The Burj al Arab's helipad, arguably the world's most famous, celebrates its 25th anniversary.

Back in 1993, Dubai was a far cry from the thriving global hub it is today.

The finance and construction sectors were still in their infancy, and the city had yet to become a playground for the elite. At that time, the tallest building was the Dubai World Trade Center, standing at just 149 meters.

That same year, British firm Atkins Global was commissioned by the ruler of Dubai’s office to design a structure that would become an iconic symbol of the UAE, instantly recognizable worldwide.

In essence, the goal was to put the Emirates firmly on the global map.

Simon Crispe, who was Atkins’ managing director in the Middle East at the time, remembers being tasked with creating a visual icon for the UAE on par with the significance of Sydney's Opera House to Australia or the Eiffel Tower to France.

An international team of architects worked in secrecy for seven years to design the man-made island and the 321-meter tall masterpiece.

The Burj al Arab, meaning 'Arabian Tower' in Arabic, opened its doors in 1999. Over the next two decades, it became a symbol of luxury, attracting the world’s elite. The hotel is synonymous with opulence, from its royal suites to the rare sharks swimming in its aquarium.

Yet, there's one feature that has truly solidified the Burj al Arab's legendary status.

Taking to the skies.

Suspended 212 meters above the sea, the hotel's helipad extends dramatically from the iconic sail-shaped structure of the Burj al Arab.

In 2019, Anthony Costa, the Burj al Arab's former managing director, shared with Dinogo, 'The key challenge was making sure the helipad was structurally robust while complementing the hotel’s overall design.' The 27-meter-wide helipad can support a weight of up to 7.5 tons.

Crispe, in 2019, explained to Dinogo, 'The helipad had to meet both structural integrity and safety standards. It needed to appear as though it was 'floating' and we were determined to minimize the visible steelwork.'

Primarily, the helipad serves the hotel’s concierge service. Guests can opt for a Rolls Royce pick-up from the airport or enjoy a helicopter transfer.

Costa noted that the aerial route remains a favored choice, with numerous helicopter arrivals and departures each month.

Iconic Stunts

While serving its primary purpose, the helipad is more famously known for hosting stunts that range from daring to simply awe-inspiring.

In 2005, Roger Federer kicked things off by playing an exhibition match with Andre Agassi on a specially created court, filmed by helicopter. Federer would return in 2012 to face rival Novak Djokovic.

The helipad has even been transformed into a makeshift golf course, allowing Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy to tee off over the breathtaking Persian Gulf.

In 2017, a boxing ring was set up on the helipad for British boxer Anthony Joshua to take part in a sparring session.

The most daring stunt to date occurred in 2013, when a Formula 1 car was airlifted onto the helipad for David Coulthard to perform 'doughnuts' on a specially prepared surface. According to Costa, engineers from Atkins were once again called in to ensure the stunt’s safety.

The helipad has since become a hotspot for thrill-seekers, hosting a record-breaking kiteboarding jump, a BMX jump from a helicopter, and skydiving stunts. In 2023, Polish pilot Lukasz Czepiela made aviation history as the first person to land a plane on the Burj al Arab’s helipad.

Costa revealed that many stunt proposals are turned down: 'Each request is carefully evaluated from logistical, health and safety, and feasibility perspectives before approval.'

Exclusive Event Venue

While stunts made the helipad internationally famous, the hotel has also found safer ways to offer visitors a thrilling experience.

The helipad is available for private events, with custom arrangements. Costa recalled his favorite moment in 2018, when a guest celebrated their 50th birthday atop the iconic structure.

‘We repainted the helipad to spell out ‘Happy Birthday’ along with her name, visible from the helicopter as she landed,’ Costa recalled.

Such extravagant celebrations and expenses may seem excessive, but as one of Dubai’s most iconic landmarks, it’s essential to present a sense of spectacle and opulence.

In Costa's words, the events on the helipad serve to ‘elevate Dubai and reinforce its reputation for delivering awe-inspiring experiences.’

Government ministries frequently collaborate with the hotel to host events on the helipad, incorporating it into high-profile promotional campaigns.

The Burj al Arab was originally conceived to put Dubai and the UAE on the global stage, showcasing the region to the world.

A quarter-century after its opening, that vision has come to life – largely thanks to the world’s most iconic helipad.