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Dubai is not a destination, it's a business!

The sparkling city is empty now, but everyone swears by its comeback

Dubai UAE flags thankyou to rulers_1600_16-9_c S. Douag

Dubai shops must be running out of UAE flags. Everywhere positive messages from the authorities to the local community and gratitude messages back from every single company in Dubai thanking the rulers of both Dubai and Abu Dhabi. / © S. Douag

1.5.2026

Two months ago, hotel executives in Dubai were talking about a golden era. New Year's Eve occupancy reached 94%. RevPAR crossed €500 for the first time. Then February 28 happened. Within 72 hours, lobbies emptied, Dubai International Airport shut down, restaurants went dark. One of the most confident hospitality markets on Earth entered survival mode. Sarah Douag visited Dubai last week.

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Autor

Sarah Douag

worked for a travel agency before she started writing for French media. From Cannes and Paris, she moved to lively Amsterdam, where she analyzes international hospitality trends and their backgrounds with razor-sharp precision.