Technology · 15 April 2026
Dubai's Burj Al Arab closes its doors for 18 months of restoration
Photo by Laurentiu Morariu on Unsplash
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