Compare pictures of Dubai from 1985 and today and you will be flabbergasted. To say much has changed would be the understatement of the century. How did the happen? One word: Emirates. But with demand for air travel deeply depressed, Dubai is feeling the heat like never before. As Emirates and Dubai shrink together, so does the economic fortune of millions.
Mutual Woes: Emirates And Dubai Shrink Together
If you want to understand how important Emirates is to the economy of Dubai, 2020 presents a prefect case study. As the pandemic has devastated air travel and tourism, that has had enormous ripple effects throughout the entire economy of Dubai.
Emirates has shed tends of thousands of workers, most of them expatriates. These foreigners are not just leaving Emirates, but leaving Dubai. The result has been catastrophic for restaurants, bars, gyms, hotels, and private schools.
As Sir Tim Clark, Emirates’ President, told the Wall Street Journal:
“It is extremely difficult for the hospitality sector, the restaurateurs, the hoteliers, but they are not alone. The number of people coming into Dubai has significantly reduced. Everything has got to go into a deep freeze.”
Take Rock Bottom Cafe, a familiar hangout and watering hole to anyone associated with Emirates. Located just blocks from one of the compounds that houses Emirates employees, it used be packed well into the night, every night of the week. COVID-19 devastated business for months.
Across Dubai, hotel occupancy rates have gone from 95% to in some cases 10-15%.
Combine Emirates’s woes with COVID-19 restrictions and many businesses have permanently closed or face risk of imminent closure. To that latter point, even if a bar like Rock Bottom Cafe was able to attract a crowd, all patrons must remain six feet apart. That makes dancing difficult…
The government infused Emirates $2 billion this spring, the first time it has directly poured in money since Emirates was established in 1985.
It might not be enough.
CONCLUSION
Emirates is carrying 12% of the passengers it carried at this time last year. That’s about how much Dubai’s economy will contract this year. And COVID-19 cases are ticking up again. In fact, Dubai just set a new all-time record this week for the highest number of new daily cases (1,231). Even as Emirates has offered free travel insurance, few are biting and many cannot due to international border closures.
Dubai is a stark reminder of how important air travel is to the wider economy and what an essential bedrock Emirates is for Dubai.
image: Emirates
I find it very difficult to have any sympathy for Dubai given its record on LGBT rights, treatment of foreign laborers, and refusal to provide nationality to thousands of children born on its soil. Sure – it’s the most “liberal” place in the Arab world but that doesn’t say much, does it? Disgusting and over-the-top opulence and perhaps the least environmentally sustainable place on earth. It’s always funny to me that some other bloggers trip over themselves to heap praise on Emirates despite the fact they could be thrown in prison based solely on who they love.
Are you celebrating,the global economic melt down on account of this covid thing??.His is not a Dubai only problem.
Chiflyer to you and rediculous lies. You can go to any UAE and any province or town and as long mainly you are Married or are going to be plus. No Country is perfect and little tweeks needed. I would say that the UAE has strict Rules and likes people to adhere to their rules. As they have to do when Emirati’s travel to other Countries. Plus may I say UAE Rules have modernised nowadays and are quite flexy in spite of trials and tribulations. Nobody is perfect every Country sometimes makes mistakes. And every Country in the World right NOW are having big issues so Mr Chifly kharma is a bitch so to speak. Plus many families have been give Passports in the UAE when children are born. Plus Freedoms are given to many whom abide by Emirati Rules. I would say like any other Country in the World. A true Arab will do anything for you BUT DO NOT LIE OR CROSS THEM. LIKE ANYOTHER HUMAN BEING. BUT nobody is perfect in any other parts of the World. Plus you get some Arab Men and wives are happy. And some are not. It is up to Allah. Some can driff apart like in Europe at times. I think too much Freedom can lead you to forget what the Quran, Christianity, and the Torah writes and other faiths of Hindu and Sikhism, Buddhism etc. Life is not a Game or wealth gratification re Nice Car . Nice House. Nice cloths etc. Respect and loyalty is the key to real life and respect your faith as Allah/God Watching inshallah. Does what I wrote make sense it does to me get my point!!!
Masalaama x
Fatima May
Dear Fatimq,
I do agree no country is perfect.
U have to know its not country it’s the rulers of the country..
And why u r emphasising on one line only..
Truth is bitter.. that’s what u have to know.. didn’t mean to offend u..
Everybody is making the same mistake by giving up a on the real idea on the real religion and what it means to people no my sister they do not give any passport to any foreigners who’s born in the UAE Andy do not recognize their nationality on the other hand economy situation the Emirate is the same as of the rest of the world everybody’s going through a tough time they caught him he’s bad there is a recession worldwide recession there’s the covid-19 which is creating a huge huge hit on the economy about time for the u8 to start recognizing that it’s time to change do you have to open for everybody to have the same rights as the locals there is no such thing as a local and a foreigner you’re born in the UAE or anywhere in the world you have the right that’s what you call democracy otherwise what you call is a dictator simple fact that where the UAE has started its soul from foreigners still it was and will always be just because of foreigners as I said sister in sha Allah things will go better for everybody in the world God bless the UAE and everybody on the planet
For me going to Dubai is having a good relaxed holiday. Though I drink alcohol I’m happy not to see the drunks and all that goes with it in other Mediterranean countries. It is safe and LBGT and the other issues are not on my mind, hypocrite! There are thousands living in Dubai
As all airlines are down they make an effort to drop prices to attract customers.I asked the emerates agent in Toronto if there was a deal to Dubai.The price is the same as two years ago that I travelled.Luftanza has dropped their prices.
