Timeframe: Burj Al Arab through the years - in pictures

The National
  • More than 20 years since its construction, Burj Al Arab is a testament to Dubai's heritage and its vision for the future. Wam
    More than 20 years since its construction, Burj Al Arab is a testament to Dubai's heritage and its vision for the future. Wam
  • The Burj Al Arab in 1997, as it edges towards completion. Photo: Corbis
    The Burj Al Arab in 1997, as it edges towards completion. Photo: Corbis
  • An image of Dubai's Chicago Beach Hotel taken around 1979. Today, the Wild Wadi Waterpark sits on this spot. Photo: Omar Salam
    An image of Dubai's Chicago Beach Hotel taken around 1979. Today, the Wild Wadi Waterpark sits on this spot. Photo: Omar Salam
  • By January 1996, the area had been transformed. The artificial island that Burj Al Arab would sit on was complete and construction on the hotel had well advanced
    By January 1996, the area had been transformed. The artificial island that Burj Al Arab would sit on was complete and construction on the hotel had well advanced
  • A sketch by British architect, Tom Wright, showing his concept for Burj Al Arab
    A sketch by British architect, Tom Wright, showing his concept for Burj Al Arab
  • Architect Tom Wright with his original model of the Burj Al Arab. Photo: Stephen Lock for The National
    Architect Tom Wright with his original model of the Burj Al Arab. Photo: Stephen Lock for The National
  • The Burj Al Arab opened in 1999 and drew people from across the UAE to see the new building. Here, Abu Dhabi residents Omeir Nasir, left, and Owais Nasir visit the Burj Al Arab between 1999 and 2002. Photo: Sarwat Nasir
    The Burj Al Arab opened in 1999 and drew people from across the UAE to see the new building. Here, Abu Dhabi residents Omeir Nasir, left, and Owais Nasir visit the Burj Al Arab between 1999 and 2002. Photo: Sarwat Nasir
  • Madiha Naz Nasir visits in 1999 or 2000. Photo: Sarwat Nasir
    Madiha Naz Nasir visits in 1999 or 2000. Photo: Sarwat Nasir
  • The Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Beach Hotel in 2009
    The Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Beach Hotel in 2009
  • The lobby of the Burj Al Arab hotel taken in 2011. Photo: Jeff Topping / The National
    The lobby of the Burj Al Arab hotel taken in 2011. Photo: Jeff Topping / The National
  • The hotel has one of the world's tallest atriums. Photo: Jeff Topping / The National
    The hotel has one of the world's tallest atriums. Photo: Jeff Topping / The National
  • The hotel has become synonymous with Dubai. Photo: Pawan Singh / The National
    The hotel has become synonymous with Dubai. Photo: Pawan Singh / The National
  • Its helipad has also staged events, including a tennis match between Roger Federer and Andre Agassi in February 2005. Photo: Getty
    Its helipad has also staged events, including a tennis match between Roger Federer and Andre Agassi in February 2005. Photo: Getty
  • The Burj Al Arab in Dubai, a symbol of Dubai's enduring ambition. AFP
    The Burj Al Arab in Dubai, a symbol of Dubai's enduring ambition. AFP