Dubai’s iconic luxury hotel, Burj Al Arab, will shut during an 18-month refurbishment, marking the start of the Burj Al Arab renovation closure, its first major upgrade since opening in 1999.
The hotel’s owner, Jumeirah Group, said in a statement issued on Tuesday that the renovation would be carried out in phases over approximately 18 months.
The project will be led by Paris-based interior architect Tristan Auer. The statement did not explicitly say the hotel would shut during the work.
What the 18-month renovation means for Burj Al Arab guests
However, a staff member said the property will not operate during the renovation period and that guests with existing bookings are being offered alternative accommodation at nearby Jumeirah hotels.
The duration of the closure could change depending on construction timelines, the employee added.
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The Burj Al Arab, one of Dubai’s most recognisable landmarks and the flagship property of the Jumeirah group, sustained minor damage in early March when debris from the interception of an Iranian drone strike struck part of its facade.
The renovation, described internally as “long-awaited,” is not connected to the March incident, according to the staff member. Jumeirah also did not link the refurbishment to the ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States.
The timing of the closure is notable, as the regional conflict has weighed on travel demand. Flight disruptions have affected the United Arab Emirates, while several luxury hospitality groups have warned of pressure on earnings as visitor numbers soften and high-end tourism slows across the region.
