When Bollywood icon Sridevi died at the Jumeirah Emirates Towers Hotel in Dubai in February 2018, the incident placed a global spotlight on a property already well-known as a fixture of the city’s financial district. This guide delivers verified facts about the hotel—its specifications, star rating, ownership, and how it compares to other luxury properties in the area—so readers searching for answers have a reliable, source-linked reference. Whether you arrived here through a question about Sridevi’s death, a review of Dubai business hotels, or a broader search for Jumeirah’s portfolio, every claim below traces back to an identifiable source.
Last checked: 2026-05-30
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Height: 309 m (1,014 ft) – 48th tallest building in the world · Rooms & Suites: 400 · Dining & Nightlife: Over 10 venues · Nearest Metro: Emirates Towers Metro Station
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-05-30.
Sources reviewed: official property website (Jumeirah.com), Emirates’ Dubai hotel listing, Business Traveller editorial review, Five Star Alliance luxury hotel database, KAYAK metasearch, Tripadvisor guest reviews, Expedia listings, Turning Left for Less travel blog, Travel with Pedro blog, news reports on the 2018 incident.
We did not conduct an on-site visit, interview hotel staff, or independently verify current pricing or room availability.
Jumeirah Emirates Towers at a Glance
- 305 m (1,000 ft) hotel tower
- 400 rooms and suites (Emirates)
- 13 dining and nightlife venues (Emirates)
- 5-star deluxe (Emirates)
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Height | 305 m (1,000 ft) hotel tower |
| Rooms & Suites | 400 (Emirates) |
| Dining & Nightlife | 13 venues (Emirates) |
| Nearest Metro | Emirates Towers Metro Station (KAYAK) |
| Star Rating | 5-star deluxe (Emirates) |
| Location | Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai financial hub (Emirates) |
Which Hotel Sridevi Died In: The Dubai Incident
Sridevi, one of India’s most celebrated actresses, died at the Jumeirah Emirates Towers Hotel on 24 February 2018. The Dubai-based property confirmed the incident through official statements at the time, and multiple international news outlets, including BBC and Al Jazeera, reported that she was staying in room 2201 when she died. The cause of death was ruled accidental drowning in a hotel bathtub, according to official police statements released in the UAE.
The incident details
Sridevi had traveled to Dubai for a family wedding and was accompanied by her husband, film producer Boney Kapoor, and other relatives. The incident occurred during what was meant to be a celebratory trip. Emergency services were called to the hotel after she was found unresponsive in her room.
Who discovered her
According to initial reports from Indian and international media, Sridevi was discovered by her husband. Emergency services were immediately summoned to the room. Dubai authorities conducted an investigation and released a statement confirming the cause of death as accidental drowning.
Important: The Sridevi incident is a verified historical event covered extensively by major news organisations. This article treats it as factual based on public record, not as editorial commentary on the hotel’s safety record.
Is Jumeirah a 7-Star Hotel? The Rating Explained
The short answer is no. Jumeirah Emirates Towers holds an official 5-star rating, as confirmed by the Emirates hotel listing and consistent with the UAE’s official hotel classification system. The notion of “7-star” hotels is a marketing construct rather than a formal rating that any accredited body awards.
Official star classification
Hotels in the UAE are classified by the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism). Jumeirah Emirates Towers is listed as a 5-star deluxe property, placing it in the top tier of official classifications. The Emirates platform, which functions as an official travel publisher, corroborates this rating alongside the property’s own brand communications.
The myth of 7-star hotels
The 7-star label originated from media coverage and marketing rather than any formal rating body. The Burj Al Arab, another Jumeirah property, is frequently described as a “7-star hotel” in popular culture, but this designation has never been formally applied by any tourism authority. The Jumeirah Emirates Towers carries no such unofficial title either.
What this means: When comparing hotels by star rating, Jumeirah Emirates Towers competes in the 5-star deluxe segment, alongside properties like the Park Hyatt Dubai, Four Seasons Resort Dubai, and Ritz-Carlton Dubai International Financial Centre.
What Is Jumeirah Emirates Towers Famous For?
Beyond the 2018 incident, Jumeirah Emirates Towers has earned its reputation as a landmark business hotel in one of the world’s most recognizable financial districts. Situated on Sheikh Zayed Road—the main arterial road running through central Dubai—the property anchors the Emirates Towers complex, which includes a 350-metre office tower alongside the 305-metre hotel tower connected by a central podium with a shopping boulevard.
Business and architecture
The Emirates Towers complex was conceived as a statement of Dubai’s ambition during the city’s rapid expansion in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Five Star Alliance notes that the complex consists of a 350-metre office tower and a 305-metre hotel tower joined by a central podium with a shopping boulevard. Business Traveller described the property as “Elegant, tasteful, and warm” and noted it exhibits “the very best of executive excellence.” The publication also observed that despite the 400-room inventory, the property never feels like a large hotel.
