Dubai's Burj Al Arab to close for 18-month restoration project
Dubai’s Emirates Jumeirah Burj Al Arab — one of the world’s most recognisable hotels — will shut for 18-months while it undergoes extensive restoration project, its operator Jumeirah announced on April 15. The hotel, once famous for its ‘seven-star’ status, has been an architectural and cultural landmark with the silhouette of a dhow sail defining the character of Dubai’s skyline.
The project will update the hotel’s interior decor while retaining its original character. Jumeirah describes the approach as akin to restoring a work of art — deliberate, and respectful of what already exists.
Interior architect Tristan Auer based in Paris will oversee the work. He was selected at the end of an intense and rigorous vetting process. He is behind high-profile restoration projects, including the Hôtel de Crillon in Paris. He worked with the designers Philippe Starck and Christian Liaigre before opening his studio in 2002.
“The opportunity to undertake the very first restoration of a property of this prestige in Dubai is deeply rewarding,” Auer said. “It’s an honour as well as a responsibility to help shape the future and carry forward the legacy of such an extraordinary landmark.”
Historic masterpiece
The Burj Al Arab opened 27 years ago and is generally credited with placing Dubai on the world luxury travel map. Its dhow sail-shaped silhouette is now among the most photographed buildings on Earth. The 198-suite hotel has interiors of marble, gold leaf and Swarovski crystal. It also boasts a custom spiral chandelier made up of 210 crystal tubes and weighing some 450 kilograms.
The Burj Al Arab has been one of the most iconic hotels in the world — from hosting VIPs to having a historic tennis match on its helipad. Designed on its own island, the building takes 321m up in elevation and gives guests a view overlooking the Arabian Gulf.
The hotel is still in a class by itself, said Jumeirah CEO Thomas B. Meier. “For the past 27 years, this exceptional property has welcomed guests with the same passion and world-class standards that are worlds apart from any other hotel in the world,” he said. “The Jumeirah Burj Al Arab restoration programme heralds a new chapter in its story, one that will safeguard the heritage of what is now the only property within our portfolio of limited-edition architectural masterpieces, defined by design distinction and prestige.”
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