Dubai’s iconic sail-shaped luxury hotel, the Burj Al Arab, is taking a “thoughtful pause.” After more than 25 years of dominating the city’s skyline and defining the standard for global luxury tourism, the Jumeirah Group has announced that the world-renowned property is closing its doors for a comprehensive 18-month restoration project.

If you’ve been dreaming of sipping gold-leaf coffee in the Skyview Bar or staying in the palatial Royal Suite, here is everything you need to know about the closure and what the future holds for this architectural marvel.

A Temporary Farewell to a “7-Star” Icon

Since officially opening in December 1999, the Burj Al Arab has been the undisputed crown jewel of Dubai’s hospitality scene. Standing at 321 meters tall on its own man-made island off Jumeirah Beach, the hotel is internationally renowned for its lavish marble interiors, Swarovski crystal installations, and unparalleled service.

To ensure the landmark continues to offer the absolute pinnacle of luxury, the property is undergoing a meticulously planned, multi-phase renovation. During these 18 months, the entire hotel—including its luxury suites, wellness facilities, and acclaimed restaurants like the Michelin-starred Al Muntaha—will be completely closed to the public.

Who is Leading the Renovation?

The ambitious restoration is being spearheaded by the celebrated Paris-based interior architect, Tristan Auer. Auer, who trained under design legends Philippe Starck and Christian Liaigre, is a master of high-profile luxury restorations, having previously worked on the historic Hôtel de Crillon in Paris.

Auer’s vision for the Burj Al Arab is heavily rooted in preservation rather than reinvention. The Jumeirah Group has stated that the strategy is to treat the restoration with the same level of care as “preserving a work of art.”

What Changes Can Guests Expect?

While Jumeirah is keeping the finer details of the redesign under wraps, returning guests won’t have to worry about losing the magic of the original Burj Al Arab. Here is a sneak peek at what the restoration will entail:

• A Near-Invisible Evolution: Auer has stated that “the best compliment would be for people not to notice the change.” The focus is on refreshing the interior decor and modernising the hotel’s infrastructure while maintaining its highly familiar, opulent aesthetic.
• Iconic Elements Preserved: The vibrant, colourful atrium lobby (the tallest in the world) and the famous entry aquarium will remain fully intact.
• A Reimagined Spa: The hotel’s luxurious spa will see a significant redesign to improve the layout and flow, though it will retain a high level of visual consistency with the original design.
• Sustainable Luxury: The project champions a sustainable approach by retaining and restoring 70% to 80% of the existing decor. Master artisans and craftspeople have been enlisted to carefully restore original moldings and architectural blocks, minimising waste and honouring traditional craftsmanship.

When Will the Burj Al Arab Reopen?

The restoration is expected to take approximately 18 months, meaning the Burj Al Arab will likely be ready to welcome the world again by October 2027. However, the design team has made it clear that they are prioritising perfection over deadlines. As Auer noted, “It will open when it is ready. The intent here is to make it perfect, not to make it fast.”

What This Means for Dubai Travellers

If you are planning a trip to Dubai between now and late 2027, you unfortunately won’t be able to book a stay, a spa day, or a dining reservation at the Burj Al Arab. The hotel is currently unavailable on all booking platforms. However, the Jumeirah Group is actively redirecting guests to its other spectacular nearby properties, ensuring visitors can still experience world-class Emirati hospitality.

In the meantime, the beautiful dhow-shaped silhouette will remain a striking fixture of the Dubai skyline, silently preparing for its spectacular next chapter.