The hotel features a soaring atrium lobby described by Emirates as “one of Dubai’s favourite places to do business, or relax.” Eight meeting suites, a large ballroom, the Biz Hub co-working space, and outdoor venues support corporate events, according to the Emirates hotel listing.
Dining and nightlife
With 13 dining and nightlife venues according to Emirates’ listing, the property offers a breadth of culinary options that serve both in-house guests and external visitors. Jumeirah’s own marketing describes “sweeping views of the skyline, stylish living spaces, and exceptional dining.” The venues span multiple cuisines and formats, though specific restaurant names and concepts should be verified directly on the property’s current website.
Business travellers note: Travel with Pedro highlighted that the hotel offers free Wi-Fi throughout and a large, well-equipped working desk in each room—features specifically praised for business travel productivity.
Who Owns Jumeirah Emirates Towers Hotel?
Jumeirah Emirates Towers is owned and operated by Jumeirah Group, a hospitality company that operates a portfolio of luxury hotels and resorts across the Middle East and internationally. Jumeirah Group is a subsidiary of Dubai Holding, a government investment company. The hotel is part of a brand portfolio that includes the Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, and Madinat Jumeirah.
Current ownership structure
Dubai Holding, the sovereign wealth fund that manages diverse assets in the Emirate, oversees Jumeirah Group. This means the hotel carries a government-linked ownership structure, which is common among Dubai’s landmark properties. The arrangement places Jumeirah Emirates Towers alongside other state-affiliated luxury accommodations in the city.
Jumeirah Group history
Jumeirah Group was established to develop and manage hospitality properties that would position Dubai as a global luxury destination. The brand’s portfolio now extends beyond the UAE to locations including London, Frankfurt, and the Maldives. The Jumeirah Emirates Towers was one of the earliest flagship properties in the portfolio, opening in 2000.
Most Expensive Hotel in Dubai: How Does Jumeirah Emirates Towers Compare?
The Burj Al Arab is widely regarded as the most expensive and iconic luxury hotel in Dubai. Its sail-shaped silhouette on its own artificial island has become synonymous with ultra-luxury hospitality globally. Room rates at the Burj Al Arab typically exceed those at other Dubai luxury properties, making it the benchmark for premium pricing in the city.
Comparative table
| Hotel | Official Star Rating | Height | Notable For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jumeirah Emirates Towers | 5 stars | 305 m | Business district location, atrium lobby, 13 dining venues |
| Burj Al Arab | 5 stars | 321 m | Artificial island, all-suite concept, iconic silhouette |
Burj Al Arab as benchmark
The Burj Al Arab sets the price ceiling in Dubai luxury hospitality. Jumeirah Emirates Towers represents a more accessible entry point into the Jumeirah portfolio while maintaining a 5-star classification. KAYAK’s review summaries indicate guests value the Jumeirah Emirates Towers for its “excellent location, helpful and friendly service, and high cleanliness standards”—a positioning that emphasises practical luxury rather than theatrical extravagance.
What this means: For travellers prioritising business convenience, location on Sheikh Zayed Road, and access to Dubai’s financial hub without paying Burj Al Arab rates, Jumeirah Emirates Towers presents a compelling mid-range luxury option within the same brand family.
Jumeirah Emirates Towers: Full Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Official rating | 5-star deluxe |
| Total rooms and suites | 400 |
| Hotel tower height | 305 metres |
| Office tower height | 350 metres |
| Dining and nightlife venues | 13 |
| Meeting suites | 8 |
| Event spaces | Ballroom, Biz Hub, outdoor venues |
| Address area | Sheikh Zayed Road |
| District | Dubai financial hub |
| Distance to Dubai centre | 1.5 miles |
| Nearest Metro | Emirates Towers Metro Station |
| Check-in | After 3:00 PM |
| Check-out | Before 12:00 PM |
| Parking | Free parking available |
| Pools | Outdoor pool |
| Fitness | Fitness centre |
| Wi-Fi | Free throughout |
| Beach access | Access to sister Jumeirah beach property (self-pay transport) |
Pros and Cons: What Guests Say
Strengths reported by guests
- Location praised consistently across KAYAK, Tripadvisor, and Expedia reviews for proximity to Dubai’s financial district and business centres
- Staff described as helpful, attentive, and very friendly on Expedia and KAYAK
- Rooms characterised as clean, spacious, and well maintained with good daily housekeeping on Tripadvisor
- Breakfast spread described as quite good on Tripadvisor and excellent on Expedia
- Free Wi-Fi throughout noted by Travel with Pedro
- Large work desk highlighted for business travellers
- Vanity area with large mirror and reachable power point mentioned by Turning Left for Less
Limitations reported by guests
- Property is not on the beach—situated on Sheikh Zayed Road, making it a business-focused rather than leisure beach location, per Turning Left for Less
- Beach access requires transport to a sister Jumeirah property; this service is no longer complimentary, and guests must arrange and pay for their own transfer
- Some reviewers note that the property, while officially 5-star, positions itself more as executive/business accommodation than a resort-style luxury experience
Where Does Jumeirah Emirates Towers Sit on the Price Ladder?
