arab's former managing director, Anthony Costa, the main challenge was ensuring the helipad's structural integrity while maintaining compliance with the overall hotel architecture. The 27-meter-wide helipad can accommodate up to 7.5 tons of weight.
"The helipad needed to visually 'float' and there was minimal visible steelwork," Crispe explained.
The helipad's primary function is as part of the hotel's luxury concierge service, with guests having the option of arriving at the airport in a Rolls Royce or receiving a helicopter transfer service.
The aerial route is highly popular, said Costa, with numerous arrivals and departures each month by helicopter.
Legendary feats
Beyond its basic function, the helipad is most famously known for the death-defying stunts performed on its surface.
The ball got rolling in 2005 when Roger Federer played an exhibition match with Andre Agassi on a court constructed for the occasion and captured by a hovering helicopter. Federer returned in 2012 with rival Novak Djokovic.
The helipad has also been transformed into a golf course, allowing Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy to tee off over the Persian Gulf. In 2017, a boxing ring was built for British boxer Anthony Joshua to engage in a sparring session.
The most ambitious feat to date came in 2013 when a Formula 1 racing car was lifted onto the helipad to let David Coulthard perform "doughnuts" on a specially-created surface. Atkins engineers were brought back in to ensure the stunt could be executed safely.
Since then, the helipad has transformed into a platform for all manner of daredevils, from record-breaking kiteboarding jumps to BMX flips from a helicopter to skydivers. In 2023, Polish pilot Lukasz Czepiela made aviation history by becoming the first person to land a plane on the Burj Al Arab's helipad.
While many daring escapades are turned down, according to Costa, every proposed stunt is thoroughly evaluated based on logistical, health and safety, and feasibility factors prior to execution.
A glittering stage
Stunts have brought the helipad worldwide recognition, but the hotel has also introduced more tame ways to enjoy it.
Since 2014, the helipad has been available for wedding ceremonies designed by a specialized "wedding architect" with a starting price of $55,000, although some ceremonies have reportedly surpassed a million dollars.
The location is also rented out for private parties with bespoke decorations. Costa recalled his favorite helipad moment as a 50th birthday celebration in 2018.
"We repainted the helipad to display 'Happy Birthday' and her name, which she could see as she approached by helicopter," he said.
Expensive and extravagant events may appear frivolous, but as one of Dubai's most iconic landmarks, there's an obligation to showcase splendor and grandeur.
As Costa puts it, the helipad events are "boosting Dubai's reputation for delivering extraordinary experiences."
Government ministries frequently collaborate with the hotel to host helipad events and employ it extensively in promotional campaigns.
Twenty-five years have passed since the Burj al Arab's launch. The original ambition has been accomplished – with some credit to the world's most famous helipad.
Editor’s note: This story was first published in 2019 and was updated in August 2024.
The Burj al Arab's helipad, located 212 meters above sea level, has become a symbol of luxury and extravagance, often used for arrivals and departures of guests in Rolls Royces or via helicopter.
The helipad has also gained notoriety for hosting legendary feats, such as tennis exhibitions, golf matches, and even a Formula 1 car demonstration.
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