Dubai’s most iconic hotel, the Burj Al Arab, is set to close for the first time since opening in 1999 as it begins an extensive 18-month refurbishment aimed at preserving its status as a global symbol of luxury.
The sail-shaped landmark, owned by Jumeirah Group, will undergo a phased restoration led by acclaimed French interior architect Tristan Auer. Known for his work on historic properties in Paris, Auer has been selected to refresh the hotel’s opulent interiors while respecting its distinctive character.
A member of staff confirmed on Wednesday that the hotel is expected to close during the works, although the timeline could still change. Guests with existing bookings are being offered alternative accommodation at nearby properties.
In a statement released on Tuesday (14 April), Jumeirah described the project as a “long-awaited” effort to protect one of Dubai’s most famous landmarks for future generations. The company did not explicitly link the closure to wider regional tensions or recent events.
“The restoration will carefully enhance the interiors while preserving the distinctive character and heritage of this global icon,” Jumeirah said.
The timing, however, has raised eyebrows. Tourism in Dubai has faced headwinds in recent months, with flight disruptions and uncertainty linked to the ongoing conflict involving the U.S., Israel and Iran affecting travel across the region.
Luxury hospitality groups have already warned of softer demand and pressure on profits.
Earlier in March, the Burj Al Arab sustained minor damage when debris from an intercepted Iranian drone struck part of its façade. Staff say the refurbishment plans are unrelated to that incident.
Since its opening, the hotel has become a global icon, instantly recognisable for its sweeping sail design and synonymous with ultra-luxury.
With 198 lavish suites, personalised butler service and interiors adorned with marble, gold leaf and crystal, it has long set the standard for high-end hospitality in the Middle East.
The United Arab Emirates has set a minimum age of 15 for social media use, becoming the first Arab country to introduce such a restriction as governme...
Iran's Revolutionary Guards created secret cells inside Iraq to launch attacks on Gulf states that host American troops, bypassing established militia...
Nearly 300 students and staff were evacuated after a fire broke out at an elementary school in northern Tokyo on Friday morning, leaving 10 people wit...
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for 19 June, covering the latest developments you need to know....
Islamic Society of Milwaukee President Salah Sarsour, a Palestinian American detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in March, was rel...
The United Arab Emirates has set a minimum age of 15 for social media use, becoming the first Arab country to introduce such a restriction as governments worldwide seek to address growing concerns over the impact of online platforms on children.
Iran's Revolutionary Guards created secret cells inside Iraq to launch attacks on Gulf states that host American troops, bypassing established militia networks in an apparent effort to avoid detection, according to a Reuters investigation.
Labour mayor Andy Burnham cleared a path to ousting British Prime Minister Keir Starmer after winning a parliamentary seat in northern England on Friday in what could be most consequential local election in more than six decades.
World Cup action delivered impressive wins and late drama on 18-19 June. Mexico booked their place in the knockout stage as Group A winners, while Jonathan David's hat-trick inspired Canada to a 6-0 thrashing of Qatar.
Donald Trump has said the U.S. will resume bombing Iran if Tehran doesn't "behave," at the sidelines of the G7 summit in France. Earlier, the U.S. President criticised Israel for its tactics against Hezbollah, saying it was unnecessary to bomb entire apartment buildings to tackle militants.
U.S. President Donald Trump sought a deal with Iran "out of deperation," Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has said, in a statement on social media. Khamenei added that he himself "held a different view," to Trump, but allowed the agreement after receiving assurances from Iran's President.
Britain has announced an additional £8 million ($11 million) to help Pakistan combat illegal migration, human trafficking and organised crime, while praising Islamabad's role in diplomacy that helped secure the recent U.S.-Iran agreement.
Planned U.S.-Iran talks in Switzerland on Friday will no longer take place after Vice President JD Vance withdrew from a scheduled trip to meet Iranian negotiators, Swiss authorities said.
Caleb Yirenkyi’s stoppage-time goal secured a 1-0 win for Ghana over Panama as World Cup action delivered a mix of late drama and key results. Colombia and England also began their campaigns with victories, while DR Congo held Portugal in a historic 1-1 draw and Austria beat Jordan 3-1.
Iran's Revolutionary Guards created secret cells inside Iraq to launch attacks on Gulf states that host American troops, bypassing established militia networks in an apparent effort to avoid detection, according to a Reuters investigation.
Planned U.S.-Iran talks in Switzerland on Friday will no longer take place after Vice President JD Vance withdrew from a scheduled trip to meet Iranian negotiators, Swiss authorities said.
The European Parliament has adopted one of its strongest resolutions on Georgia to date, calling for the release of political prisoners, backing sanctions against senior officials and warning that continued democratic decline could jeopardise the country's EU ambitions and visa-free travel regime.
The Caspian Sea has retreated by up to 35 kilometres along Kazakhstan's coastline since 2006, raising fresh concerns about the future of the world's largest inland body of water and the communities, industries and ecosystems that depend on it.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has remotely signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the U.S., brokered by Pakistan, under which Tehran and Washington agreed to extend their ceasefire and begin negotiations towards a peace agreement.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment