The Burj Al Arab has been closed for a full restoration since April 2026, according to an announcement by its operator Jumeirah reported by the press; reopening is expected around late 2027. During the works, you can only see it from the outside, from the beaches and promenades of Jumeirah.
A sail-shaped hotel set on an artificial island, the Burj Al Arab has never been a monument open to all: you went in as a guest, with a restaurant booking or on the « Inside Burj Al Arab » guided tour. This page takes stock of the closure, the options that will exist once it reopens and the best places to see it. For the rest of your stay, see our guide to visiting Dubai.
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Burj Al Arab: key facts for visitors
- Status as of 15 October 2026: closed for restoration (Jumeirah announcement of 15 April 2026, press); reopening expected around October 2027, with no firm date.
- Access for non-guests: normally only with a booking (room, restaurant or guided tour); no free entry.
- Prices: not published during the closure; we give none.
- Official site: jumeirah.com — content not readable by our tools on 15 October 2026; check directly.
Closure and restoration: what we know
Jumeirah confirmed on 15 April 2026 the closure of the Burj Al Arab for a restoration of about 18 months, the first full one since it opened. It is led by the French interior architect Tristan Auer. Part of the press links the decision to damage to the facade caused by debris from an intercepted drone; Jumeirah presents the works as a planned restoration. Reopening is announced for around October 2027, depending on progress on the site.
Practical consequence: resale sites still show the « Inside Burj Al Arab » tour as bookable. Do not pay for an interior tour until Jumeirah has announced the reopening.
Tickets: how to get in when it reopens
Before the closure, three options let a non-guest in:
- The « Inside Burj Al Arab » guided tour: about 90 minutes, sold by Jumeirah and by resellers.
- A booking at a restaurant or bar in the hotel (tea, lunch, dinner), with a dress code.
- A night at the hotel.
These options and their prices will need to be re-checked on the Jumeirah website once it reopens: we will update this page.
Where to see the Burj Al Arab for free
- Umm Suqeim public beach (known as Sunset Beach / Jumeirah Public Beach), northeast of the hotel: a side view of the sail, especially at sunset.
- Madinat Jumeirah and Souk Madinat: views from the canals and terraces (free access to the souk).
- The Jumeirah beach promenade and its running tracks.
Best time to photograph it
The sun sets in the west-southwest over the Gulf: from Umm Suqeim, the sail stands out against the light. Here are the calculated times:
| Month | Sunrise | Sunset | Day length |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 7:06 am | 5:50 pm | 10 h 44 min |
| February | 6:53 am | 6:12 pm | 11 h 19 min |
| March | 6:28 am | 6:27 pm | 11 h 59 min |
| April | 5:57 am | 6:41 pm | 12 h 45 min |
| May | 5:34 am | 6:56 pm | 13 h 22 min |
| June | 5:28 am | 7:10 pm | 13 h 42 min |
| July | 5:38 am | 7:11 pm | 13 h 33 min |
| August | 5:53 am | 6:54 pm | 13 h 02 min |
| September | 6:05 am | 6:23 pm | 12 h 19 min |
| October | 6:17 am | 5:52 pm | 11 h 35 min |
| November | 6:35 am | 5:31 pm | 10 h 56 min |
| December | 6:56 am | 5:31 pm | 10 h 35 min |
On climate, the average maximum exceeds 38 °C (100 °F) from May to September (41.9 °C or 107 °F in August) according to the 1991–2020 normals for Dubai airport repeated on our page on the best time to visit Dubai. From November to March (24 to 31 °C or 75 to 88 °F in the afternoon), the beach at sunset is pleasant.
Getting there
The Burj Al Arab is on Jumeirah Beach Road, in the Umm Suqeim district, next to the Jumeirah Beach Hotel and Madinat Jumeirah. The bridge to the island is reserved for people with a booking. The simplest way is a taxi or ride-hailing; the metro (Red Line) runs along Sheikh Zayed Road, several kilometers from the beach: check the route on the RTA website.