Jumeirah Emirates Towers occupies the upper tier of Dubai’s 5-star hotel market. Specific rates vary by season, room category, and booking channel. KAYAK provides real-time pricing data, and the property appears on major OTAs including Booking.com, Expedia, and Hotels.com.
Compared to the Burj Al Arab, which sits at the apex of Dubai pricing, Jumeirah Emirates Towers represents a more moderate luxury rate while delivering 5-star service standards and the full Jumeirah brand experience. The value proposition is strongest for travellers whose priority is location within the financial district rather than beachfront positioning.
Location and Getting There
Jumeirah Emirates Towers sits on Sheikh Zayed Road (Route S101), the highway that forms Dubai’s main commercial spine. The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), Downtown Dubai, and the Dubai World Trade Centre are all within a short drive. KAYAK describes the property as 1.5 miles from the centre of Dubai, with DIFC identified as the closest landmark.
Metro access
The Emirates Towers Metro Station serves the red line of Dubai’s Metro system, providing direct rail access without requiring a taxi. The station is within walking distance of the hotel entrance, making it practical for travellers arriving from Dubai International Airport.
Airport
Dubai International Airport (DXB) is the primary gateway, located approximately 15-20 minutes by car from the hotel depending on traffic. Dubai World Central (DWC) serves as a secondary airport for some carriers.
Comparable Luxury Hotels in Dubai
For travellers weighing options in Dubai’s 5-star business hotel segment, several comparable properties merit consideration alongside Jumeirah Emirates Towers.
| Hotel | Rating | Location | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jumeirah Emirates Towers | 5 stars | Sheikh Zayed Road | Business travellers, financial district proximity |
| Burj Al Arab | 5 stars | Jumeirah Beach | Ultra-luxury, iconic experience, beach access |
| Ritz-Carlton Dubai DIFC | 5 stars | DIFC | Business travellers, art district, modern luxury |
| Four Seasons Resort Dubai | 5 stars | Jumeirah Beach | Beach resort experience, families, leisure |
| Park Hyatt Dubai | 5 stars | Dubai Creek | Heritage area, golf, quieter atmosphere |
Our Pick: Best Fit for Jumeirah Emirates Towers
Jumeirah Emirates Towers is the strongest choice for business travellers who prioritise location in Dubai’s financial district, efficient check-in and check-out logistics, reliable free Wi-Fi, and a workdesk-ready room environment. The property also suits luxury seekers who prefer the Jumeirah brand experience at a more accessible rate than the Burj Al Arab, and who do not require beachfront positioning.
The hotel is less suited for travellers seeking a beach resort experience or a full-service leisure property with on-site beach access. For those visitors, the Jumeirah Beach Hotel or Madinat Jumeirah complex would better serve.
Jumeirah Emirates Towers: Timeline of Key Moments
- 2000: Jumeirah Emirates Towers opens as one of Dubai’s early luxury towers, anchoring the Emirates Towers complex
- Pre-2018: Property establishes reputation as a premier business hotel on Sheikh Zayed Road, hosting international conferences and corporate guests
- February 24, 2018: Bollywood actress Sridevi dies at the hotel; international media covers the incident extensively
- Post-2018: Hotel continues normal operations; the incident remains one of the most-searched questions associated with the property
- Current: Property maintains 5-star classification, serves business and luxury travellers, and operates 13 dining venues
“Elegant, tasteful, and warm.”
— Business Traveller, travel publication
“the very best of executive excellence”
— Business Traveller, travel publication
Frequently Asked Questions
What is room 2201 at Jumeirah Emirates Towers?
Room 2201 was the specific accommodation where Bollywood actress Sridevi died on 24 February 2018. The room number was reported by multiple international news organisations covering the incident.
How many restaurants does Jumeirah Emirates Towers have?
The hotel has 13 dining and nightlife venues, according to Emirates’ official hotel listing.
What is the nearest metro station to the hotel?
Emirates Towers Metro Station on the red line is directly adjacent to the hotel, providing direct access to Dubai’s Metro network.
Can the public visit Jumeirah Emirates Towers?
The hotel lobby, atrium, and dining venues are accessible to non-residents. The property’s central location on Sheikh Zayed Road makes it a visible landmark, and the shopping boulevard in the podium is open to visitors.
Does Jumeirah Emirates Towers have beach access?
The hotel is not located on the beach. Guests receive access to a sister Jumeirah beach property, though transport to the beach is not complimentary and must be arranged and paid for by guests.
Did Sridevi drown in the bathtub?
According to official police statements from Dubai authorities, Sridevi died from accidental drowning in a hotel bathtub. The incident occurred at the Jumeirah Emirates Towers Hotel on 24 February 2018.
Is Jumeirah Emirates Towers part of the Jumeirah Group?
Yes. Jumeirah Emirates Towers is owned and operated by Jumeirah Group, a subsidiary of Dubai Holding.