Back in 2005 a unique tennis match took place hundreds of meters above Dubai on the Burj Al Arab’s suspended helipad. The seven-star hotel staged the match between Andre Agassi and Roger Federer as a publicity stunt – drawing the world’s attention to the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. Now celebrating its 20th anniversary, Dubai Duty Free has become the top tennis tournament in the Middle East.
To kick off 2012’s event this past Sunday, February 26, the Burj Al Arab again hosted star talent on its helipad: the 16-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer and World No. 1 Novak Djokovic. The rivals posed for a sky-high photo shoot and interview: the top players on top of one of the world’s most famous hotels, its helipad covered in artificial turf emblazoned with a large "20" to honor the tournament’s 20th anniversary. For some truly astonishing aerial photos, check out the official photographer’s blog.
One of the tallest hotels in the world, the Burj Al Arab has a Rolls-Royce fleet, round-the-clock butler service and an underwater restaurant. For more information about the sail-shaped hotel, see www.burjalarab.com