You want to experience the Burj Al Arab, but you’re not ready to pay $4,000 for a single night. So, what is the best way to get inside, see the famous atrium, and feel the 7-star luxury?
As a Dubai expert, my answer is simple: Book the Afternoon Tea at Sahn Eddar.
“Sahn Eddar” means “Reception of the House” in Arabic. This stunning lounge is located on the 1st floor, right at the base of the hotel’s world-famous, 180-meter (590 ft) tall atrium.
For a fraction of the cost of a suite, a reservation here gets you past the security bridge and lets you spend two luxurious hours inside the icon. But is the tea itself any good? Here is my full 2025 review.
The Atmosphere: The Heart of the Icon
You walk in, and your jaw will drop. The Sahn Eddar lounge is an explosion of color. Mosaics cover the floor, plush velvet chairs in bright jewel tones are everywhere, and a massive water fountain dances in the center.
Looking up, you see the atrium soaring to the very top of the building, with the gold-plated pillars and balconies from the suites. It is one of the most impressive indoor spaces on earth.
My Tip: Arrive 15-20 minutes before your reservation. This gives you time to walk through the lobby, take photos, and ride the famous escalator next to the giant aquariums.
The Menu: The 7-Course “Tea”
This is not just a cup of tea and a biscuit. This is a 7-course culinary journey. They time your reservation (e.g., 3 PM, 3:30 PM) so you are served in distinct waves.
- Course 1: The Welcome: You start with a glass of non-alcoholic sparkling wine and fresh berries.
- Course 2: The Sandwiches: A tower of delicate, high-end sandwiches. Think: Smoked salmon with caviar, cucumber and truffle cream cheese, and roast beef with mustard.
- Course 3: The Scones: This is the main event. You get warm, fluffy scones (plain and raisin) served with thick clotted cream and homemade strawberry jam.
- Course 4: The Patisserie: A new tower arrives with exquisite mini-pastries. Tiny works of art, like mini-cheesecakes and chocolate mousse.
- Course 5: The “Main”: A small, warm dish, like a light pastry or a vol-au-vent.
- Course 6: The “Gourmandise”: A trolley of house-made chocolates and sweets is rolled to your table.
- Course 7: The Tea & Coffee: You have a menu of over 20 types of rare teas and coffees. You can try as many as you like.
The Price: What Does Afternoon Tea Cost in 2025?
This is an exclusive experience, but it’s the most accessible one.
- Afternoon Tea Price: Expect to pay AED 635 – AED 700 ($175 – $190 USD) per person.
- With Champagne: If you add a glass of real champagne, the price goes up to AED 750+ ($205+ USD).
Important: You must add the 10% service charge and 5% VAT. Your final bill will be around $220 per person.
How to Book
You must have a reservation. You cannot walk in.
- Book Online: The easiest way is on the Jumeirah website.
- Book Weeks in Advance: This is very popular. You need to book at least 2-3 weeks in advance, especially for a weekend spot.
- Credit Card Required: You will need to provide a credit card to secure your booking.
Is It Worth It? My Honest Verdict
Yes, 100%. For a visitor to Dubai, this is the best value-for-luxury experience in the city.
Think of it this way: you are not just paying $220 for tea and cake. You are paying $220 for:
- A “Day Pass” to get inside the world’s most exclusive hotel.
- Two hours to sit and live like royalty in that stunning atrium.
- A 7-course meal that is so big, it counts as both lunch and dinner.
- Flawless, 7-star service.
This is the perfect experience for a birthday, a “mother-daughter” trip, or a special treat. It is a much smarter choice than just trying to book a hotel room.
If you are planning to stay at the hotel, the Afternoon Tea is a lovely, relaxing way to spend an afternoon. You can learn more about staying there in our full Burj Al Arab Jumeirah suite price and booking guide.
Burj Al Arab Jumeirah suite price and booking guide
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is the dress code for Afternoon Tea at Burj Al Arab?
The dress code is “Smart Casual.” For men: collared shirt, long trousers (smart jeans are okay), and closed shoes (no trainers). For ladies: a dress, skirt, or smart trousers. No t-shirts, shorts, or flip-flops. - How long does the Afternoon Tea last?
Your reservation is typically for a 2-hour slot. This is more than enough time to enjoy all 7 courses without feeling rushed. - Is there a vegetarian option for the Afternoon Tea?
Yes. They have a full vegetarian menu. You must mention this in the “Special Requests” when you book online, or they may not be able to accommodate you on the day.
