Ahead of the long-awaited rollout of a passenger service across the Emirates this year, Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE’s national railway network, has launched a nationwide safety campaign covering all seven Emirates.

Called “Safety is Care”, the campaign aims to raise awareness of safe behaviour near tracks, crossings and stations, and to introduce residents to rail travel etiquette, which is still relatively new to the UAE. The campaign will be delivered via broadcasts, digital platforms, outdoor advertising and community engagement initiatives in order to reach audiences nationwide.

Rather than relying solely on warnings and regulations, the initiative draws heavily on behavioural science and long-term cultural engagement. According to Etihad Rail, many rail-related incidents worldwide are caused by distraction, routine behaviour and a lack of awareness around tracks.

The campaign is accompanied by realistic visuals and everyday scenarios designed to be relatable rather than alarming. Schools, local communities and public institutions are also involved in the outreach effort.

“As we prepare to introduce passenger services across the UAE, it is essential that we build awareness and understanding of how to engage safely with the railway”, said Adhraa Almansoori, director of public policy and sustainability at Etihad Rail.

“This campaign is about building a culture of care and shared responsibility, ensuring that our communities, our passengers, and our employees all play a role in maintaining the highest safety standards.”

Throughout the year, passenger services will be introduced gradually in a carefully planned, phased approach designed to prioritise safety, reliability and comfort from the outset.

Once operational, the network will connect 11 cities across the UAE, including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Fujairah. Stations will be integrated with metro systems, buses, and taxis, and estimated journey times will include 57 minutes between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and one hour and 45 minutes between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah.

The broader ambitions are significant. It is projected that the network will carry 36.5 million passengers per year by 2030, cutting 8.2 million tonnes of CO₂ annually and offering a low-emission alternative to domestic flights and car travel across the Gulf.

Behind the scenes, the scale of the project remains enormous. The 900-kilometre network includes hundreds of bridges and crossings, as well as tunnels carved through mountainous terrain. Freight operations have been running on parts of the network since 2023.

Passengers can look forward to unforgettable views: endless desert plains, open skies, salt flats, industrial landscapes en route to Ruwais, and mountain scenery on the Oman stretch. This will reveal parts of the country that many residents and visitors rarely encounter from the air or on the ground.

The trains will feature first, business and economy classes, and will embody a distinctly Emirati identity. Plans are already in place for future high-speed trains between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, which could reach speeds of 350 km/h.

An even more luxurious option is also being developed in partnership with the Italian company Arsenale. This is intended to recreate the golden age of rail travel on Arabian sands and has been dubbed a luxury “rail cruise”.

For now, however, the focus is on the inaugural journeys. The safety campaign is the final step before the doors open.

L’article Etihad Rail passenger services set to launch in UAE as nationwide safety campaign begins est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The women-only beach operates with strict access rules aimed at ensuring privacy and comfort for visitors. Entry is limited to women and young children, while boys under the age of six are permitted when accompanied by a parent. Men are not allowed at any time, and the site is fully enclosed with fencing to limit external visibility. A strict no-photography policy is also enforced across the area. All staff, including lifeguards and security personnel, are female, reinforcing a controlled and private environment throughout the beach.

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Beyond its access policy, the destination has been developed as a multi-purpose coastal space offering a wide range of leisure and sports facilities. Visitors can use extended walking, running, and cycling tracks that connect different parts of the coastline. Sports infrastructure includes padel courts, volleyball areas, and outdoor gym equipment available for public use. A floating walkway links the Corniche with the lagoon, creating an additional route along the waterfront. The area also includes children’s play zones and multiple food and beverage outlets, supporting longer visits and family-friendly use.

Safety and infrastructure have been integrated into the design to support both daytime and nighttime use. Lifeguard towers are positioned along swimming areas, supported by emergency call points placed throughout the beach. Lighting systems enable extended evening access and nighttime use, while smart monitoring technologies are also used to support security without reducing the open beach experience. These elements are designed to balance accessibility with structured safety management.

