Dubai’s iconic Burj Al Arab will shut its doors for an extensive renovation — the first in the sail-shaped tower’s 26-year history — a hotel staff member confirmed Wednesday, according to Reuters.
The closure comes as the broader travel sector in the UAE absorbs the impact of regional conflict. Flight disruptions tied to the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran have dampened visitor numbers, and luxury hospitality groups have flagged weakening demand and profit pressure.
Jumeirah, the Dubai-based hotel group that owns the property, announced Tuesday that the refurbishment would unfold in phases across roughly 18 months, overseen by Paris-based interior architect Tristan Auer. The company’s statement made no mention of a full closure, but a hotel employee confirmed the property would not be operating during the works, adding that the timeline remains subject to change.
Guests with existing reservations during the renovation period are being redirected to nearby alternative properties, the staff member said.
The Burj Al Arab sustained minor external damage in early March when debris from an intercepted Iranian drone struck its facade. The employee was clear, however, that the renovation is unrelated to that incident, describing the project as “long-awaited.” Jumeirah’s statement similarly made no connection between the refurbishment and the ongoing conflict.
The project marks the first significant overhaul of the hotel since it opened in 1999 and remains the flagship of the Jumeirah portfolio.
