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It’s the famous, sail-shaped structure which has adorned the coastline of Dubai since 1999, and now it’s time for the Burj Al Arab to get a little freshen up. The seven-star hotel – the only of its kind in the world – is set to undergo a spectacular renovation, according to Jumeirah, with work likely to begin next year.
“We will also renovate [Burj Al Arab], probably in summer 2019,” the hotel group’s chief executive officer, Jose Silva, told Arabian Business. The hotel will follow in the footsteps of the Jumeirah Beach Hotel, which is currently undergoing a transformation and is set to reopen in October. The wave-shaped hotel first opened in 1997, with the Burj Al Arab designed to complement the nautical structure. Silva also revealed plans to open a hotel as grand as the sail-shaped structure in Europe, revealing “there are some things you want to do in life, and visiting the Burj Al Arab is one of them”. “Many people travel to go see the Burj Al Arab,” he added. “It is one of the world’s most photographed – and Instagrammed – hotels. It has become an icon of Dubai in itself. We want to expand that globally and share it with the world.”
It is unclear as to what a renovation of the Burj Al Arab will entail, but the luxury hotel includes 10 restaurants and bars, such as the acclaimed Nathan Outlaw at Al Mahara, as well as more than 200 suites. Some of the property has been updated in recent years, with 2016 witnessing the opening of The Terrace, a restaurant, pool, beach and cabana space stretching out into the sea. The Jumeirah Beach Hotel’s refurbishment, by comparison, will extend to all bedrooms, public spaces, and outdoor and leisure facilities, as well as all on-site eateries. The aim is to “bring a new, modern and fresh look” to the landmark, according to Jumeirah. We can’t wait to see what they have in store for the Burj Al Arab.
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