I was wondering when this would finally happen, and it sure seems like the timing makes sense…
Continue reading: Dubai’s Iconic “7-Star” Burj Al Arab Closes, Undergoing 18-Month Renovation
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but then this building get hit a little bit in one of the bombings ?
By the time the "refurbishment" is completed Dubai will be a very different place (and much less exciting to visit)
Good timing for a rebirth. Many would expect updates and more glamour, but perhaps it will gain another type of respect also.
"Iranian forces intercepted a drone over Dubai, with its shrapnel igniting a limited fire on the exterior facade of the Burj Al Arab."
"The hotel was hit by an Iranian drone a few weeks back, which did cause a fire"
- This very article
Good timing for them. No one is going to be visiting for a while anyway. Might as well.
I stayed there last year, and my artist wife and I both thought the decor was stunning. It's only gaudy and outdated if you expect a cool West Coast aesthetic to be ubiquitous across the entire world.
The Middle East has its own rich architectural history that often looks gaudy and over the top to westerners. But, for that matter, so do Victorian masterpieces in London, or the interiors of French chateax. I love the fact that the colour scheme in the Burj exactly replicates that of Moses' tabernacle in the Bible, for example.
To my mind, there is nothing worse than another bland chain hotel that conforms to the designer's vision of international hotel chic. No-one could accuse the Burj of cookie-cutter dullness.
Beauty comes in many forms.
Errr, no. Emirates Palace and Chedi Muscat are two examples of beautiful hotels that reflect something of the Middle East’s architectural history. Burj Al Arab is instead a hideous marriage of Dubai bling c.2000, Faux European and Miami all thrown together. The fact you think it is somehow reflective of the architectural heritage of the Middle East is sad.
today's trivia TIL: The Arabic word 'burj' translates to 'tower' in English. duh!
When was it exciting? Its an over priced, expensive place that's unattractive bling and clinical and sterile.
" 'OMG this place needs a renovation.' It’s honestly so outdated and gaudy that it’s charming. Then again, I guess this is a style that many people like."
There you go again, bringing up politics and the Trump Oval Office.
I agree. This hotel has character, sense of place, and uniqueness. Things that most new hotels nowadays seem to leave behind, and all end up looking similar and bland. Long live the Burj Al Arab!
Dubai has been an exciting destination for quite some time now, guess it's just not for you. I for one can't wait to return to that beautiful city.
You must be so popular at social gatherings. Tell us you're not a political obsessive without telling us you're a...political obsessive.
When it reopens in two years room rates will range from $3,100 USD per night to over $25,000 USD per night, Very expensive indeed!