Burj Al Arab in Dubai will close for about 18 months for its first major restoration project, Jumeirah Group recently announced.
The work will be carried out in phases and is expected to take about 18 months, the company said. The project will refresh interior spaces while retaining the original design of the hotel.
Jumeirah Group said the restoration will follow a careful approach, with emphasis on craftsmanship and respect for the existing structure. It added that the aim is to preserve the distinctive character of the building while ensuring it remains relevant for future generations of travellers.
Chief Executive Thomas B. Meier said the restoration marks a new chapter for Jumeirah Burj Al Arab and will preserve its heritage.
Burj Al Arab is the only property in the Jumeirah limited-edition collection of landmark addresses defined by design distinction and prestige, and the structure, built on an artificial island off the Dubai coast, will remain part of the city skyline during the restoration works.
Paris-based architect to lead restoration
Paris-based interior architect Tristan Auer will lead the project. He is known for heritage restoration work, including the Hotel de Crillon in Paris. Jumeirah Group selected him after a rigorous and strategic selection process.
Auer said the assignment carries both honour and responsibility, given the global standing of the property.
Burj Al Arab central to Dubai luxury tourism sector
Burj Al Arab, opened in 1999, has been closely linked with the global luxury tourism sector in Dubai. Designed in the form of a dhow sail, the structure rises 321 metres above the Arabian Gulf.
The all-suite hotel has 198 duplex units. Interiors feature marble, gold leaf and Swarovski crystal elements, including a spiral chandelier made up of 210 crystal tubes with a total weight of about 450 kilograms.
On March 1, 2026, Dubai authorities said debris from an intercepted drone caused a minor fire on the outer facade of the building. Civil Defence teams brought the situation under control, and no injuries were reported.
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