The project forms part of a wider coastal investment programme valued at approximately AED 3 billion (around €760 million), aligned with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. The plan focuses on increasing green and blue public spaces and improving the quality of life across Dubai. The development also reflects broader urban priorities associated with Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, with an emphasis on liveability and tourism growth. Once fully completed, the wider Al Mamzar Beaches project is expected to increase annual visitor capacity along the coastline.

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The introduction of a women-only beach also connects to a wider pattern of women-focused public services across the emirate. One example is the “pink taxi” service in Dubai, where vehicles are driven by women and primarily serve female passengers and families. These taxis are designed to provide a more comfortable transport option for women while also creating employment opportunities in the transport sector.

Another example can be found in the Dubai Metro system, which includes designated women-and-children carriages. These sections are intended to improve comfort during busy travel times and are mainly used as an optional space rather than a strict separation. Similar women-focused transport arrangements exist in other countries, including women-only train carriages in Japan and India, as well as dedicated sections in metro systems in cities such as Mexico City and São Paulo.

The women-only beach in the United Arab Emirates, therefore, sits within a broader framework of gender-specific public services that already exist in transport and urban infrastructure. Rather than being an isolated concept, it forms part of a wider model that combines privacy, accessibility, and specialised public services within urban life.

L’article Dubai opens world’s first continuous women-only beach at Khor Al Mamzar est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The State-owned group reported pre-tax profits of US$6.6 billion ($11.1b), revenue of US$ 41.0 billion, and cash assets of US$16.2 billion, all record figures. The airline remains the world’s most profitable despite what the company described as a “disruptive and challenging” end to the financial year.

Since the Israeli-US attacks on Iran, and Iran’s retaliatory strikes on Gulf neighbours, the United Arab Emirates has suffered 2,800 drone and missile attacks, the Group report noted, describing “military activity” that “massively disrupted global commercial air traffic in the Gulf region.”

For the second year in a row, Emirates is the world’s most profitable airline in the 2025-26 reporting period.

The airline has reported record-breaking financial results, despite a disruptive and challenging 12th month of its financial year, including:

Record profit before… pic.twitter.com/H8I62qwMYF

— Emirates (@emirates) May 7, 2026

Operations at Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest hub for international passengers for the last 12 consecutive years, have been severely compromised during the crisis, with airspace closed and planes grounded. Dubai Airports has reported a 66% drop in March passenger traffic year-on-year, and quarterly traffic plummeted 21%.

Nonetheless, Emirates managed to get back to handling up to 58% of its former seat capacity by the end of March 2026. Overall, the airline’s passenger numbers fell by 1% to 53.2 million over the fiscal year. Its most recent data indicates it is now fulfilling 96% of its global network and operating at 75% of its former capacity.

“Although we are still operating at a lower passenger capacity than pre-disruption, cargo operations have ramped up to support the movement of essential goods into and through the UAE,” chairman and chief executive Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum said. In addition, he highlighted that those difficulties were in part offset by a “first 11 months of 2025-26” during which “the picture across the group was very positive.”

That meant the group was able to pay out a dividend of US$1b to the Investment Corporation of Dubai. Looking ahead amid ongoing concerns about jet fuel shortages and high prices, Al Maktoum said Emirates fuel costs were “well-hedged” for the next three years, thanks to work the Group has done with suppliers “to secure the volumes required to support our current operations and our scaling-up to pre-disruption levels.”

Still, the regional instability has created the biggest crisis for Emirates and other airlines since COVID-19. While Europe’s biggest airline, Ryanair, also says its fuel hedging strategy is intact, carriers from Lufthansa to AirAsia have had to cancel flights and reroute their operations. AirAsia’s co-founder, Tony Fernandes, has described the situation as worse for the aviation sector than the pandemic.

Meanwhile, the EU Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism has insisted that airlines cancelling flights due to the crisis must continue to honour established passenger rights.

