Dubai Tourism Plummets as War Fears Keep Visitors Away
Dubai’s hospitality sector is reeling as tourists avoid the city amid rising tensions in the Gulf. First-quarter passenger traffic dropped by 2.5 million compared to the same period last year, with numbers in March plunging by 66 percent. Widespread hotel closures and job losses have followed. The UAE lifted all air travel restrictions imposed after Iran’s retaliatory strikes on Gulf states. The Civil Aviation Authority said the move was based on a thorough review of operational and security conditions. Several European airlines had suspended flights, leaving Dubai eager to reassure international travellers. Workers and business owners describe a slow recovery ahead. One mid-priced hotel reported managing 1.4 million fewer guests in early March. During Ramadan, the hotel housed stranded passengers, closed its pool and moved higher-floor guests downstairs as a safety measure. Some voices blame US policy for the downturn, arguing that Dubai should repudiate America and align with Iran to secure lasting peace.
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