Common mistakes
- Booking an interior tour during the closure.
- Turning up at the access bridge without a booking: the island is not open to the public.
- Going to the beach at midday in summer: extreme heat from June to September.
The Burj Al Arab in brief: a little history
The Burj Al Arab was designed by the architect Tom Wright (Atkins) and opened in December 1999. It stands on an artificial island linked to the coast by a private bridge.
Its silhouette evokes the sail of a dhow, the traditional boat of the Gulf. At a little over 320 m (1,050 ft), it is one of the tallest hotels in the world. It has only duplex suites and its interior atrium is decorated with gilding and mosaics. The roof holds a helipad, made famous by publicity stunts.
The restoration under way since 2026 is meant to keep most of the original decor, restored by craftspeople rather than replaced, according to Jumeirah statements reported by the press.
Until it reopens, the sail remains one of the most photographed landmarks of the Jumeirah coast, visible from all along Umm Suqeim beach.
Visiting with children
- With children, Umm Suqeim public beach is the simplest way to see the sail: free access; follow the flags and swimming instructions posted.
- The neighboring water park offers another view of the hotel; check its hours and prices on its official website.
- In summer, limit outdoor outings to early morning and after sunset.
- Souk Madinat Jumeirah, covered and air-conditioned, lets you see the hotel from the terraces during the hot hours.
Checklist before your visit
- Check on jumeirah.com that the hotel has reopened before any interior booking.
- For photos: arrive at Umm Suqeim beach 30 minutes before sunset.
- Water and sun protection, even in winter.
- Beachwear for the beach only; modest dress at the souk.
Is the visit worth it?
During the restoration, the Burj Al Arab can be seen, not visited. For most travelers, the view from the beach at sunset is enough, and it is free. If you are set on seeing the atrium, wait for Jumeirah’s official reopening announcement, then compare the options (guided tour, tea, restaurant) and book directly with the hotel. We will update this page as soon as official information is published.
What to see nearby
Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Umm Suqeim beach and the neighboring water park; farther south, Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Marina. For the rest of the city, see our Dubai guide; the page on the best time to visit Dubai compares the months. For passport and visa rules, see entry requirements for the United Arab Emirates.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Burj Al Arab open?
No: it has been closed for restoration since April 2026 and its reopening is expected around October 2027, according to announcements reported by the press. Check jumeirah.com.
Can you visit the Burj Al Arab without staying there?
Outside the works, yes, with the « Inside Burj Al Arab » guided tour or a restaurant booking. There is no free entry.
Where can you see the Burj Al Arab for free?
From Umm Suqeim public beach or from Souk Madinat Jumeirah, with free access.
When is the Burj Al Arab due to reopen?
The press, citing Jumeirah and then Visit Dubai, mentions October 2027, about 18 months after the April 2026 closure. The date remains subject to progress on the site: wait for an announcement on jumeirah.com before booking.
What is the difference between the Burj Al Arab and the Burj Khalifa?
The Burj Al Arab is a sail-shaped hotel on the Jumeirah coast; the Burj Khalifa is the tallest tower in the world, in the city center, with paid observation decks open to the public.
How long should you allow to see the Burj Al Arab from outside?
One hour is enough for Umm Suqeim beach at sunset; add an hour or two for the neighboring Souk Madinat Jumeirah.
What time does the sun set behind the Burj Al Arab?
Between 5:31 pm (November–December) and 7:11 pm (July), according to our calculation for the 15th of each month.
Our sources
- Press (Wego, The New Arab, tbreak, April–October 2026) reporting Jumeirah’s announcements on the closure and restoration.
- jumeirah.com: Burj Al Arab page, consulted on 15 October 2026 (practical content not readable).
- 1991–2020 normals for Dubai International Airport, taken from our page on the best time to visit Dubai.
- Destination de Voyage calculation: sunrise and sunset (NOAA algorithm).
- Our methodology
Practical information checked on 15 October 2026 on the official sites cited. Prices and hours may change: check before you go. Updated November 2026.
