Dubai's famous Burj Al Arab hotel is to close for 18 months for refurbishments following a drop-off in tourism as a result of Iranian attacks. In a statement on Tuesday, the hotel's owner Jumeirah said "long-awaited" work would be carried out in phases over some 18 months, led by Paris-based interior architect Tristan Auer. The statement did not specifiy whether the sail-shaped hotel would remain open, but a staff member told Reuters it would be closed and was set to offer alternative accommodation in nearby hotels to guests with bookings during the work. Along with the Burj Al Khalifa and the Palm Islands, the Burj Al Arab is one of the most internationally recognisable buildings in Dubai, but it suffered damage from debris from the interception of an Iranian drone attack in March. While Jumeirah did not reference the war on Iran in its statement, it is thought that Iran's strikes on the UAE and other Gulf states that host US bases has sparked an exodus of foreign expats and tourists from the region.
Published: April 15, 2026 3:09 pm
Source: Middle East Eye — Read original