‘Nobody’s visiting’ – Dubai tourism decimated after Iran attacks

Foreign worker says fear and economic decline are replacing the city’s usual vibrancy.

By World Israel News Staff

The city of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates — long a top global tourism destination that attracted expatriates and influencers with its no personal income tax policy — has suffered a dramatic blow to its tourism industry following the U.S.-Israel war with Iran.

During the most recent round of conflict, the UAE was the country most heavily targeted by Tehran, which bombarded the Gulf state with thousands of explosive drones and missiles.

While authorities have worked to reassure visitors that the country remains safe, a Daily Mail reporter based in Dubai described an eerie atmosphere across the city, with once-packed malls and restaurants now largely empty.

One Pakistani migrant worker, speaking anonymously, said the reality on the ground does not match the public relations campaign promoted by Dubai authorities, who insist that all is well in the emirate.

“No one wants to speak about it [the ongoing war]. Everyone is too terrified. We have been told not to talk about it,” the man told the Daily Mail.

“It’s the worst place in the world to be able to talk. We are terrified to send any messages [out of fear that the authorities] are watching everything we do,” he added.

The man said the Emirates are now facing an unprecedented economic crisis, as the war has severely disrupted the tourism industry on which the country heavily depends.

“The big problem now is not Iran but business. There are no tourists, and all businesses are really down,” he continued.

“But even if you ask a shopkeeper, he has to say business is good because they are worried about getting in trouble.”

His account was echoed by a Filipino travel agent, who said many Filipino nationals who had moved to Dubai for job opportunities are now returning home, reflecting concerns that conditions will not improve anytime soon.

“A lot of people have lost work in restaurants, hospitality and sales, with companies suddenly closing or reducing their staff,” the agent said.

“There are now around four Emirates flights a day heading back to the Philippines, and people are heading to the embassy to try and get on repatriation sites,” the agent added.

“They are taking around 100 people back on repatriation flights a day. Most people on the flights are going home to find work.”