L’article Emirates remains world’s most profitable airline despite Middle East crisis est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

This escalation has pushed the regional aviation industry, which is already struggling after 40 days of conflict, to the brink once again. Even if a general peace were to be achieved tomorrow, analysts suggest that the impact on global flight networks would be felt for at least a year. Yesterday’s attacks prompted the UAE to issue Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs), enforcing a partial airspace closure that left thousands of passengers across the region with a sense of grim déjà vu.

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According to the latest NOTAMs, traffic into, out of and over the Emirates FIR will only be permitted via specified routes and waypoints, and flow-control measures arex expected. The notices also activate ESCAT procedures across defined areas of UAE airspace and warn pilots of GNSS interference, including possible spoofing and jamming. 

These measures mean that, while flights are still moving, airlines are operating in a highly constrained environment characterised by rerouting, reduced airspace capacity, and the constant threat of technical interference. The restrictions are estimated to be in place from 4 May to 11 May.

NOTAM issued over large parts of UAE pic.twitter.com/01Fy9BU2yO

— Faytuks Network (@FaytuksNetwork) May 4, 2026

This contrasts starkly with the recent optimistic tone of Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths. On Saturday, he described the past few weeks as “extraordinary” for any major airport hub and noted that the collective response had improved the airport’s ability to adapt quickly. He added that this readiness would help to accommodate the return of demand and reinforce DXB’s role as a global leader, despite “regional routing constraints”.

However, while the contrast may be stark, Griffiths’ confidence in the airport’s resilience appears to have been partly confirmed today. Despite Monday’s strikes, data from Flightradar24 shows that Dubai International Airport (DXB) has quickly resumed operations. Just 24 hours after the strikes, flights were taking off and landing with only minor delays – an impressive demonstration of the airport’s sophisticated rapid-recovery protocols.

Multiple flights bound for the UAE diverting to Muscat amid reported attacks on the region. https://t.co/vfONGBTF26 pic.twitter.com/LMMSnzNzjh

— Flightradar24 (@flightradar24) May 4, 2026

The stability remains incredibly fragile. The shock of March, when traffic plummeted by 66% to just 2.5 million passengers, is still fresh in the minds of investors and operators alike.

Before the conflict erupted in late February, Dubai airports had projected close to 100 million passengers for 2026, which would have reinforced its position as the busiest international airport. This target now seems out of reach, but officials remain optimistic about a recovery in the second half of the year.

The disruption is not limited to the UAE. In Israel, Ben Gurion Airport is bracing itself for renewed airspace closures. According to Israeli media reports, the Israeli Ministry of Transportation and the Airport Authority have conducted emergency situational assessments in recent hours.

Amid concerns of further escalation, the airport, which had only recently begun welcoming back foreign carriers after months of disruption, has raised its level of preparedness. It is understood that the authorities are reviewing contingency procedures, including measures to manage aircraft on the ground in the event of a rapid deterioration in security.

For the global traveller, the message is clear: the “return to normal” in the Middle East is currently a moving target as the persistent threat of ballistic activity means the world’s most strategic aviation corridors remain on a knife edge.

L’article Dubai aviation rebound under pressure as regional escalation disrupts airspace est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

In March, Dubai’s flagship airport saw passenger traffic collapse by two-thirds as regional conflict caused severe airspace closures, with the international hub suffering direct hits from Iranian drones.

Statistics released on Monday by Dubai Airports show that traffic at Dubai International Airport (DXB) fell by 66% year-on-year. The airport handled just 2.5 million travellers in March, a staggering drop for a hub that normally sees 7 million passengers monthly. The sharp decline follows weeks of airspace closures, flight cancellations, and direct disruption linked to the conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel.

As the world’s busiest hub for international travellers, DXB serves as the central artery for global long-haul aviation. Any disruption here is felt across the entire network.DXB welcomed 95.2 million passengers in 2025 and had been targeting close to 100 million this year.

