The property that invented the notion of 'seven-star' luxury when it opened in December 1999 is arguably still Dubai’s most iconic hotel. This month, Burj Al Arab celebrates its 15th birthday and Hotelier Middle East pays a visit to congratulate the team, 43 of whom have been with the hotel since day one.

We ask not only how they plan to mark the occasion, but what their strategy is for continuing to uphold Jumeirah’s promise of delivering ‘the world’s most luxurious hotel’ as Dubai sees room numbers double in the lead up to the Dubai Expo 2020.

Sitting in the hotel’s Royal Suite, with spectacular views across Dubai’s skyline, the Arabian Sea and its ever-growing array of man-made islands, it’s easy to see why hotel manager Ammar Hilal insists it would be tough to move on from the epochal Burj Al Arab.

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“I live it, I love it and it is very difficult to leave a hotel of this nature,” he comments. “It takes you a bit of time in the beginning to get used to the opulence of the hotel, but once you have really soaked it all in and absorbed it, it is very difficult to find something similar anywhere in the world.”

Hilal is now in his second spell at the iconic property, having re-joined in 2009 as hotel manager. Since the departure of former general manager Heinrich Morio in August, he has had overall responsibility for operations, and this will continue until a replacement is announced.

Hilal’s tenure at the top happens to coincide with an important landmark in the Burj Al Arab’s history; December 1 marks the 15th anniversary of its opening, and the team will be celebrating in a big way.

Aside from festivities on the day itself, including fireworks and a 3D display to be projected onto the side of the building, there will be a number of initiatives over the next 12 months.

A ‘Best of the Burj’ package will be offered to guests and this will feature a return airport transfer in a Rolls-Royce Phantom, a stay in a luxury suite, a six-course degustation menu at Al Mahara, the hotel’s signature restaurant, as well as a signature spa experience.

The team is also creating limited edition gift sets with long-term partner Hermès, and marking the anniversary with Make-a-Wish Foundation, which grants wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses.

“Throughout 2015 we will grant 15 wishes to children from any country, whose dream is to visit and experience the Burj Al Arab,” explains Hilal.

“We will extend to them a two night stay for four guests, including breakfast and airport transportation.

“There are so many organisations and charities, but we thought that this was something that is very touching and
has emotional engagement.

“We all have dreams and some dreams come true and we want to make sure that for at least 15 kids who have life-threatening diseases that we can share some happiness with them and make sure they have a unique stay at our hotel.”

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