Burj Al Arab Dubai: Restaurants, Reopening and How to Visit

Important update for 2026: Jumeirah Burj Al Arab closed in April 2026 for an 18-month restoration, the first full closure since it opened in December 1999. The hotel, its restaurants, bars and spa are not open to guests or non-guest diners during the works, and the operator has pointed to a reopening around October 2027. This guide explains what that means for your trip, where you can still see the hotel, what dining at Burj Al Arab was like before the closure, and what to do nearby in the meantime. Because dates can move, confirm the status with Jumeirah before you plan around a reopening.

Can You Visit Burj Al Arab Now?

Short answer: not inside. You cannot stay, dine or have afternoon tea at Burj Al Arab while the restoration is under way, and accommodation is being redirected to other Jumeirah properties. You can still see the building from the outside, and it remains one of Dubai’s best-known skyline views from the Jumeirah coast. A French interior architect, Tristan Auer, is leading the interior redesign, and the exterior sail-shaped design is retained.

Burj Al Arab at a Glance

For the history, architecture and suite details, see our guide to the Burj Al Arab hotel experience. This page focuses on dining, visiting and what to do while the hotel is closed.

Where to See Burj Al Arab Today

• Public beaches along Jumeirah: Umm Suqeim and nearby beaches have open views of the hotel, best around sunset. See our guides to Jumeirah Beach, Kite Beach and Al Sufouh Beach for rules, facilities and timing.
• Souk Madinat Jumeirah: a waterfront souk area with canal-side restaurants and views toward the tower. Read more in our guide to Souk Madinat Jumeirah.
• By boat or from the water: some cruises and watersports operators pass the island, but check availability and distance rules.

Note that there is no public access to the island or the hotel’s private areas during the closure.

What Dining at Burj Al Arab Was Like Before the Closure

Non-guests could only enter by booking a table, so a restaurant reservation was the standard way inside the hotel. The following list reflects how the venues were described before the closure; menus, names and concepts may change when the hotel reopens.

• Al Mahara: the seafood restaurant set behind a large aquarium, reached by a simulated submarine ride in the past. It was one of the hotel’s signature experiences.
• Al Muntaha: a fine-dining restaurant on the 27th floor with skyline views, reported to hold a Michelin star.
• Skyview Bar: a cocktail and afternoon-tea venue also on the 27th floor, known for its gold-leaf coffee.
• Sahn Eddar: the lobby lounge, popular for breakfast and afternoon tea.
• Bab Al Yam, Junsui and Al Iwan: international, Asian and Arabic dining options that served non-guests with reservations.

What dining cost

Before the closure, a dinner at the hotel was reported to average several hundred dirhams per person without drinks, tasting menus at the top venues cost more, and afternoon tea packages were usually the most affordable way to enter. Prices will change after the restoration, so treat any figure above as historical rather than current. Reservations were required for every restaurant and for the bars, and a smart dress code applied.

What Changes After the Restoration?

The restoration covers the interiors, suites, restaurants, spa, pool and outdoor areas, and the hotel is expected to keep its signature sail design while updating interiors. Restaurant concepts, menus, ticketed access and prices for non-guests have not been confirmed as of this update, so avoid prepaying for packages that promise visits before the reopening date.

Good Alternatives While It Is Closed

• Nearby Jumeirah properties: Madinat Jumeirah and its hotels sit next door, and Jumeirah’s newest Dubai opening, Marsa Al Arab, is located by the Burj Al Arab. Check each property’s dining and day-access policy.
• Another view from above: Burj Khalifa offers an observation deck with long coastal views, including the Jumeirah shoreline.
• Other luxury hotels: see our guides to luxury hotels in Dubai and Waldorf Astoria hotels in Dubai, noting that several iconic properties are also under renovation in 2026.

Plans by Available Time

If you have an hour

Go to a public Jumeirah beach near sunset for the skyline view of the sail.

If you have half a day

Combine a Jumeirah beach walk, a coffee or dinner at Souk Madinat Jumeirah and an evening stroll along the canal.

If you have a full day

Add a mall stop and a beach session; see tourist attractions in Dubai for more ideas.

Check Current Conditions

Regional events in 2026 disrupted air travel in the Gulf, and several Dubai hotels are closed for renovation. Check your government’s travel advice and the summary in our Dubai city guide, and confirm hotel and restaurant availability before you book.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Burj Al Arab open?

No. It closed in April 2026 for an approximately 18-month restoration, with reopening expected around October 2027.

Can non-guests visit the hotel?

Not currently. Before the closure, non-guests could enter only with a restaurant or bar reservation.

Where can I see Burj Al Arab from?

From public beaches along Jumeirah, from the Souk Madinat Jumeirah area and from boats.

How much did it cost to eat there?

Historically several hundred dirhams per person at the main restaurants, with afternoon tea as the usual entry point; current prices are not available during the closure.

What is the best area to stay for the view?

Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim. If you want city sights instead, Downtown is the usual base; see our Dubai Marina guide for another option.

Will the building look the same after the restoration?

The operator has said the hotel’s distinctive design will be retained while the interiors are redesigned.