Burj Al Arab offers helipad for weddings starting at Dh200,000

There is now a new destination for weddings. Luxury hotel Burj Al Arab is offering to get you married nearly 700 feet above sea level, or to be precise, 212 metres above the Arabian Gulf, and that too on the helipad of the hotel. The experience has a starting price of Dh200,000 — that’s the lowest bracket.

A ‘wedding architect’ will even customise details and cater to the client’s preferences. But for every customised add on, you pay more.

Tennis legends Andre Agassi and Roger Federer have a friendly ‘hit’ on the unique tennis court on the helipad of Burj Al Arab in Dubai on February 22, 2005. — AFP file photo used for illustrative purpose

In this much money, you can even be air dropped at the venue — arrival at Burj Al Arab by air in an Italian twin engine Augusta 109. Of course, there is also the old-world option of reaching ‘by road’ but in true Dubai style, in a Rolls Royce Phantom.

You can also stay in one of Burj Al Arab’s 202 suites ranging in size from 170–780 square metres.

To get full value for your money, you can have consultations on wedding cake design, structure, flavour and composition with the pastry chef and beverage sampling with the in-house sommelier. And the food can be customised.

And if so much self-indulgence leaves you a bit tired, there are relaxation and beauty treatments at the Spa, and even a workout — privately, of course — with celebrity personal trainers.

It doesn’t stop there. A specially designed wedding scent has also been developed by a ‘leading perfumist’, said the hotel chain.

Shopping and styling sessions with Burj Al Arab’s personal stylist, as also access to top haute couturiers come as part of the package. You can meet with florists, jewellers, and take lessons on how to hold your fork and spoon, person etiquette classes, and also learn the samba while you’re shelling out the dirhams.

In 2004 Tiger Woods teed off from this same helipad, and the following year Roger Federer and Andre Agassi challenged each other to a game of tennis there.

In 2011 Rory McIlroy performed a hole-in-one from the helipad and last year Formula One Champion David Coulthard performed donuts in a Red Bull Racing car.

At 1,053 ft, Burj Al Arab is said to be the fourth tallest hotel in the world; however, 39 per cent of its total height is allegedly made up of non-occupiable space.

Burj Al Arab General Manager, Heinrich Morio, says: “We’re always looking for new and special ways to delight and enchant our guests. We believe a once-in-a-lifetime event deserves a one-of-a-kind venue and are thrilled to add this special location to our ultimate experience collection.”

Now let’s hope you’re not scared of heights.

nivriti@khaleejtimes.com