Due to a drop in tourism in Dubai, the seven-star Burj Al Arab hotel in the UAE will close for 18 months. This will be the hotel’s first renovation since it opened in 1999. The decision comes as tourism in the region has slowed because of ongoing conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran. The hotel’s owner, Jumeirah, announced on Tuesday that the renovation will take place in phases over the next 18 months.
Tristan, an interior architect from Paris, will lead the renovation. The statement did not say if the hotel will stay closed for the entire renovation. Reports say guests with bookings are being moved to nearby hotels. The closure period could also change.
The Burj Al Arab will stay closed for 18 months.
The Burj Al Arab, one of Dubai’s most luxurious hotels, will close for 18 months. For almost 25 years, this 7-star hotel has been a favourite among wealthy and VIP guests. Recently, a drone hit the hotel during the Iran war, which brought it back into the news. However, the closure is not because of any damage from the drone.
Modern, luxurious, and high-tech
The renovation will modernise the hotel, add more luxury, and update its technology. Renowned French interior designer Tristan Auer, known for projects like the Hotel de Crillon in France, is leading the redesign. He said, “As a designer, you must adopt a respectful attitude—observe, listen, and understand how people behave in this hotel.”
The idea for the hotel came from Dubai’s ruler.
In the 1990s, Dubai’s ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, wanted a landmark for Dubai, like the Eiffel Tower in Paris or the Sydney Opera House in Australia. Architect Tom Wright sketched the shape of a traditional Arabian boat, called a dhow, on a napkin, and this became the hotel’s design. The building was meant to show Dubai’s connection to the sea.
