Timeframe: Dubai's Armani Hotel, from the beginning in 2005

This month in 2005, the Italian fashion designer toured the then-Burj Dubai development years before the hotel and residences opened

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES  - DECEMBER 6:  Emaar Properties' iconic Burj Dubai development received its most high profile visitor to date when celebrated Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani was given a personal tour by Emaar's Chairman Mohamed Ali Alabbar on Sunday, December 4. The Burj Dubai, which is anticipated to be the tallest tower in the world when completed in 2008, will feature one of the world's first Armani Hotels.  (Photo by Business Wire via Getty Images)
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These days the Armani brand is ubiquitous in Dubai, from its cafes and shops to its spa. Even with several outposts in malls, the local epicentre of the luxury empire sits squarely in the Burj Khalifa, where the Armani Hotel opened in April 2010.

It was early in the tower’s construction – this photo was taken 13 years ago this month – when designer Giorgio Armani stopped by for a personal tour. Emaar Properties chairman Mohamed Alabbar accompanied him on the site visit and it was still only anticipated that the tower would be the world’s tallest and that the Armani Hotel would be the first.

Today, both superlatives stand, with the Burj Khalifa at 828 metres, and a second ­Armani Hotel having opened in Milan in 2011. The 160-room Dubai hotel occupies the first eight levels, and floors 38 and 39, plus, there are Armani residences on floors 9-16.

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