The renowned ‘7 star’ hotel will undergo extensive upgrades over 18 months
For over 25 years, the Burj Al Arab has stood as an iconic symbol of unmatched luxury in Dubai’s world-class hospitality scene. Now, this legendary hotel has temporarily closed its doors as it embarks on a highly anticipated restoration, promising to elevate its opulence to even greater heights, estimated by October, 2027.
A statement published on the official website confirms that Jumeirah Burj Al Arab is undergoing a meticulously planned, phased restoration aimed at enhancing its iconic interiors while carefully preserving its unique identity. This long-term initiative has been strategically developed after more than 25 years of continuous operation, ensuring the hotel evolves without compromising its legacy of luxury.
Since opening its doors in 1999, the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab has become one of Dubai’s most recognizable landmarks. Now, the hotel is set to close for 18 months as its suites, restaurants, and leisure spaces undergo a major revamp. The project will be led by French interior architect Tristan Auer, who is expected to refresh the property while staying true to its original design and long-standing sense of luxury.
Speaking about the project, he said it’s a real privilege to take on the first restoration of a landmark like the Jumeirah Burj Al Arab in Dubai, which has long been one of the region’s most recognizable icons. He noted that the focus is on doing justice to its legacy while carefully shaping what comes next. With that in mind, there’s plenty of curiosity around how the hotel will look once the work is finished.
Over the past 27 years, the Burj al Arab luxury hotel has welcomed an impressive lineup of high-profile guests, including global icons such as Tom Cruise, David and Victoria Beckham, Bill Gates, and Selena Gomez. Its iconic helipad has also played host to some unforgettable moments – from Red Bull Racing cars performing donut spins to the famous Federer vs. Agassi tennis match in 2005, and even a 17-track DJ set by David Guetta in 2021.
The company announced the plan on social media, describing it as a “thoughtful pause” while upgrades are carried out.
Jumeirah has confirmed that the restoration will take place in carefully planned phases, a move designed to protect the structure while work is carried out. By spreading the process over multiple stages, the company aims to maintain the integrity of the Burj Al Arab’s iconic sail-shaped design—one of the most recognizable architectural landmarks in Dubai.
Each phase will focus on preserving the hotel’s original character while introducing subtle upgrades where needed. According to Jumeirah, the priority is not just maintenance, but safeguarding the identity of a property that has come to define Dubai’s global image. For decades, the Burj Al Arab has stood as a symbol of luxury tourism in the UAE, attracting visitors from around the world and reinforcing the city’s reputation as a leading travel destination.
Construction of the Burj Al Arab began on July 10, 1994, during a period when Dubai was taking on increasingly bold development projects. It took around five years to complete, and when the hotel opened on December 1, 1999, it quickly stood out along the city’s coastline. Its location and design made it hard to miss, even in a rapidly changing skyline.
The building was designed by British architect Tom Wright and rises to a height of 321 meters. Developing the project is estimated to have cost about $1 billion at the time. With its sail-like shape and prominent position offshore, the Burj Al Arab went on to become one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world.
The hotel is spread across 56 floors, with three of those levels built below ground. Inside, it features 202 luxury suites, each designed with a strong focus on space and comfort rather than standard room layouts. The building is supported by 18 elevators, allowing guests and staff to move efficiently between levels. At its highest accessible point, the top floor sits roughly 197.5 meters above ground, offering sweeping views of the surrounding coastline and city.
The hotel has 198 suites and is owned by Dubai-based hospitality group Jumeirah. It’s widely known for its lavish interiors, where a lot of attention has gone into fine detail and materials. Around 86,500 Swarovski crystals were set by hand across different parts of the property, while more than 30 types of statuary marble have been used throughout the space. In addition, close to 1,790 square meters of 24-carat gold leaf have been applied, giving many areas of the hotel their signature gold finish.
Jumeirah said the restoration will place a strong emphasis on preserving the hotel’s interiors, with particular care taken to retain the details and finishes that have become closely associated with the property over the years. At the same time, certain facilities will be upgraded to align with current standards, ensuring that guests continue to have a comfortable and seamless experience. The approach is intended to strike a balance – modernizing where necessary, while leaving the overall design and character unchanged.
The company described the effort as a pause rather than a conclusion, noting that the work is part of a longer-term plan to safeguard the building’s legacy. By taking this step now, Jumeirah aims to ensure the hotel remains relevant and well-maintained, without losing the identity that has made it stand out for so long.
Post renovation, the hotel’s iconic status, combined with its commitment to excellence and innovation, will solidify its position as a world leader in the industry, offering an unforgettable experience that combines innovation, sophistication, and unparalleled luxury.
If you’re planning a trip to Dubai and want to visit the Burj Al Arab, it’s worth checking the latest official updates on the hotel’s restoration before you book. Schedules and access can shift as work moves forward, and staying informed will help you choose the right time for your visit. This way, you can experience one of Dubai’s most iconic luxury hotels without disruptions and enjoy it as it’s meant to be seen.
Updates by:
Technical & Service Manager – 22+ years’ experience in the industry