I have lived in UAE and I really deeply understand the system .Too much of freedom has land many countries in disrespectful to God Almighty .One credit I give to the Nation UAE is the ability to obey the rule of law .Not per say UAE is 99% okay or good but at least UAE is A country that keep up to their laws . If you are not discepline you will hardly survive in UAE .
I am a Christian and a Nigerian I really know what I am saying .
Dear friends i think cutting prices is a good thing because the world is trying to get back on its feet and as an international world player emirates should cut their prices to entice people to start flying regularly.
I know at this time when business is not the same most businesses are not running and all people are adding up the to see if the risk is worth taking or not.
If emirates gave good discounts and not charged customers to change their flight schedules this would be a huge tick for the world economy.
Flying for business would be a gamble that most people would take. i recently flew emirates and had to change my flight 3 times because òf uncirtainty in business and it cost me over £300 to do it that is virtually another ticket. It will deter me from flying again until things get more secure.
The moral is if tickets are cheaper and more flexible then that is a no brainer and will boost business all over the world.
Where as cancelling flights and laying staff off will cost more in the long run.
100% agree with you. Dubai is a city of growth, chance, love everything the culture accepts eveyone all nationalities and treats all like one we go to school here grown up here buy cars houses and live a luxury life …The Arab culture is a reminder that we need to respect people pe
PLEASE DO NOT LIE NO IN-BORN CHILD IN UAE EVER BEEN GIVEN A NATIONALITY. I KNOW HUNDREDS OF CHILDREN BORN HERE LIVED ALL THERE LIVES HERE HAVE NEVER BEEN GIVEN ANY CITIZENSHIP SO PLEASE STOP LYING. YOUR BOLD LIES WILL NOT CHANGE THE TRUTH & REALITY. WHAT MATTHEW SAID IS THE STARK TRUTH AND REALITY AND FOR YOUR INFO HE NEVER SAID ANYTHING ABOUT EMARATIS OR THERE HERITAGE OR THERE WAY OF LIFE, ALL HE SAID WAS REGARDING THE POLICIES THATS IT. I CAN UNDERSTAND FROM YOUR WRITING THAT YOU ARE AN ARAB AND IM ALSO MUSLIM BUT IT DOESTN CHANGE THE TRUTH AND REALITY. WHATS HAPPENING IN DUBAI COURTS AND HOW LAW RUNS IN HERE IS NOT LESS THEN LAW OF THE JUNGLE, I WITNESS IT EVERY SINGLE DAY. YOU PROBABLY ARE AN EMARATI AND FOR YOU EVERYTHING IS PERFECT CAUSE THE GOVERNMENT TAKES FROM EXPATRIATES AND FEEDS THE LOCALS. THEY TAKE AWAY HARD EARNED MONEY OF EXPATRIATES AND GIVE IT TO LOCALS AS IF IT WAS THERE’S TO HAVE. ANYWAYS TRY TO START DIGESTING TRUTH AS IT WILL COME FORWARD MORE AND MORE.
You are very right with your articles ,.. I ll never advice uae Government to give citizenships to anyone .they not let them spoil Emirates the way they spoil rest countries
I am a typical African man from Nigeria …please Emirates should not give out any citizenship to anyone .. they ll spoil this country and spoil the great achievement you Guys achieving now….I repeat it uae Government is the best on earth. Am saying the truth let the rest world leaders love their citizens the way uae Government love theirs…honestly I have a lot to say about this country call uae is all permit me …Am betting it if uae Government release their citizenship these pple ll come and ruin the good work
Dubai’s Human Rights record is applicable I was there only the people who are ruling Dubai are billornares it’s a terrible for the labourers and expatriates Dubai’s rulers know that no one wants to go back home they prefer to stay on Dubai so that they a least can get a plate of rice
Your opinion is so delusional, unfortunately it is the beginning of the end. The self claimed unbeatable country is going to vanish by a micro virus
Thank you for pointing out facts that people in this part of the world simply sweep under the rug.
Religion ruins everything, and the truth always comes out.
The “over the top” way of doing things is a front to the draconian, backward ways of thinking and that’s not going to change anytime soon.
Emirates used to be aservice oriented Air line, with huge success, it was cutting corners even before Corona virus happened.
Dubai airport employees are not trained properly to handle lorge number of travellers also.
