The iconic Burj Al Arab in Dubai is expected to temporarily shut its doors for an extensive 18-month refurbishment, marking the first major upgrade since the luxury hotel opened in 1999.
A staff member confirmed on Wednesday that the sail-shaped hotel will close during the renovation period, although its owner, Jumeirah Group, had earlier stated that the upgrade would be carried out in phases without explicitly confirming a full shutdown.
According to the company, the redesign project will be led by Paris-based interior architect Tristan Auer, known for his work on high-end hospitality spaces. The renovation is expected to modernize the hotel’s interiors while preserving its globally recognized architectural identity.
Guests affected by the planned works are being offered alternative accommodation in nearby properties, with officials noting that the exact duration of the closure could still be adjusted as the project progresses.
The development comes at a time when tourism activity across parts of the Gulf region has experienced a slowdown, influenced by heightened geopolitical tensions, including the ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict involving Iran.
Widely regarded as one of Dubai’s most recognizable landmarks and a flagship property of the Jumeirah portfolio, the Burj Al Arab also reportedly sustained minor exterior damage in early March after debris from the interception of an Iranian drone struck part of its facade.
Despite these incidents, sources indicate that the refurbishment had been planned prior to the recent tensions, positioning the project as part of a broader effort to maintain the hotel’s status as one of the world’s most luxurious destinations.
