Dubai's empty markets, restaurants reflect Iran war’s tourism toll

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Dubai’s empty markets, restaurants reflect Iran war’s tourism toll

March 17, 2026

DUBAI, — Dubai’s crowded streets, markets, restaurants and beaches are nearly empty this season as rising tensions tied to the Iran conflict hit travel across the Middle East.

Flights across the region have been disrupted, and Iranian drone and missile attacks on United Arab Emirates sites have raised concerns about safety in a country long known for tourism.

Areas that normally attract large crowds, including the Al Seef waterfront market along Dubai Creek and beaches near luxury hotels such as the Burj Al Arab, have seen far fewer visitors.

Restaurants, markets and beachfront promenades appear quiet, according to photographs from the Associated Press.

The decline follows joint airstrikes by the United States and Israel on Iran on February 28, 2026, according to reports.

Iran responded with waves of missile and drone strikes targeting locations across the Gulf, including airports, seaports, hotels, residential neighborhoods and oil facilities in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Some of the UAE’s iconic buildings have suffered damage.

These include Fairmont The Palm hotel in the Palm Jumeirah area and the Burj Al Arab hotel.

Empty Al Seef market Al Fahidi neighborhood Dubai Creek UAE tourists — An ice cream stand sits in empty Al Seef market, next to the historic Al Fahidi neighborhood along Dubai Creek, one of the main tourist areas of Dubai, United Arab Emirates UAE, March 13, 2026. Photo: AP

The images and reports underscore how Dubai’s tourism industry is feeling the ripple effects of the wider regional conflict.

The UAE temporarily closed its airspace early Tuesday while the military said it dealt with missile and drone threats from Iran, the state‑run WAM news agency reported.

Later, the General Civil Aviation Authority said restrictions were lifted after authorities determined the situation had stabilized, allowing flights to resume.

(With files from AP)