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Burj Al Arab's new guided tours: what to expect from the 90-minute experience

The landmark hotel is offering an inside peek to non-guests for the first time in its history

Selina Denman
Selina Denman

October 06, 2021

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Tickets have gone on sale for Inside Burj Al Arab, a newly launched guided tour experience of one of Dubai’s most famous hotels.

Open to the public from October 15, the butler-guided tours are curated for up to 12 visitors at a time and will operate every 15 minutes from 9.30am to 8.30pm daily.

Tickets cost Dh399, with the option to add a series of signature experiences, including the hotel’s 24-carat Ultimate Gold Cappuccino or afternoon tea at Sahn Eddar in the hotel’s atrium.

Dubai's Burj Al Arab is one of the most famous hotels in the world. Photo: Unsplash
Dubai's Burj Al Arab is one of the most famous hotels in the world. Photo: Unsplash

“We are delighted to announce the opening of Inside Burj Al Arab, especially with all eyes on Dubai as it stages the ’The World’s Greatest Show’ with Expo 2020,” says Ermanno Zanini, regional vice president and general manager of Burj Al Arab Jumeirah. “It is the perfect opportunity to give residents and visitors the chance to experience the wonders of this world-famous landmark first-hand.

“Providing a stunning window into the world of Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, the tour will appeal to those intrigued by its story, not just of the building, but of its people, creativity, and ingenuity, as well as its Emirati hospitality, Arabian opulence and world-class service. We are proud to deliver this exceptional experience to the world.”

The 90-minute tours include a visit to the hotel atrium and Royal Suite, as well as a stop in the newly curated Experience Suite, where guests can partake in interactive digital experiences that trace the history of the hotel, back to the original architectural designs.

The tour ends with a visit to the new Uma lounge, where guests can enjoy views of the Arabian Gulf. Visitors can also top off their experience by reserving a table in one of the hotel’s award-winning restaurants.

Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026

1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years

If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.

2. E-invoicing in the UAE

Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption. 

3. More tax audits

Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks. 

4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime

Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.

5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit

There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.

6. Further transfer pricing enforcement

Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes. 

7. Limited time periods for audits

Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion. 

8. Pillar 2 implementation 

Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.

9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services

Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations. 

10. Substance and CbC reporting focus

Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity. 

Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer

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  1. Sellers should focus on providing high-quality used goods at attractive prices to buyers.
  2. It’s important to use clear and appealing photos, with catchy titles and detailed descriptions to capture the attention of prospective buyers.
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Updated: October 06, 2021, 2:43 PM
Burj Al ArabDubaiUAE