Luxury hotel Burj Al Arab in Dubai will undergo a significant 18-month renovation, marking its first renovation since its establishment in 1999. The decision comes amidst a slowdown in regional tourism due to the ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran.
Jumeirah, the hotel’s owner, announced that the renovation will be carried out in phases over the 18-month period, overseen by Paris-based interior architect Tristan Auer. While details were provided about the renovation process, the announcement did not explicitly mention the closure of the property during this time.
A staff member confirmed that the hotel will be temporarily closed during the renovation and is arranging alternative accommodation for guests with existing bookings at nearby hotels. The exact duration of the closure remains flexible, subject to adjustments.
The iconic sail-shaped hotel, a prominent landmark in Dubai and the flagship property of the Jumeirah group, recently experienced damage from debris resulting from an Iranian drone attack in early March.
Despite the timing coinciding with the recent incident, the renovation is reportedly unrelated to the March event, according to an employee. Jumeirah, based in the United Arab Emirates, did not associate the renovation project with the ongoing conflict in its official communication.
Nevertheless, the renovation announcement comes at a challenging time for Dubai’s tourism industry, with travel disruptions impacting the UAE and luxury hospitality brands expressing concerns over declining visitor demand and potential profit pressures.