Dubai's famous Jumeirah Burj al Arab hotel closes for major refurbishments as tourists avoid UAE due to Iran war

By OLIVIA ALLHUSEN, FOREIGN NEWS REPORTER Published: 10:53, 16 April 2026 | Updated: 10:55, 16 April 2026 One of Dubai's most famous luxury hotels is to close for major refurbishments as tourists steer clear of the UAE amid the Iran war. The seven-star Burj Al Arab has announced a 'carefully phased' renovation programme, with a temporary closure expected to last 18 months. The hotel said the works will focus on upgrading all 198 suites, while preserving elements of its iconic design including its vast aquarium and marble-clad interiors, as well as its mosaiced washrooms. Public areas and the spa are also set to be upgraded as part of the overhaul.  It did not reference the conflict between US-Israeli forces and Iran, which has seen Iranian drone strikes across the Gulf, including in Dubai. The closure is not linked to the war and had been planned well before the US strikes on Iran.  It comes as tourism across the Middle East has slumped amid rising tensions. Middle East Eye reported that Iranian strikes on the UAE and other Gulf states hosting US bases have sparked an exodus of foreign expats and tourists. Since the conflict began, more than £88bn is said to have been wiped from market value on the Dubai and Abu Dhabi stock exchanges, while over 18,400 flights have been cancelled. One of Dubai's most famous luxury hotels is to close for major refurbishments as tourists steer clear of the UAE amid the Iran war. The Burj Al Arab has announced a 'carefully phased' renovation programme, with a temporary closure expected to last 18 months The hotel said the works will focus on upgrading all 198 suites, while preserving elements of its iconic design including its vast aquarium and marble-clad interiors, as well as its mosaiced washrooms It comes as tourism across the Middle East has slumped amid rising tensions. Pictured: Burj Al Arab royal suite The hotel suffered damage from debris following the interception of an Iranian drone attack in March In a statement, the hotel said it is undergoing a long-planned restoration programme following more than 25 years of continuous operation, and offered guests alternative stays within its group. 'The programme has been developed through long-term planning, following more than 25 years of continuous operation.  'We would be pleased to assist with an alternative reservation in one of our Jumeirah properties in town.' The hotel suffered damage from debris following the interception of an Iranian drone attack in March. While most drones were intercepted, falling debris reportedly caused damage in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, including near the Burj Al Arab, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Airport and the Fujairah oil industrial zone.  The conflict and disruption in the Strait of Hormuz continue to hit aviation and tourism, with rising jet fuel costs adding pressure, according to the Express.  Earlier this month, Emirates said it was operating a reduced flight schedule to more than 100 destinations following the announcement of a fragile two-week ceasefire.  No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual We will automatically post your comment and a link to the news story to your Facebook timeline at the same time it is posted on MailOnline. To do this we will link your MailOnline account with your Facebook account. We’ll ask you to confirm this for your first post to Facebook. You can choose on each post whether you would like it to be posted to Facebook. Your details from Facebook will be used to provide you with tailored content, marketing and ads in line with our Privacy Policy.