Jumeirah to Restore Burj Al Arab Dubai in 18-Month Phased Programme

Dubai, April 16, 2026 — :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0} has announced a phased restoration of Jumeirah Burj Al Arab, marking the first major refurbishment of the landmark property since its opening in 1999. The programme is expected to span approximately 18 months and aims to preserve the hotel’s architectural and cultural legacy while enhancing its interiors.

The restoration comes after more than 25 years of continuous operations and will be carried out in phases to maintain functionality while upgrading key elements of the property. The project focuses on safeguarding the identity of one of the world’s most recognisable luxury hotels, known for its sail-shaped silhouette and position within Dubai’s skyline.

18-Month Phased Restoration Plan

The restoration programme has been designed as a carefully sequenced process to ensure minimal disruption to operations while enabling comprehensive upgrades. The work will involve enhancements to interior décor, with a strong emphasis on maintaining the original design ethos.

Jumeirah stated that the initiative will treat the property as a cultural asset, with restoration efforts comparable to the conservation of heritage artworks. The approach reflects the brand’s intent to retain the hotel’s distinctive character while introducing subtle refinements aligned with contemporary luxury standards.

The project timeline of approximately 18 months underscores the scale and complexity of the restoration, which involves both aesthetic upgrades and preservation measures across the property.

Design Leadership by Tristan Auer

The restoration will be led by French interior architect Tristan Auer, selected following a detailed evaluation process. Auer is known for his work on high-profile hospitality and heritage projects, bringing a design philosophy that blends historical integrity with modern sensibilities.

His portfolio includes projects such as Hôtel de Crillon in Paris and the transformation of Les Bains Douches, reflecting experience in restoring iconic properties while adapting them for contemporary use. The Burj Al Arab project marks his first major restoration assignment in Dubai.

The design direction will focus on preserving craftsmanship and material richness while subtly modernising spaces to align with evolving guest expectations.

Iconic Property with 198 Suites

Since its launch in 1999, the Burj Al Arab has been positioned as a flagship property within Jumeirah’s portfolio and a global symbol of luxury hospitality. The hotel features 198 suites and is known for its opulent interiors, incorporating materials such as marble, gold leaf, and Swarovski crystal elements.

The property introduced several industry benchmarks at the time of its opening, including personalised butler service and ultra-luxury positioning, which have since become standard expectations in the segment.

Over the years, the hotel has received multiple international recognitions, including top rankings in regional hospitality awards and a five-star rating in the Forbes Travel Guide in 2023.

Preserving Heritage While Updating Experience

Jumeirah has positioned the restoration as a strategic initiative to maintain the relevance of the Burj Al Arab in an increasingly competitive luxury hospitality market. The project will focus on enhancing guest-facing areas while ensuring that the building’s architectural identity remains unchanged.

The phased approach allows the hotel to continue operations during the restoration period, ensuring continuity for guests and maintaining its role as a key hospitality landmark in Dubai.

According to company leadership, the initiative represents a new chapter for the property, balancing preservation with evolution. The restoration will also reinforce the hotel’s position within Jumeirah’s limited-edition collection of landmark properties.

Strategic Importance for Jumeirah Portfolio

The Burj Al Arab remains central to Jumeirah’s global brand identity, serving as its flagship asset and a defining symbol of Arabian hospitality. As part of Dubai Holding, Jumeirah continues to expand its luxury portfolio while investing in the long-term sustainability of its existing assets.

The restoration aligns with broader industry trends where legacy luxury hotels are undergoing upgrades to remain competitive while preserving their historical and cultural significance.

With Dubai continuing to attract high-value international travellers, the refurbishment is expected to support the property’s positioning as a premium destination while maintaining its iconic status within the global hospitality landscape.