A renowned Dubai hotel has made an announcement regarding its temporary closure for an 18-month period to undergo a carefully planned renovation. The five-star Jumeirah Burj Al Arab in the UAE aims to upgrade its iconic décor through this process. Notably, the hotel did not reference the ongoing conflict in the Middle East involving US-Israeli forces and Iran, which has resulted in Iranian drone strikes across the Gulf, impacting Dubai.
According to Middle East Eye (MEE), the strikes by Iran on the UAE and other Gulf states hosting US bases have triggered an exodus of foreign expats and tourists from the region. The war with Iran has reportedly led to over £88 billion being wiped out from market capitalization on the Dubai and Abu Dhabi stock exchanges, with more than 18,400 flights being canceled.
In a statement on its website, the hotel mentioned its restoration program to refresh and enhance the iconic décor while preserving its unique character. The hotel also offered assistance with alternative reservations at other Jumeirah properties in the area.
MEE reported that the hotel suffered damage from debris resulting from an Iranian drone attack. While most drones were intercepted, some debris caused damage in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, affecting landmarks such as the Burj Al Arab, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai airport, and the Fujairah oil industrial zone.
The conflict and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz have continued to impact flights and tourism, with rising jet fuel costs as reported by the Express. Emirates recently announced a reduced flight schedule to over 100 destinations following a brief ceasefire declared by Iran and the US.
