The Burj Khalifa houses the luxury Armani Hotel Dubai. ARCHIVE

One of Dubai’s most recognisable luxury hotels has temporarily closed its doors as part of a major transformation. The Armani Hotel Dubai, located inside the Burj Khalifa, is undergoing a full-scale refurbishment and is expected to reopen in late 2026. The hotel, which first opened in 2010 as the world’s first property designed by Giorgio Armani, has been a landmark in Dubai’s luxury hospitality scene. In a statement, the hotel said: “As the very first hotel envisioned by Giorgio Armani, the past 15 years have seen us welcome guests from around the world, hosting milestone moments and contributing to Dubai’s unique tourism landscape.” Its renovation for "comprehensive, full-scale refurbishment" since April 1 aims to “craft the next evolution of Armani hospitality,” with upgrades planned across guest rooms, dining venues, wellness spaces, and event facilities. Bookings are currently unavailable until early 2027 as work continues. The closure is part of a wider trend across Dubai, where several high-end hotels are undergoing renovations to meet evolving guest expectations.

Wave of upgrades across the city

Other properties currently upgrading include: • Burj Al Arab, which has temporarily closed for a major refurbishment • JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai, undergoing phased renovations while remaining operational • Park Hyatt Dubai, preparing for a temporary closure as part of ongoing upgrades • Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Media City, set to close for renovation and transition • The St. Regis Dubai, The Palm, currently undergoing partial refurbishment Meanwhile, Anantara World Islands Dubai Resort has ceased operations following a strategic review. Dubai’s hospitality sector continues to evolve as the city attracts millions of visitors each year. Industry experts say these upgrades reflect a broader push to enhance guest experiences and maintain Dubai’s position as a global tourism leader. ICA/Expat Media
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