Crisis in Dubai – ‘losing £500m a day’ as tourists abandon city | World | News

Dubai’s huge tourism industry has been rocked by the Iran war, with holidaymakers deterring visits to the often ostentatious destination famous for its upscale image. Dubai is estimated to be losing up to £450 million a day due to a dramatic drop in visitor numbers, according to reports.

The resort of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was among cities across the Gulf that were targeted by Tehran’s retaliatory strikes after the United States and Israel began attacking Iran in late February. Dubai was hoping to welcome a record 20 million visitors in 2026. Incoming flights to the International Airport, the world’s busiest, have also dropped significantly amid ongoing tensions.

Dubai is famous for its five-star hotels, luxury restaurants and swanky beach clubs.

More and more hotels are reportedly closing in the city as the disruption and decline in visitor numbers continues.

It is claimed that foreign visitors are now rarely seen in Dubai’s most popular tourist areas such as the Marina and Palm Jumeirah.

according to Daily MailLast week, seven of Dubai’s five-star hotels announced they were closing their doors completely.

Thousands more accommodation staff are planned to either be laid off or put on indefinite “unpaid leave”.

Some hotels announced that they were temporarily closed due to renovation works.

A rooftop bartender has revealed how Dubai’s usually thriving tourism industry has dried up.

They told the Mail: “It’s very quiet, we have no tourists left.

“Currently the only people staying here are UAE residents who come to use the pool or have brunch here on the weekend.”

Attractions such as Wild Wadi Water Park, Dubai Parks and Resorts and SkyDive Dubai have reportedly closed their doors, while some beach clubs have started offering free entry to let paying customers in.

Dubai’s typically bustling Old City was also affected, with lanes described in reports as largely empty.

Reports indicate that restaurants have also been hit due to the decline in tourist numbers.

1.3 million British tourists visited Dubai last year, making it the most popular destination in the Middle East for Brits.

The fragile ceasefire between the USA, Israel and Iran continues.

Iran on Sunday said it was reviewing its response to the latest US offer to end the war.