In 1999, the world’s first seven-star hotel opened its doors in Dubai. Designed to resemble a billowing sail, the luxurious Burj al Arab hotel dominates the Dubai coastline.

The inside of the hotel is just as magnificent as the exterior. RPT supplied R-Cast™ acrylic for three unique aquariums throughout the hotel, together totaling more than 70,000 gallons (nearly 265,000 Liters) of water.

The largest of the aquariums is inside the signature Al Mahara Restaurant. Featuring an oval floor-to-ceiling aquarium visible throughout the restaurant, the aquarium is home to hundreds of fish native to the Persian (Arabian) Gulf and filters water directly from the Gulf. The tank holds roughly 262,000 gallons (more than one million Liters) of water and is more than seven inches thick (18 cm) to withstand the water pressure.