Dubai's Burj Al Arab hotel to close for 18-month renovation

Dubai’s iconic Burj Al Arab is set to undergo a major renovation that will see the luxury hotel  shut for a period of 18 months.

The upgrade — the first since the hotel opened in 1999 — comes at a time when tourism in the region has been affected by the ongoing US-Israeli conflict with Iran.

The hotel’s owner, Jumeirah, said in a statement on Tuesday that the refurbishment would take place in phases over around 18 months and will be led by Paris-based interior architect Tristan Auer. The company, however, did not explicitly mention that the hotel would be closed during the work.

A staff member confirmed that guests with existing bookings are being offered alternative accommodation at nearby hotels during the renovation period. The duration of the closure could still change, the person added.

The sail-shaped property, one of Dubai’s most recognisable landmarks and a flagship of the Jumeirah group, also sustained minor damage earlier this year when debris from the interception of an Iranian drone struck its exterior in March.

The employee described the renovation as “long-awaited” and said it was not linked to the earlier incident. Jumeirah also made no reference to the conflict in its official statement.

However, the timing of the project comes as regional tensions have disrupted travel, with flight interruptions affecting the UAE and luxury hospitality groups warning of pressure on revenues due to softer demand from international visitors.