Dubai’s 2027 calendar is already taking shape with the return of major landmarks, international events, and long-awaited venues. Two of the city’s best-known hotels are preparing to emerge from major renovations, the Dubai International Film Festival is coming back after a decade-long break, and significant developments are progressing at Palm Jebel Ali and Al Maktoum International Airport.
Some projects already have confirmed dates, while others are still scheduled simply for 2027. Where an exact launch date has not been officially announced, it has not been guessed.
Burj Al Arab is set to reopen
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One of Dubai’s most recognisable landmarks is undergoing an extensive restoration after more than 25 years of continuous operation.
Jumeirah announced an approximately 18-month restoration programme for Burj Al Arab, with interior architect Tristan Auer leading the project. Rather than completely redesigning the hotel, the work is focused on preserving its distinctive identity while restoring and updating interiors and guest spaces.
The hotel is currently expected to welcome guests back in October 2027.
Where: Jumeirah Burj Al Arab | When: Expected October 2027 | Location: Jumeirah, Dubai
Dubai International Film Festival is making a comeback
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After a decade-long absence, the Dubai International Film Festival will officially return for its 15th edition.
The Dubai Media Council has confirmed that the revived festival will open on December 8, 2027, marking its first edition since 2017. The festival originally launched in 2004 and became an important regional platform connecting Arab filmmakers with international audiences and the wider film industry.
The returning edition is expected to carry forward that legacy while reflecting changes in global cinema, creative production and Dubai’s expanding media sector. Further programme details, screenings and participating filmmakers are expected closer to the event.
Where: Dubai | When: From December 8, 2027 | Edition: 15th Dubai International Film Festival
Dubai Airshow returns
Dubai Airshow will return to Dubai World Central in November, bringing aerospace, defence, space technology and aviation leaders back to the emirate.
The event’s current official schedule lists the 2027 Dubai Airshow from November 15 to 19 at the DWC Dubai Airshow Site.
The show is primarily an industry event rather than a conventional public festival, bringing together aircraft manufacturers, airlines, technology companies, government delegations and aviation professionals.
The previous edition featured major aircraft displays, commercial announcements, conferences and technology demonstrations, and further details about the 2027 programme will be announced closer to the event.
Where: Dubai Airshow Site | When: November 15–19, 2027 | Location: Dubai World Central
Armani Hotel Dubai gets a new look
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The world’s first Armani hotel is preparing for a major comeback inside Burj Khalifa.
Armani Hotel Dubai is undergoing an extensive transformation covering its rooms and suites, restaurants, spa and fitness facilities, event spaces, swimming pool and outdoor areas.
The reopening will happen in stages. The renovated ballroom and event spaces are expected to return in January 2027, followed by the hotel’s full reopening in March 2027.
The project is intended to refresh the property while maintaining the minimalist design language associated with Giorgio Armani.
Where: Armani Hotel Dubai | When: Full reopening planned for March 2027 | Location: Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai
Barasti is getting its biggest makeover yet
Dubai institution Barasti Beach closed in June 2026 for a major redevelopment after more than three decades of operation.
The beachfront venue at Le Méridien Mina Seyahi is being reworked into a new destination with multiple zones, redesigned interiors and an expanded food and beverage offering, while retaining the relaxed character that made it one of Dubai’s long-running social and sports-viewing venues.
Barasti is confirmed to return in 2027, although a final public reopening date has not yet been officially announced.
Where: Barasti Beach | When: Reopening in 2027; exact date TBC | Location: Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Waterpark, Dubai
Palm Jebel Ali is getting its first retail destination
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Palm Jebel Ali will reach another milestone in 2027 with the opening of The Yard, its first dedicated retail and lifestyle destination.
Dubai Retail has confirmed that the waterfront development will cover approximately 70,000 square feet of gross leasable area and bring together 26 concepts spanning retail, restaurants, wellness, healthcare and family services.
Confirmed names already include Waitrose, American Hospital, Bateel Café, Friends Avenue, Piccoli and Jumeirah International Nursery.
Outdoor terraces, communal spaces and direct connections to the waterfront promenade will form part of the project, which is expected to serve both Palm Jebel Ali residents and surrounding communities.
Where: The Yard | When: Opening in 2027 | Location: Palm Jebel Ali, Dubai
Al Maktoum International Airport reaches another major milestone
Dubai’s enormous expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport, also known as Dubai World Central, will continue through 2027.
The airport is ultimately being developed to handle more than 260 million passengers annually, with five parallel runways, two passenger terminals, seven concourses and more than 430 aircraft stands planned in its final configuration.
One of the most important nearer-term milestones is expected in 2027, when Dubai Airports says DWC’s second runway is scheduled to open by the end of the year.
That does not mean the new mega-airport will be fully operational in 2027. The broader first major phase remains scheduled to come online in the early 2030s, with government project information currently pointing to operations beginning in 2032.
Where: Al Maktoum International Airport | Milestone: Second runway expected by the end of 2027 | Location: Dubai South
From landmark hotel reopenings and the revival of Dubai’s major film festival to aviation expansion and the continuing development of Palm Jebel Ali, 2027 is already set to be an important year for Dubai. More projects and confirmed dates will inevitably be added as the year gets closer, but these seven developments already have credible plans or official schedules behind them.