DUBAI, United Arab Emirates -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is billeted at the Burj Al Arab, the only seven-star hotel in the world and one of the most expensive.

Press Secretary and Presidential Spokesman Ignacio Bunye confirmed in an interview that Arroyo was staying in the Burj Al Arab, but he said that the UAE (United Arab Emirates) Emir is paying for her stay.

"She's a guest of the Emir," Bunye said.

Bunye could not immediately confirm who among Arroyo's delegation, which includes Cabinet secretaries, lawmakers, and local government officials, are also billeted at the hotel.

Rates at the hotel range from 7,500 to 50,000 UAE Dirmams a night. One US dollar is equivalent to around 3.6 Dirhams.

Arroyo is in this city to meet with businessmen and launch investment opportunities for overseas Filipino workers. She arrived on Saturday afternoon and will leave on Tuesday morning.

Sitting on reclaimed land and surrounded by a man-made beach, the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab is an imposing sight on the Dubai coast.

A gold-plated ceiling greets guests at the hotel lobby. Inside, gold-plated arches frame the entrances to luxury shops and restaurants.