economy
March 11, 2026
‘The shine has been taken off’: Dubai faces existential threat as foreigners flee conflict
Tens of thousands of residents and tourists have left UAE since the US and Israel started bombing Iran two weeks ago, leaving beach bars, malls and hotels eerily empty
TL;DR
- The war between the US and Iran poses an existential threat to Dubai's economy and reputation.
- Tens of thousands of residents and tourists have fled Dubai due to fears of missile threats.
- The city's tourism and finance sectors, vital to its economy, have been severely impacted.
- Dubai's migrant worker population faces greater challenges, with limited options to leave.
- Authorities are attempting to maintain an image of calm, but economic consequences are significant.
- The conflict has led to financial losses, with Citibank and Standard Chartered evacuating employees.
- Animal shelters are overwhelmed as pets are abandoned by fleeing residents.
- Despite the situation, some residents maintain a sense of normalcy, while migrant workers face compounded difficulties.
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