360˚at Jumeirah Beach Hotel to permanently close

The stalwart of Dubai's nightlife scene will close for good as the rest of the hotel closes temporarily for refurbishments

Dubai stalwart 360 is set to close. Courtesy: Audio Tonic.

As the rest of the hotel closes with the promise to reopen better than ever, one of Jumeirah Beach Hotel's outlet's won't be opening its doors again.

Jumeirah Restaurant Group has announced 360˚ — its hugely popular nightlife venue and rooftop bar — will close permanently on Saturday, May 12.

The closure would coincide with the refurbishment of the hotel over the summer, as the Dubai icon shuts its doors for five months to upgrade its facilities.

It's scheduled to reopen in October 2018, after work has been completed on all guest bedrooms, public spaces, lobby, retail areas, beach and outdoor facilities, restaurants and dining outlets.

No reason has yet been given for the closure of 360˚, which first opened in 2005. That's no mean feat in a city where competition in the hospitality industry is stiff, making it among one of Dubai's longest-serving venues.

It's long been iconic for its acts and late-night events, and also for its sweeping views of the Arabian Gulf with the Burj Al Arab featuring prominently in the background.

The venue had undergone an overhaul, changing both music policy and management as well as a large section of staff, only a couple of years ago.

360˚'s final hurrah will, fittingly, come in the form of at least one big farewell party, with details to be announced on their Instagram page in the coming weeks.

It's understood it will be replaced with another outlet after the hotel's refurbishment.

Jumeirah Restaurant Group general manager Emma Banks thanked the brand's guests for supporting the venue for the past 13 years, saying "the sun is setting on 360˚ in its current form".

"I would also like to thank our entertainment partners: the DJs and artists of both local and international acclaim who, with the 360˚ brand, changed the shape of the Dubai nightlife scene for over a decade," she said.

"360˚ has a special place in the hearts of most Dubai residents and tourists alike and we look forward to giving this iconic venue a fitting send off in the coming weeks."

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Jumeirah Beach Hotel will reopen in early October, in time for its 21st anniversary celebrations in December.

Wild Wadi will not be affected by the hotel's temporary closure, having already been closed in January for a month for its annual deep clean. Other facilities that will remain open are Talise gym and cafe, certain parts of the beach, the Kids Club for Talise members and La Veranda restaurant for lunch.