Channel 4 checks in to 'The Billion Pound Hotel' (wt)

What do 1,965 metres of 24 carat gold leaf, 23,444 square metres of marble and 500,000 litres of paint equate to?

In 1999, the doors opened to a now iconic world-renowned landmark; 69,000 tonnes of concrete poured onto an artificial sandy island off the coast of Dubai; accessed by a private bridge (or helicopter), the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah hotel was built to symbolise lavish luxury, prosperity and extravagance.

Now celebrating its fifteenth anniversary, the hotel is opening its doors to Channel 4 for a brand new 1x60’ documentary produced by Rize USA (part of DCD Media Plc).  The film will follow the day to day workings of the hotel where no demand is considered unreasonable and every effort is made to achieve the expectations of the guests by the staff who outnumber them by 8:1.

Commissioned by Lucy Leveugle for Channel 4 Factual Entertainment ‘The Billion Pound Hotel’ (wt) will offer a unique insight into the lifestyle of the world’s wealthiest people who stay in one of the hotel’s 202 suites and of the 1,600 staff from over 80 nationalities who serve them. 

Speaking on the commission, Channel 4’s Lucy Leveugle said ‘From the guests to the staff who will go to any lengths to cater to their every need, this is a fascinating look at the world of the wealthy through the prism of the most extraordinary hotel.’

Sheldon Lazarus, Creative Director of Rize USA added ‘The Burj Al Arab Jumeirah is an iconic landmark of the 21st Century. We are delighted to be given a chance to delve behind the scenes of such an intriguing world and the results are truly captivating.’
‘The Billion Pound Hotel’ (wt) is being distributed by DCD Rights.

Production information:
Commissioning Editor, Factual Entertainment: Lucy Leveugle
Production Company: Rize USA
Creative Director: Sheldon Lazarus
Executive Producer: Nick Shearman
Producer Director: Osca Humphreys