DXB welcomes 18.6 million guests in the first quarter of 2026. pic.twitter.com/SPCxxwFrkJ

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) May 4, 2026

Over the first quarter of 2026, passenger numbers fell by 21% to 18.6 million, down from 23.4 million during the same period last year.

Dubai’s media attributed the collapse to a “period of regional disruption that significantly constrained airspace capacity and flight schedules”.

From late February to early April, the conflict caused widespread chaos in the aviation industry across the Middle East, leaving tens of thousands of travellers stranded in the region when the Islamic Republic responded to joint US-Israeli attacks by launching ballistic missiles and drones at nine countries in the region.

The Iranian strikes targeted US military installations, as well as civilian infrastructure including petrol tanks and data centres.

“The extraordinary events of the past few weeks are unprecedented for any major airport hub,” said Paul Griffiths, chief executive of Dubai Airports, which manages DXB and Al Maktoum International Airport.

In a more positive LinkedIn post on Sunday, Griffiths stated that “demand for travel through Dubai remains strong, and DXB is well-positioned to progressively increase capacity”. However, these comments were made before the renewed attacks on the emirate yesterday, which have triggered a fresh wave of delays and diversions.

Flights bound for Dubai and Sharjah have been held, diverted or rerouted, in a situation that aviation observers have described as reminiscent of the disruption in early March. Aviation tracker Flightradar24 indicated that multiple aircraft were forced to alter their routes as tensions escalated once more, threatening the broader aviation system. Dubai’s success as a global hub hinges on its strategic geographical position.

Although Dubai Airports emphasised that it handled over six million passengers, more than 32,000 aircraft movements, and over 213,000 tonnes of cargo during the peak disruption period, these figures reflect a system operating well below capacity.

Any renewed escalation risks prolonging the downturn and delaying a full recovery. For now, the March figures offer a stark reminder that even the world’s most resilient aviation hubs are not immune to geopolitical shock. For now, the March figures offer a stark reminder: even the world’s most resilient aviation hubs are not immune to geopolitical shock.

L’article Dubai Airport traffic falls 66% as airspace disruptions hit recovery est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The project has been entrusted to the acclaimed French interior architect Tristan Auer, who is known for his work on famous Parisian establishments such as the Hôtel de Crillon and Les Bains Douches, as well as the Carlton Cannes. Named Designer of the Year in 2017 by Maison & Objet, Auer has already spent two years on-site redesigning the hotel’s spa.

The refurbishment comes after the hotel suffered minor damage when debris from an intercepted Iranian drone caused “a limited fire on the outer façade”, according to the Dubai Media Office.

Speaking to Condé Nast Traveler, Auer compared the restoration to a science, describing it as “as difficult as preserving a work of art”.

He emphasised the importance of observing how guests experience the space before intervening: “As one of the most recognised hotels in the world, it is vital as a designer to be respectful.”

For Thomas B. Meier, CEO of Jumeirah, the building is “far more than an architectural landmark”. He describes it as “a symbol of ambition, craftsmanship and enduring excellence”. The renovation marks a new chapter intended to preserve the identity of the flagship within the group’s “limited-edition collection of iconic landmarks”.

Auer shares this focus on continuity. “Legacy is everything,” he said, adding that the work requires “stepping into the shoes” of the original vision in order to preserve the experience while extending it for the next 25 years.

Rising 321 metres above a man-made island 280 metres off Jumeirah Beach, the sail-shaped structure was one of the first buildings to define Dubai’s skyline and establish the city’s reputation as a futuristic destination. It helped put Dubai on the global luxury travel map.

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Often described as the world’s first “seven-star” hotel – an unofficial label coined by a journalist – the 198-suite property is a masterclass in gold and glamour, where opulence knows no bounds.

Its interior features around 1,790 square metres of 24-carat gold leaf, over 30 types of marble, and more than 86,000 Swarovski crystals. Each duplex suite comes with a dedicated butler, and a fleet of Rolls-Royce vehicles is available to guests on demand.

