Dubai’s low-paid workers on edge as Mideast war hits tourism

For thousands of workers in Dubai’s tourism sector, the Middle East war has brought business to a standstill — leaving their income suddenly at risk.

At the famous Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), normally heaving with visitors, rows of sun loungers now face an almost empty sea.

Restaurant terraces sit deserted, while souvenir, watersports and perfume vendors watch for the rare passerby.

Across the water, Ain Dubai — the world’s tallest Ferris wheel — has stopped turning, and the Madame Tussauds wax museum below is drawing few visitors despite hefty discounts.

“Yesterday: zero. Today: zero. Not a single customer,” says Dulash, 26, a Sri Lankan worker at a jet-ski rental company.

“I’ve never seen Dubai like this.”

With its artificial islands and soaring skyscrapers, the UAE’s second city has become a major Middle Eastern tourism hub, welcoming nearly 19.6 million visitors last year.

But in the middle of peak season, before the summer heat sets in, the barrage of Iranian missiles and drones since February 28 has sent tourists fleeing.

Starved of income, the industry is hoping for a quick end to the war, triggered by US-Israeli strikes on Iran.

But many workers, speaking to AFP on condition of anonymity, say they were already struggling.

Paid 4,500 dirhams ($1,225) a month, Dulash did not receive his salary on time.

“I borrowed 1,000 dirhams from a friend, paid my 800-dirham rent, and now I have 200 dirhams left to live on,” he says. He had no idea when his employer would catch up.

“Even going back home isn’t an option,” he adds. Airfares had tripled because of reduced flight traffic. “We have no choice but to wait and hope.”