Photo Credit: Courtesy of Jumeirah
The Burj Al Arab, the iconic Dubai hotel known for its luxurious
ambience and distinctive design that resembles an Arabian dhow sailing ship, will shutter for
an 18-month renovation.
The transformation of the Jumeirah flagship property will be spearheaded by architect Tristan Auer, who led
the 2017 renovation of the Hôtel de Crillon in Paris. Details for the Burj
al Arab project have not been revealed yet, but Auer says they include “upgrading the luxury
hotel's interior décor while preserving its distinctive character."
Currently, the 60-story hotel has 198 suites, nine dining
outlets and five meeting spaces, and features opulent interior designs featuring
Swarovski crystals, marble and gold leaf. The property sits on a man-made
island on the Arabian Gulf.
Plans for the transformation of the 25-year-old hotel had been in the works
prior to the fire the property sustained from debris caused by a drone
interception on Feb. 28, at the beginning of the Iran war.
As reported by Northstar's sister publication, Travel Weekly, CoStar data for late February and March shows Dubai hotel occupancy plummeted from 78 percent in the second week of Ramadan to 21 percent by the fourth week and the final two days of the holiday, marking a sharp contrast to the 71-75 percent range recorded during the same period in 2025. Eid occupancy fell to 34 percent, down from 87 percent the prior year.
According to Thomas B. Meier,
CEO of Jumeirah, the property "is far more than an
architectural landmark; it is a symbol of ambition, craftsmanship and enduring
excellence. For the last 27 years, this exceptional property has served guests
with the same passion and world-class standards that distinguish it from any
other hotel in the world. This restoration program marks a new chapter in the
story of Jumeirah Burj Al Arab, one that will carefully preserve the heritage
of what is currently the sole property in our Jumeirah limited-edition
collection of iconic landmark addresses defined by design distinction and prestige."