The hotel’s reputation is bolstered by its world-class culinary scene, which includes the Michelin-starred Al Muntaha and Ristorante L’Olivo at Al Mahara.

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Some of the hotel’s most memorable moments have taken place on its helipad, including a tennis match between Roger Federer and Andre Agassi, a Formula 1 stunt by David Coulthard and, more recently, a precision landing by pilot Luke Czepiela.

Auer intends to continue this tradition, saying, “I am doing haute decoration. For me, luxury is bespoke; everything will be of the highest quality”. He assures us that he will “push the opulence a little bit further”. “People dream about this hotel.”

The closure also comes as Dubai continues to expand its luxury offering. Plans announced for 2025 include the development of Naia Island, a new high-end destination near the Burj Al Arab featuring private villas, beachfront residences, and a Cheval Blanc-branded hotel.

L’article Burj Al Arab to close for 18-month restoration as Dubai prepares next luxury chapter est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

JUST IN: United Arab Emirates (UAE) bans Iranians from entering country pic.twitter.com/74a3wCQO4o

— Rapid Report (@RapidReport2025) March 31, 2026

The decision comes at a time of increasing tensions in the Middle East. Conflicts involving Iran, Israel, and the United States have raised security concerns across the region. Airlines have already been adjusting routes to avoid certain airspaces that are considered unsafe. This means flights are often longer and more complex to operate. The new restriction adds another layer of difficulty for both airlines and passengers. 

There are a few exceptions to the rule. Iranian nationals who hold a UAE Golden Visa, a long-term residence permit, are still allowed to enter or transit in some cases. However, the details are not fully clear and may change. Authorities have not said how long the restriction will remain in place. This lack of clear information makes it difficult for travellers and airlines to plan ahead. 

The situation is also linked to long-standing political issues in the region. Iran has had difficult relations with several Gulf countries for many years. These tensions are connected to political influence, security concerns, and regional conflicts. While the UAE has maintained economic ties with Iran in the past, recent developments show a shift toward stricter policies. This change affects not only travel but also business and personal connections. 

#BREAKING
All Iranians are banned from entering the UAE with any type of visa, profession or business. pic.twitter.com/azsGs7t8xa

— Tehran Times (@TehranTimes79) March 31, 2026

Other Gulf countries have not introduced the same type of ban so far. Countries such as Qatar and Oman are still allowing Iranian nationals to transit through their airports. This has made cities like Doha important alternatives for travellers who can no longer pass through Dubai. However, the situation remains uncertain and could change quickly depending on how tensions develop. Governments in the region continue to monitor the situation closely.

The aviation sector is already feeling the effects of these developments. Airlines are facing disruptions due to restricted airspace and changing regulations. Routes that once passed through certain areas must now be redirected, increasing flight times. This creates higher operational costs and can lead to delays. The loss of Dubai as a transit point for some passengers adds further pressure to airline networks.

The situation shows how global travel can be affected by political decisions. A single restriction can disrupt routes, increase costs, and create uncertainty for thousands of passengers. As tensions in the Middle East continue, the aviation industry is likely to face more challenges. Travellers are advised to check the latest information before planning their journeys.

L’article Iranian travellers blocked from UAE as regional tensions impact aviation est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The 33^rd edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026 is now scheduled to take place from 17 to 20 August 2026, at Dubai World Trade Centre. The original event planned at the same venue for 4 to 7 May 2026 has been pushed back to Q3 to take account of the ongoing security situation in the region since Israel and the United States attacked Iran in late February, and Iran began retaliations.

Arabian Travel Market (ATM), ATM Travel Tech, and IBTM @ ATM have been rescheduled to 17–20 August 2026 (originally 4–7 May) due to regional developments, ensuring a better experience for all.

