A Dubai hotel has announced its temporary closure for 18 months as it plans a “carefully phased” renovation.
The Jumeirah Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai published a statement on its website, which read: “Jumeirah Burj Al Arab is currently undergoing a carefully phased restoration programme designed to refresh and upgrade the hotel’s iconic décor while preserving its distinctive character.
“After more than 25 years of continuous operation, the programme has been developed through long-term planning. We will be delighted to assist with an optional reservation at one of our Jumeirah properties in the city.”
Jumeirah did not mention the war on Iran in its statement, but the Middle East Eye (MEE) said in an article that “Iran’s attacks on the UAE and other Gulf states, which host US bases, are believed to have fuelled an exodus of foreign expatriates and tourists from the region.”
The same publication stated that since the beginning of the conflict, more than $120 billion has reportedly been wiped off the market capitalisation of the Dubai and Abu Dhabi stock exchanges, while more than 18,400 flights have been cancelled.
MEE also said the hotel “suffered damage from debris following an Iranian drone attack in March”. The Daily Express has contacted Jumeirah for comment.
MEE also said, “While most were contained, debris still caused damage across Abu Dhabi and Dubai, including Burj Al Arab, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Airport and the Fujairah Oil Industrial Zone.”
The war and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz are affecting flights and airlines around the world, as the cost of jet fuel has increased.
Economy flights to popular long-haul holiday destinations, including the United States, the Caribbean, Dubai, and India, will now face a new fee of £102.
Earlier this month, Emirates said it was currently “operating a low-flying program to more than 100 destinations”. The update comes after Iran and the US announced a fragile two-week ceasefire.
