Travelers at London’s second-largest international airport, London Gatwick, can now admire the beautiful and iconic Burj Al Arab. In fact, Dubai’s famous building is accompanied by New York’s Chrysler Building and was seen by nearly half a million people over the weekend. But don’t get too excited – the airport in fact displayed two two-meter high sand replicas of the two landmarks.
But why did London get its own Burj Al Arab? Certainly, it is one of the most beautiful, innovative and recognizable buildings ever created by man, but Brits have their great architecture, as well. Burj Al Arab is also well-known as the only 7-star hotel in the world – it is ultra expensive, unbelievably luxurious, and it is built on an artificial island. No matter how unique it may be, the current display at London’s airport wasn’t designed to advertise the hotel itself. In fact, the two sculptures are meant to advertise New York and Dubai as great tourism destinations.
Last week, Gatwick Airport unveiled two large-scale sand sculptures, created by renowned artist, known as Zeus. Installed to welcome travelers and inspire them for new, exciting destinations, the replicas of Burj Al Arab and the Chrysler Building are celebrating the current expansion of the airport’s route network. Dubai-based Emirates airline already links London and Dubai, while last month, Norwegian started direct flights to New York on a Dreamliner. According to officials at the airport, more than 20% of passengers at Gatwick fly to business destinations such as Dubai and the Big Apple.
The so-called “sand” sculptures are actually also made of wood and cement and are around 2 meters in height. The installation will be displayed for two months and is expected to be seen by more than 7.5 million people passing through the airport. In fact, it is part of art series, which included a 12-piece collection by British pop artist Sir Peter Blake in 2012, as well as a huge image of the Queen, called “The People’s Monarch”.
Travelers who happen to witness the sand Burj Al Arab will discover it isn’t as impressive as the original, but at least, it can give them an idea for their next travel.
