If the thought of booking a room in Dubai’s most iconic hotel has your wallet screaming in horror then why not try a totally different approach to get up close? The sail-shaped architectural masterpiece stands on an island 280 metres offshore and is accessible to guests via a private bridge. Each year in March the Burj Al Arab hosts a swimming event and as many as 700 participants take the plunge and swim around the island. The race is a total distance of 1,600 metres and there’s also an 800 metre category too. This fun event is growing each year and raises money for local charities.