DUBAI — The Burj Al-Arab hotel, once the world's tallest hotel, marked its tenth anniversary on Dec. 1. The celebration was subdued, with no fireworks displays or large dinner parties.

The management of the Burj Al-Arab claims that it is the world's first seven-star hotel, containing 202 suites famous for their luxury décor and extraordinary services. Should you wish to experience this on New Year's Eve, a deluxe king suite is available for US$2000, a suite with a panoramic view for $2400 or a deluxe two-bedroom suite can be yours for $4200.

During its first ten years of operation, Andre Agassi and Roger Federer’s tennis match on the Al-Burj helipad in the 2005 Dubai Tennis Championship and Tiger Woods’ golf game from the helipad stand out as notable events hosted there.

When it opened, the Burj was the world's tallest hotel, a title subsequently yielded to the Ryugyong in Pyongyang, North Korea, and the Rose Rayhaan Hotel on Dubai's Sheikh Zayed Road, neither of which has yet opened officially, however.

Burj Al-Arab opened its doors on Dec. 1, 1999, after five years of construction work. The 321m building is on a man-made island across from the old Chicago Beach hotel. The structure immediately became the symbol of Dubai and has attracted the world's attention.

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