Status update, October 2026
The Inside Burj Al Arab Tour is not running at the moment. The hotel is closed for a full restoration and is expected to reopen in late 2027. We are not selling tickets for this tour until the reopening date is confirmed. Message us on WhatsApp at +971 4 220 2133 and we will tell you as soon as bookings open again.
Many of our customers still ask us how to see inside Burj Al Arab. The short answer for now: the interior is closed to visitors while the hotel goes through its first major restoration since it opened in December 1999. Below we explain what is happening, what the interior is like, and the experiences we can book for you in Dubai today.
Is Burj Al Arab Open to Visitors in 2026?
No. Burj Al Arab Jumeirah has closed for an 18 month restoration led by the French interior architect Tristan Auer. The guided Inside Burj Al Arab Tour was suspended in 2026 and the hotel restaurants are closed during the works. You can still see and photograph the building from outside, for example from Jumeirah Public Beach, Umm Suqeim Beach and Madinat Jumeirah.
| Item | Status in October 2026 |
|---|---|
| Inside Burj Al Arab guided tour | Suspended |
| Hotel stays | Closed for restoration |
| Restaurants and afternoon tea | Closed during the works |
| Expected reopening | Late 2027 (date not confirmed) |
| Best free photo spots | Jumeirah Public Beach, Umm Suqeim Beach, Madinat Jumeirah |
What Was Inside the Burj Al Arab Tour?
Before the closure, the tour was a 90 minute guided visit with a butler style guide. Visitors walked through the atrium, saw a model of the Royal Suite and heard the story of how the hotel was built on its own island 280 metres off Jumeirah Beach. When the hotel reopens we expect a similar tour to return, and we will update this page with the new price and timings.
Burj Al Arab Interior: Atrium, Gold and the Royal Suite
The Burj Al Arab interior is famous for its atrium, which rises about 180 metres and is one of the tallest hotel atriums in the world. Walls and columns are finished with 24 carat gold leaf, Statuario marble and deep blue, red and gold colours inspired by Arabian palaces. The Royal Suite on the 25th floor has its own cinema, a rotating canopy bed and a private lift.
The building is 321 metres tall with 56 floors, all of them suites. Al Mahara, the seafood restaurant with a floor to ceiling aquarium, and Al Muntaha, the sky restaurant about 200 metres above the sea, are part of the restoration as well.
Burj Al Arab Facts at a Glance
| Architect | Tom Wright (Atkins) |
| Opened | December 1999 |
| Height | 321 metres, 56 floors |
| Rooms | All suites, including the Royal Suite |
| Location | Private island off Jumeirah Beach, linked by a curved bridge |
| Restoration | Interior architect Tristan Auer, reopening expected late 2027 |
Things to Do Instead While Burj Al Arab Is Closed
If Burj Al Arab was on your Dubai list, these are the luxury and indoor experiences our customers book most often right now. We can book all of them for you.
- Museum of the Future: one of the most photographed buildings in Dubai, close to Emirates Towers.
- The Lost Chambers Aquarium at Atlantis The Palm: an underwater world inside another famous Dubai hotel.
- Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark: a full day out on Palm Jumeirah.
- Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo at Dubai Mall.
- 3 Night Dubai City Tour Package with hotel: city sightseeing with your hotel included.
Book Dubai Tours with White Sky Travel
We are a Dubai travel agency based in Room 202, Royal Class Building, Dubai Investment Park 1. UAE residents booking for themselves, family or friends can pay with Tabby (up to 12 months), Tamara (extendable terms) or a UAE credit card on 3, 6, 9 or 12 month plans depending on the issuing bank. Other customers receive a secure online payment link.
Want to be first in line when the Inside Burj Al Arab Tour returns? Send us a WhatsApp at +971 4 220 2133 or +971 52 292 1011 and we will add you to our reopening list.
Overview
Burj Al Arab Overview
Architecture & Design
The Burj Al Arab stands on an artificial island that is 280 m (920 ft) from Jumeirah Beach and is connected to the mainland by a private curving bridge. The shape of the structure is designed to resemble the sail of a dhow. Designed by architect Tom Wright, construction of the uniquely shaped hotel began in 1994 and it was officially opened in December 1999.
Key Facts:
- Height: 321 meters (1,053 feet) – world’s tallest hotel
- World’s tallest atrium at 590 feet – high enough to accommodate the Statue of Liberty with space left over
- Features a helipad near the roof, at a height of 210 m (689 ft) above ground
- Labeled the world’s first “7-star” hotel for its unusual opulence
- Tallest all-suite hotel in the world
Location & Setting
- Built on its own artificial island off Jumeirah Beach
- Connected to mainland Dubai by a private curved bridge
- Iconic sail-shaped silhouette dominates Dubai’s skyline
- Global icon of Arabian luxury
Burj Al Arab Tour Overview
Tour Duration & Format
The standard tour is a 90-minute butler-guided experience that provides an exclusive glimpse into one of the world’s most talked-about luxury landmarks.
What’s Included
- Professional Guide: Private guide and butler service
- Interior Access: Hear the untold stories of Dubai’s most-famous hotel and uncover what makes the building an architectural innovation
- Key Areas: Explore its dazzling Royal Suite and more
- Historical Context: Discover the history and innovative design of this architectural marvel as a symbol of Emirati ambition
Tour Highlights
- Spectacular Atrium: The world’s tallest hotel atrium with breathtaking interior design
- Luxury Suites: Access to select accommodation areas showcasing opulent interiors
- Architecture Insights: Learn about the engineering marvels and design philosophy
- Cultural Elements: Experience authentic Arabian luxury and craftsmanship
- Photo Opportunities: Strike a pose with the iconic UAE landmark and its interiors
Pricing & Booking
- Starting from AED 249.00
- Various upgrade options available including dining experiences
- Upgrade options with beverages for enhanced luxury experience
Tour Experience
The Inside Burj Al Arab Tour is described as “a once-in-a-lifetime experience” that offers visitors exclusive access to areas normally reserved for hotel guests. The tour focuses on:
- Architectural Marvel: Understanding the innovative construction and design
- Luxury Standards: Experiencing the service excellence that defines 7-star hospitality
- Cultural Heritage: Learning about Arabian design influences and craftsmanship
- Engineering Achievement: Discovering how this iconic structure was built on water
Booking Information
Tours must be booked in advance due to limited daily capacity. The experience maintains exclusivity while providing educational and memorable insights into one of the world’s most famous hotels. Smart casual to formal dress code is required, reflecting the sophisticated atmosphere of this luxury landmark.
The tour represents an opportunity to step inside Dubai’s most iconic symbol and experience the luxury, craftsmanship, and innovation that have made the Burj Al Arab a global hospitality legend.
