Is Dubai’s glossy image under threat? Not everyone thinks so
Is Dubai’s glossy image under threat? Not everyone thinks so
During a recent birthday celebration on Palm Jumeirah, a British expat named Stephanie Baker found herself in an unexpected situation. As her group exited a bar to head to another nearby spot, a streak of light cut through the night sky. Moments later, debris from a drone landed near the Fairmont hotel, just across the street from where Baker and her friends were standing. “We all were scared,” she recalls. “To see something like that was unexpected.”
Baker, who relocated to the city a year ago, had always considered Dubai one of the safest places in the Middle East. However, the recent wave of missile and drone attacks tied to the Iran conflict has challenged that perception. Despite the threat, she remains committed to her home. “If anything, the way the situation has been managed makes me feel more secure,” she says.
Dubai’s population is a mix of millions of expatriates, including 240,000 Britons, and a smaller Emirati majority that constitutes only 10% of residents. For decades, the city has projected an image of stability and security, bolstered by its skyline of glass skyscrapers, tax-free wages, and a reputation for personal safety. This appeal has transformed it into a major business and tourism destination, drawing people from around the world in pursuit of a better life.
While much of the region has faced upheaval, Dubai has largely stayed out of the crossfire. That is changing. Since the conflict began, UAE air defenses have intercepted 285 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1,567 drones. Officials report that over 90% of these were successfully destroyed. Yet, some debris has fallen in residential zones and near the city’s airport, sparking concern. Videos of fragments hitting a high-end apartment building, a luxury hotel, and the airport have circulated online, highlighting the growing risks.
Residents’ Mixed Reactions
The BBC has spoken to over 20 residents, from long-term expats to newcomers. While many express shock at the recent events, nearly all insist they have no intention of leaving. “This is the first time we’ve seen something like this,” says Eti Bhasin, an Indian expat managing her family’s business. “Dubai has grown into a massive city, but we trust the authorities. This is our home.”
“This is the first time we are seeing something like this,” says Eti Bhasin, an Indian expat working in her family business. “Dubai has grown phenomenally into a massive city. But we have faith in the authorities. This is my home. We stand by it.”
For others, the past two weeks have been unsettling. Adam Callow, who moved from the UK in 2024, recalls how his family initially huddled together in one room due to the constant sounds of explosions. “The children were too afraid to sleep by the windows,” he says. “The authorities are doing enough to keep us safe, but we’re still worried about whether this is the new normal.”
Dubai’s rise from a small Gulf trading port to a global metropolis has relied heavily on its connectivity. Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest for international passengers, served nearly 90 million travelers last year. However, the conflict has disrupted this flow, with thousands of flights canceled. The city’s tourism infrastructure is now feeling the strain.
Recent days have seen some recovery, with Emirates resuming limited operations. Yet, the timing has been challenging—just before the summer heat intensifies. The knock-on effect is visible: cancellations of flights and hotel bookings are rising, with rooms in top-tier hotels offered at heavily discounted rates. “We’re seeing cancellations all the way until May,” notes Dr. Naim Maadad, an Australian expat and founder of Gates Hospitality. “When the first quarter starts poorly, the rest of the year becomes a race to catch up.”
