A renowned luxury hotel in Dubai has made an announcement about its upcoming closure for renovations. The Jumeirah Burj Al Arab, a five-star hotel in the UAE, will undergo a temporary 18-month closure as part of a carefully planned refurbishment process to enhance its iconic decor. The hotel did not explicitly reference the ongoing conflict in the Middle East involving US-Israeli forces and Iran, which has resulted in Iranian drone strikes across the Gulf, including in Dubai.

According to reports from Middle East Eye (MEE), the airstrikes by Iran in the UAE and other Gulf states hosting US bases have triggered an exodus of foreign expatriates and tourists from the region. Since the conflict with Iran commenced, over £88 billion has been wiped out from the market capitalization of the Dubai and Abu Dhabi stock exchanges, with more than 18,400 flights being canceled.

In a statement posted on its website, the hotel stated that the restoration program aims to refresh and upgrade its iconic decor while maintaining its unique character. The hotel management also expressed willingness to assist guests with alternative reservations at other Jumeirah properties in the city.

MEE further reported that the hotel experienced damage from debris resulting from the interception of an Iranian drone attack in March. Despite most drones being intercepted, debris caused damage in various areas including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and important sites like the Burj Al Arab, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai airport, and the Fujairah oil industrial zone.

The ongoing conflict and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz continue to impact flights and tourism as jet fuel costs rise, as reported by Express. Emirates recently announced a reduced flight schedule to over 100 destinations due to the current situation, following a temporary ceasefire declared by Iran and the US.

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