The fascinating Burj al Arab...

The Burj al Arab rises from the Arabian Gulf on an island 280 metres from the shores of the renowned Jumeirah Beach stands the iconic Burj Al Arab. What can you say about this hotel other than "amazing".

Considered one of the world's most luxurious hotels from the day it opened, Burj Al Arab stands over one thousand feet tall and was built to resemble the sail of a yacht.

The Burj al Arab has 202 incredible suites spread over 28 floors, which are subdivided into Deluxe Suites, Panoramic Suites, Club Suites, and Royal Suites with spectacular views over Dubai.

Guests are wowed by the stunning spacious lobby with water features and huge fish tanks.

The Burj al Arab building with its breathtaking architecture is linked to the mainland by a slender, gently curving causeway. Boasting of both indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a spa and health club, a heli-pad and a private beach.

The Burj al Arabs further facilities here include many extravagant shops, a hairdresser, bars, restaurants, one of which is a seafood restaurant, which can be reached via the submarine simulator. The other restaurants offer Arabian, modern European, Mediterranean, and international cuisine.

Did you Know that Interesting Facts About Israel?

Israel, the 100th smallest country (!), with less than 1/1000th of the world's population, can claim to the following:

• Israel has the highest ratio of university degrees to the population in the world.

• Israel produces more scientific papers per capita than any other nation

• In absolute terms, Israel has the largest number of startup companies than any other country in the world, except the US (3,500 companies mostly in hi-tech).

• Israel is ranked #2 in the world for venture capital funds right behind the US.

• Outside the United States and Canada, Israel has the largest number of NASDAQ listed companies.

• Israel has the highest average living standards in the Middle East. The per capita income in 2000 was over $17,500, exceeding that of the UK.

• Israel has the largest fleet of the aircraft outside of the US.

• Israel's $100 billion economy is larger than all of its immediate neighbors combined.

• Israel has the largest number of biotech start-ups.

• Israel is the only liberal democracy in the Middle East.

• Relative to its population, Israel is the largest immigrant-absorbing nation on earth. Immigrants come in search of democracy, religious freedom, and economic opportunity.

• According to industry officials, Israel designed the airline industry's most impenetrable flight security. U.S. officials now look to Israel for advice on how to handle airborne security threats.

• In 1991, during the Gulf War, the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra played a concert wearing gas masks as scud missiles fired by Saddam Hussein fell on Tel Aviv.

• Israel has the world's second highest per capita of new books.

• Israel is the only country in the world that entered the 21st century with a net gain in its number of trees.

• Israel has more museums per capita than any other country.

• Israel has 2 official languages: Hebrew and Arabic.