Technology · 15 April 2026
Dubai's Burj Al Arab closes its doors for 18 months of restoration
The Burj Al Arab has closed for 18 months with Jumeirah describing it as a planned restoration led by French architect Tristan Auer. But the sail-shaped hotel was struck by Iranian missiles on the first night of the war in February, and Dubai tourism has collapsed so severely the government announced a AED 1 billion relief package for hotels. The timing suggests the closure is as much about war damage as it is about design refresh.
Reported by Khaleej Times · How we write briefs