When the first Iranian missile hurtled into a luxury Dubai hotel back in February, the wealthy emirate’s reputation as a haven was shattered.
Instantly, it had lost the sheen painstakingly built over years as a top destination for sun-seeking tourists, including the more than a million Britons who visited last year. Dubai was seen as an oasis of stability in a turbulent region, with a more permissive Islamic society that hosted foreigners with pride and opened bars and beach clubs.
The United Arab Emirates endured a disproportionately high number of strikes after the US and Israel attacked Iran, which responded by hitting America’s Gulf allies. Its drones and missiles have shaken the sense of safety the Emiratis had carefully cultivated.
Shorts
Now, this city of glitz, luxury and sundowners is desperate to entice back foreigners. Hotels are offering major discounts and the domestic airline has offered free hotel stays for anyone who buys a return ticket.
