Dubai's Burj Al Arab hotel to close for 18-month renovation

Dubai's iconic Burj Al Arab hotel will close for an 18-month refurbishment, a staff member confirmed on Wednesday. This marks the luxury hotel's first major renovation since it opened in 1999. The closure comes amid a regional tourism slowdown attributed to the ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran. The hotel, known for its distinctive sail-shaped silhouette, is one of Dubai's most recognizable landmarks and a symbol of the emirate's luxury tourism industry.