Burj Al Arab is set to reopen in October 2027 following an 18-month refurbishment of the Dubai hotel.

Jumeirah Group temporarily closed its flagship hotel in April 2026 to carry out the refurbishment. The project covers the hotel’s interiors, suites, restaurants and leisure facilities while preserving its distinctive and widely recognised design.

Reopening in October 2027 after an 18-month closure

Visit Dubai has listed October 2027 as the reopening date for Burj Al Arab. Jumeirah announced the hotel’s refurbishment programme on April 15, 2026, allocating around 18 months for the project.

Jumeirah designed the project as a phased conservation and refurbishment programme following more than 25 years of continuous hotel operations. Burj Al Arab opened in 1999 and serves as Jumeirah’s flagship hotel.

The project will also temporarily remove 198 suites from Jumeirah’s accommodation inventory in Dubai. Recent information released by Jumeirah confirms that the hotel has 198 suites within its sail-shaped structure.

Publicly available information lists October 2027 as the reopening period, although an exact date has not been announced. The latest public updates reviewed also provide no details on when bookings will open following completion of the work.

Preserving Burj Al Arab’s interior design during refurbishment

Rather than completely redesigning the interiors, Jumeirah plans to retain many of Burj Al Arab’s existing decorative features.

Gold leaf, Statuario marble and Swarovski crystals will remain prominent elements of the hotel. Jumeirah’s latest information on the project also points to the use of bespoke fabrics, custom finishes and discreet technology upgrades during the refurbishment.

Suites, restaurants and leisure facilities are also included in the extensive programme. Interior details will be updated to extend the property’s lifespan and improve guest comfort without replacing the hotel’s established visual identity.

Jumeirah has described the project as Burj Al Arab’s first refurbishment on this scale. Details of the investment value and the reopening schedule for individual restaurants have not been made public.

The work follows more than two decades of continuous hotel operations and involves an extensive engineering and interior design programme at one of Dubai’s best-known hospitality landmarks.

Tristan Auer leads Burj Al Arab’s first major refurbishment

French interior architect Tristan Auer is leading the refurbishment project after being selected by Jumeirah.

Auer established his Paris studio in 2002. His previous hospitality projects include Hôtel de Crillon in Paris and the redesign of Les Bains Douches. Jumeirah selected Auer for his approach to heritage materials, craftsmanship and the meticulous preservation of interiors.

Thomas B. Meier, chief executive of Jumeirah, described Burj Al Arab as “a symbol of ambition, artistry, craftsmanship and enduring excellence”. In its April 2026 announcement, Jumeirah said the programme was designed to preserve the hotel’s established identity while updating its interior features.

Auer’s plan will retain much of the existing décor while introducing new finishes, fabrics and technologies. Jumeirah has described the design approach as “renewal rather than reinvention”, and the building’s sail-shaped exterior will remain unchanged.

Burj Al Arab prepares for its next chapter

Burj Al Arab entered the refurbishment phase after continuing to host major tourism, hospitality and cultural events through 2025.

Jumeirah’s 2025 Chinese New Year programme included a 360-degree drone show around the building. Jumeirah said it was the first 360-degree drone display around a single building and set a new world record.

Burj Al Arab’s helipad has also contributed to the property’s international profile since it opened. Jumeirah’s records include sporting events, aviation displays and entertainment performances held above the hotel.

When the refurbishment is completed in October 2027, Burj Al Arab’s 198 suites will return to Dubai’s luxury accommodation inventory. Visit Dubai continues to list Burj Al Arab among the city’s leading tourist attractions while noting its temporary closure and planned reopening.

Jumeirah has yet to announce an exact reopening date, with October 2027 remaining the scheduled period for welcoming guests back after the 18-month refurbishment programme.