Burj Al Arab was designed by multidisciplinary consultancy
Atkins, led by architect Tom Wright, who has since become co-founder of WKK Architects.
The design and construction were managed by Canadian engineer Rick Gregory also
of WS Atkins. Construction of the Island began in 1994 and involved up to 2,000
construction workers during peak construction. It was built to resemble the billowing
spinnaker sail of a J-class yacht. Two "wings" spread in a V to form a
vast "mast", while the space between them is enclosed in a massive atrium.
The architect Tom Wright said "The client wanted a building that would become
an iconic or symbolic statement for Dubai; this is very similar to Sydney with its
Opera House, London with Big Ben, or Paris with the Eiffel Tower. It needed to be
a building that would become synonymous with the name of the country." not
in citation given]
Fletcher Construction from New Zealand was the lead joint
venture partner in the initial stages of pre-construction and construction. The
hotel was built by South African construction contractor Murray & Roberts and
Al Habtoor Engineering and the interior works were delivered by UAE based Depa.
The building opened in December 1999.