Read the full announcement https://t.co/i9OCQh9IVg#ArabianTravelMarket #ATM2026 pic.twitter.com/IxQt0nZO3N

— ATM Dubai (@ATMDubai) March 18, 2026

Beset by missile and drone strikes and interceptions, airspace across the Middle East has been closed, and most major airports have limited operations, effectively shutting down a regional travel sector that was described just last year as “fuelled by enhanced regional connectivity and strengthened relationships with international markets.” Now it is estimated to be losing $600 million a day.

Now, six weeks ahead of the original industry event, which was anticipated to draw in more than 55,000 travel stakeholders from 166 countries, an oil crisis is looming amid the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, and with airlines still running only partial schedules, organisers RX have given two-fold reasoning for the postponement: safety and pragmatism.

Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, ATM, described the trade fair as “a vital platform for bringing the global travel and tourism community together in Dubai, enabling destinations, suppliers and industry leaders to connect, collaborate and shape the future of the sector.”

But she added: “The safety and well-being of our customers, partners and colleagues remains our highest priority, and the decision to reschedule ATM 2026 to August reflects our commitment to ensuring that everyone can participate at this important industry gathering. We look forward to welcoming the international travel community back to Dubai later this year.”

Spring 2025’s edition of ATM, also held in Dubai, recorded 16% growth in attendance over 2024’s event, and showcased over 2,800 exhibiting companies, with 19% from the Middle East and 81% from the rest of the world. RX figures show it generated $2.5 billion in deals.

The organisers have assured those expecting to attend in 2026 that they remain committed to supporting all participants. They have undertaken to work alongside all would-be exhibitors, partners, and stakeholders to smooth the change to the trade year calendar.

L’article Dubai’s Arabian Travel Market 2026 postponed to August est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

One TikTok creator, who splits her time between London and Dubai, posted a video showing how eerily empty and silent her flight was, saying that she had never experienced such a quiet service before.

@alishhba.s Never saw a dubai flight this empty literally trusted @Emirates with our lives rn!! #dubai #war #flights #trending #fyp ♬ House featuring John Cale – Charli xcx & John Cale

Similarly, a Qatar resident shared his experience of a Beijing – Doha flight. Although the plane had space for around 300 passengers, there were only about 20 travellers on board, including two in business class – a stark illustration of the sharp fall in demand for travel to the region.

Another passenger flying from Riga to Dubai described her flight as ‘weird’, saying she was surprised but relieved it had not been cancelled, as she had recently received a job offer in the United Arab Emirates.

The low passenger numbers on flights to the region are being driven by aviation disruptions, rising oil prices, and ongoing security concerns that have unsettled travel across the region since 28 February. The crisis escalated following a joint US – Israeli strike on Iran, which responded by targeting several countries, regional US air bases, and energy infrastructure. It also closed the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil shipping route.

@made_on_earth_by_humans

Here’s what one of the world’s busiest airports looks like right now… Hamad International in Doha, Qatar, totally empty.

♬ original sound – Made_on_Earth_by_Humans

This quickly affected aviation, forcing airlines to reroute flights and temporarily ground some services across the region. Although many flights have since resumed, the recovery remains uneven.

Several governments continue to advise against non-essential travel to parts of the Middle East, and passengers travelling between Europe and Asia are increasingly choosing routes that avoid the risk of sudden airspace closures or diversions.

Meanwhile, oil prices have surged in the wake of Iranian strikes on energy facilities in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. This is pushing up airline operating costs and ticket prices, further discouraging leisure travel to the region.

Together, these factors have sharply reduced demand for flights to Gulf hubs such as Dubai and Doha, leaving some aircraft operating with unusually low passenger numbers.

For now, many of those still travelling to the Emirates and Qatar appear to be expatriates returning home or travellers connecting to other destinations, such as Australia or countries in Asia. The ongoing conflict has also impacted tourism. The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) estimates that the disruption could cost the region up to €523 million.

