A Dubai hotel has announced a temporary 18-month closure as they plan a “carefully phased” refurbishment.
The Jumeirah Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai published a statement on its website that 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.
“The programme has been developed through long-term planning, following more than 25 years of continuous operation. We would be pleased to assist with an alternative reservation in one of our Jumeirah properties in town.”
Jumeirah did not mention the war on Iran in its statement, but Middle East Eye (MEE) said in an article that “it is thought that Iran’s strikes on the UAE and other Gulf states that host US bases has sparked an exodus of foreign expats and tourists from the region”.
The same publication said that since the beginning of the conflict, more than $120bn was reportedly wiped from market capitalisation on the Dubai and Abu Dhabi stock exchanges, while over 18,400 flights were cancelled.
MEE also said the hotel “suffered damage from debris from the interception of an Iranian drone attack in March”. The Daily Express has contacted Jumeirah for comment.
“While most were intercepted, debris still caused damage in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, including at the Burj Al Arab, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai airport and the Fujairah oil industrial zone,” MEE also said.
The war and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz are affecting flights and the way airlines operate worldwide, as the cost of jet fuel increased.
Economy flights heading to popular long-haul holiday destinations, including the United States, the Caribbean, Dubai, and India, will now be hit with a new £102 charge.