Company Logo - Home Link

Afternoon Tea at the Burj Al Arab - See Inside of the Burj Al Arab

Updated: September 1, 2023
 By Pri

Afternoon tea at the Burj Al Arab is the best way to spend your afternoon in Dubai. The Burj Al Arab is one of the world’s most luxurious hotels – so luxurious, in fact, it is said to be rated as a seven star hotel.

The sail-shaped edifice, facing the Persian Gulf, is one of Dubai’s most iconic landmarks and is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Dubai.

However, tourists can’t just walk up to the hotel. One can only access it via a private bridge, as the island itself is 280 m offshore.

To cross that bridge, you need to show security that you have business at the hotel. The most popular way for tourists to do that is to book an Afternoon Tea at the Burj Al Arab.

Looking to burn calories after having afternoon tea at the Burj Al Arab? Our Downtown Dubai Walking Tour will allow you to explore by foot the view you see from the hotel.


Options for Afternoon Tea at the Burj Al Arab

There are three options available for anyone wishing to have afternoon tea at the Burj Al Arab.

Sky Tea at Skyview Bar: Seven-course afternoon tea providing atrium access and amazing views from the top

Ultimate Afternoon Tea at Sahn Eddar: Seven-course afternoon tea providing atrium access

High Tea at Sahn Eddar: Three-course afternoon tea providing atrium access

Sky Tea at the Skyview Bar is the most popular (and most expensive) option. This Bar is located at the top of the Burj Al Arab Hotel and guests can enjoy stunning views of the city as they eat.

If a table with a view is not a priority to you, you can book one of the afternoon teas at the Sahn Eddar.

This restaurant is located on the first floor, so you won’t get a view from the top. However, you can still explore the incredible hotel lobby, with its fountains, aquariums and gold columns.

You also have property access, so you can take great photos of the building from the outside.

Below, we will give a more detailed rundown on the three afternoon tea options at the Burj Al Arab:


Sky Tea at Skyview Bar

Cuisine: The Sky Tea at Skyview Bar is a seven-course afternoon tea. The delicacies on offer include an extensive selection of teas, coffees, finger sandwiches, French pastries, scones and jams.

You will also receive a complimentary glass of champagne. Don’t fear uninspired offerings – past menu highlights include smoked salmon sandwiches, squid ink bread and lychee sorbet, alongside more traditional options like egg salad and the chef’s carvery.

Even the drinks menu is extensive – the tea menu alone includes over 20 different options.

Cost: AED 620 per person. Window seating costs AED 100 extra*. So, if you and your spouse want to book a table by the window, you would pay AED 1340 in total (620+620+100).

*Previously, window seating was on a first-come, first-serve basis, so you might find old guides advising you to arrive early and wait by the doors to get the best table. However, window seats now require advance booking for an additional cost

Timings: Currently Sky View Bar offers Sky Tea from Sunday to Thursday. You can book tables for one of four seating times – 13:00, 13:15, 16:00 and 16:15. Table seating is valid for 2 hours.

Reservations: Reservations are required. Due to the popularity of the Sky Tea, the hotel recommends booking a few weeks in advance.

Family Policy: The Skyview bar can only be accessed by guests aged 21 and over

Dress code: The dress code is described as semi-casual. However, we recommend erring on the side of formality. A lot of the appeal of the Burj Al Arab lies in the ambiance, so be sure to dress smartly.

This implies that torn jeans, shorts, sleeveless shirts, see-through attire, athletic or gym footwear, and sandals are all prohibited from being worn.

Cancellation policy: You must make any cancellations at least 24 hours prior to your reservation time. If you cancel with less than 24 hours’ notice, or fail to show up at all, you will have to pay a fine of AED 300.


Ultimate Afternoon Tea at Sahn Eddar

Cuisine: The Ultimate Afternoon Tea at Sahn Eddar is a seven-course afternoon tea. The menu is nearly identical to the one offered at the Skyview Bar Sky Tea. Guests can choose from a selection of teas, coffees, cakes, finger sandwiches, French pastries, scones and jams.

Cost: AED 560 per person with a glass of champagne, AED 520 per person with unlimited non-alcoholic drinks

Timings: Afternoon Tea is served at 13:00, 15:00 and 17:00

Reservations: Reservations are required. Booking a day or two in advance is usually sufficient.

Family Policy: The Sahn Eddar is open to those of all ages

Dress code: The dress code is described as semi-casual. However, we again recommend erring on the side of formality, to keep in with the ambiance of the location.

Cancellation policy: You must make any cancellations at least 24 hours prior to your reservation time. If you cancel with less than 24 hours’ notice, or fail to show up at all, you will have to pay a fine of AED 200.


High Tea at Sahn Eddar

Cuisine: High Tea at Sahn Eddar is a three-course afternoon tea. The menu is a bit more limited in comparison to the ones offered in Ultimate Afternoon Tea and Sky Tea. The three-course afternoon tea is inclusive of Sandwiches, scones and pastries, as well as cocktails.

Cost: AED 410 per person

Timings: High Tea is served at 19:00 and 20:00

Reservations: You need to have reservation. Booking a day or two in advance is usually sufficient.

Family Policy: The Sahn Eddar is open to those of all ages

Dress code: The dress code is semi-casual. However, we again recommend erring on the side of formality, to keep in with the ambiance of the location.

Cancellation policy: You must make any cancellations at least 24 hours prior to your reservation time. If you cancel with less than 24 hours’ notice, or fail to show up at all, you will have to pay a fine of AED 200.


How to visit the Burj Al Arab for Afternoon Tea

Making your reservation for Afternoon Tea

First, it is essential that you make a reservation before visiting the Burj Al Arab. The earlier you can make your reservation, the better, as tables fill up fast. For reservation, call the hotel at +971 4 301 7600.

You can also send them an email at BAArestaurants@jumeirah.com.You will have to provide your credit card information for making the reservation and remember to jot down the confirmation code for future reference.


Getting to the Burj Al Arab

On the day of your reservation, you will need to head over to Jumeirah.

By Aleksandar Pasaric - https://www.pexels.com/photo/burj-al-arab-saudi-823696/, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=95952365

Once their, you will have to provide security with your confirmation code in order to cross the bridge.

Security will only allow you entry 30 minutes before your scheduled afternoon tea time, so while it’s good to be an early bird, make sure you don’t overdo it.


Entering the Burj Al Arab

The Burj Al Arab boasts stunning interiors. If you reach the lobby about 20 minutes before your scheduled tea time, you’ll have plenty of time to take photographs.

Then, either enter the Sahn Eddar restaurant or take the elevator to the Skyview Bar.


Enjoying your Afternoon Tea at the Burj Al Arab

Last but not least, relax and enjoy your luxurious afternoon tea.

The Afternoon Tea is a popular option for tourists, so feel free to take photos of your meal without any self-consciousness.

And if you have any questions about your menu (or simply want a refill), don’t hesitate to ask one of the waiters – the service there is out of this world.

If you would like to go a traditional Dubai food tour feel free to email us on contact@dubaibyfoot.com.

About The Author

Pri

Pri is a true believer in the Rule of Three - she lives between Dubai, Bombay and Washington DC, speaks three languages and has 3 kids under 3. She graduated from Connecticut College and has a Masters Degree from New York University. Pri is a licensed Dubai tour guide, travel blogger, art aficionado, foodie and curious to check out all things new in her city. Pri has been part of the Free Tours By Foot team since 2015 and loves to make customized itineraries for her guests.
Updated: September 1st, 2023
Back to Top
cross