Daily Gulf airline operations for 15 March. Emirates flights climbed again on Sunday and Etihad operated more than 100 flights for the first time since the war began. pic.twitter.com/4RQDelE1Uj

— Flightradar24 (@flightradar24) March 16, 2026

Additionally, many airlines have given passengers the option to postpone their travel, which has further reduced the number of passengers on some flights. Emirates, for instance, is enabling passengers who booked between 28 February and 31 March to reschedule their journeys until 30 April or request a full refund.

These measures, combined with security concerns and higher travel costs, have resulted in some flights to Gulf hubs having unusually low passenger numbers.

However, the passengers who do travel have highlighted an unexpected upside to the situation: with so few passengers on board, the crew had plenty of time to attend to travellers, providing ample food and service.

L’article Emirates and Qatar flights appear ‘eerily empty’ as conflict unsettles regional travel est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Iconic locations such as the Al Seef waterfront market along Dubai Creek and the shoreline near luxury hotels, including the iconic Burj Al Arab, have been significantly less busy since Iran began launching drones and missiles at the UAE.

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Flight scarcity, volatility, and steeply rising ticket prices have convinced many to cancel or postpone their plans, or to look elsewhere entirely. Footage of tourists being stranded in Dubai while strikes hit the airport and famous skyscrapers has not helped the emirate’s appeal, particularly with family travellers, who are waiting for calmer skies.

At the time of writing, flights to and from Dubai International Airport (DXB) are gradually resuming to selected destinations after a precautionary suspension following a drone strike near the airport, with passengers advised to check with their airlines for the latest flight updates. According to the aviation analytics company Cirium, more than 50,000 flights to and from the wider Middle East have been cancelled or diverted since the conflict began, creating a backlog that airlines are still working through.

Flights to and from DXB are gradually resuming to selected destinations, following the temporary suspension implemented as a precautionary measure.

Please check with your airlines for the latest updates regarding your flights.

— DXB (@DXB) March 16, 2026

The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) estimates that the broader Middle East conflict is costing the tourism sector approximately $600 million (€525 million) per day.

However, residents appear less alarmed than visitors. Stéphanie Baker, a British real estate consultant who moved to Dubai a year ago, told the BBC that, although her first sighting of a missile overhead was shocking, “the way the situation has been handled makes me feel more secure”.

The calculation is different for tourists. A Belgian traveller who used to visit Dubai at least once a year told Travel Tomorrow that she has “no plans to go there again”, citing safety concerns and soaring airfares as reasons. She added that she and her family are heading to Spain instead this year.

Most Western governments are discouraging all but essential travel to the region. The UK Foreign Office warns that Iran is targeting civilian infrastructure across the region. “Travel within or out of the UAE is at your own risk”, it added. The US State Department is urging travellers to reconsider their plans due to the threat of armed conflict and has ordered non-emergency government staff to leave. Similarly, France cautions that missile debris can fall in urban areas even when intercepted.

The FCDO now advises against all but essential travel to Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE.

If you are a British national in those countries, you should shelter in place and register your presence.

If you need consular assistance, you can call our teams 24/7. pic.twitter.com/4WFIr8JVyP

— Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (@FCDOGovUK) March 1, 2026

Dubai’s hospitality industry is already feeling the strain. Dr Naim Maadad, founder and CEO of Gates Hospitality, said cancellations are coming in “all the way until May”. “When the first quarter starts badly, the rest of the year becomes a race to catch up,” he added.

Since the war began, the UAE has been targeted with facing hundreds of ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and over 1,600 drones launched by Iran. Authorities report that, of these, over 90% have been intercepted, and most of the damage has been material. Nevertheless, six people have been killed and more than 140 injured.

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Despite the attacks, residents say daily life continues largely as normal, a message authorities reinforce through alerts and public appearances in malls and other busy spaces.

Christopher Davidson says the attacks may dent Dubai’s short-term appeal, but with its fundamentals – infrastructure, regulation, weather and geography – remaining unchanged, he predicts that “in the long term its appeal will remain intact”.

L’article Dubai tourism hit by Iran war as flights cancelled and travellers reconsider holidays est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.