Why do you get religion in this subject ? Just bcz you are a hater !! COVID has devasted the world and evn in US the impact is seen. United Airlines also had a lay off of approx 30k employees so will you blame religion ? Be realsitic rather than being a hater !! Dubai handled it very well and qe are back and up.running rather than getting stimuli checks and unemployment. And Dubai has seen many ups and downs and always emereged as a winner!! So Mr Hater watch !! And I agree with ppl like Wilson who callnit second home but I call it MY FIRST HOME !!!!
I have lived and worked in. Dubai. There are two definite societies.. The extremely rich and the extremely poor. All the foreign workers who are not professional people live like slaves. Wages are 1,100 to 2,000 Dirhams per month. If accommodation is provided it is usually 6/8 people in bunk bed rooms sharing one bathroom. One kitchen. They have no hospital cover only basic medical. They work 10/12 hours a day six days a week. Sometimes don’t get a holiday unless they have worked with the company for two years. If they are off sick they don’t get paid. They have no rights and live like slaves. To the western world this is disgusting, especially when you see such opulence and wealth enjoyed by the Emeritis enjoying the fruits of the labour of foreign. Workers. This true story should be told to the rest of the world.
For people like us Dubai is our second home… With all the so called restrictions, i always felt at home..The rulers took cate of us…More secure and promising than our home land, India.
Cleaner surrounding and safe to live, what else you need.. Dubai also suffering as every one around the world. Hope things will get better by year end…
I hope so too. I love Dubai as well. Have visited many times and I also love flying Emirates.
I”m so thankful I was able to fly Emirates A380 first class suites and visit Dubai last February. It was a trip of a lifetime for me and I owe it all to you dear Matthew. I too love Emirates and Dubai and hope to visit again soon. Thank you Matthew for your expertise in so many areas of travel. I look forward to booking international travel with you again hopefully soon!
LGBT rights?!!! What rights, those are sick people and the only right they should get is the right to be mentally treated. That is it.
I love Dubai and Emirates, a secure country and company, that provides for expatriates a better life than in their own countries. Hope they recover soon, I hope we all recover from this terrible pandemic, there is no perfect country in the all world, for instance here in Portugal we have everyday women and children dying of domestic violence and poor living conditions. Crisis is all over unfortunately, may we all recover and become as good as Dubai has been in developing all areas for a better life of its people and all expatriates living there. The crisis in aviation, travelling and tourism is terribly affecting the all world and shrinking all economies.
Serves them right their once famed customer service went out of the window when they stranded 1000s of tourists all over the world in March and blamed the Dubai government. They have point blank refused to refund the cost of our return flight which they cancelled or even issue a voucher for a flight in the future they have treated their customers worse then the worst of the low cost bucket shop airlines
With Covid 19 ,most advanced countries r struggling like never .Dubai is almost back to normal.Certainly,travel industry is most hit,Emirates n Dubai r in much better positions. Yes. Dubai remains an inspiration for everyone.
Sorry but as an Indian you’ll never understand what our problem is, I’ve been living there for 4 years and it is not that liberal like Europe and you are not protected by the law and you fon’t get ANY support from the government like unemployment aid etc. They just throw you out in case you lose your job or if you’re old and don’t generate money to the country anymore. But sorry, as an Indian you will never understand.
An average person working in Oil & Gas sector mid career saves 100,000$ post tax a year. I saved 13, 000 £ a year in UK. U were saying about unemployment benefits? Please do the math on benefits. You get best products and services for cheap. Education is cheap, medical is almost free. I think you have never visited UAE. BTW I lived in Europe long enough to suffer the drunk on streets, armed robbery and racism. Liberals have plagued the world. We Indians are happy that few of our dearest countries like UAE & India are still safe from the madness. Please stay away from UAE. We r happy without the pseudo-liberals
An average person in UAE doesn’t work in the oil and Gas industry buddy…. look for the average workers and ask them how they sleep
Well said
Where do you get free education and healthcare?? In Europe yes. In UAE theese are most expensive in the world! Are you talking about cheap goods? What kind of cheap goods, pls explain it to me… I bring all the medicine, clothes and cosmetics from Europe to Dubai because in Dubai everything has double the price! Check out a webshop for Zara, Bershka, Pull&Bear, the difference is almost +100%! A Rexona shower fresh deodorant is 12-15aed in Carrefour, I but it for 5 aed in my home country. I buy yohgurts, cheese etc. at half/third price in my country, with better quality! 1 liter of miner water with gas is 1aed, in the UAE it’s 10-15aed without reason!! I go to the best hairdresser for dying and cutting, 200aed! In UAE this kind of quality service is 1000aed! What are you talking about? I’m working in the oil&gas industry ans cannot save yearly 100,000usd as my yearly salary is half of that amount!!
I have several friends in oil & gas and not one of them save the amounts you’re quoting, and cheap education? Do you actually have kids in a UAE school – coz they are anything but cheap! Medical is almost free?? What? Medicine in the UK Im on costs £8, in dubai it costs £78. I’d love to know exactly what planet you’re living on, because you obviously don’t like in Dubai
From a man who lived in UAE for the last 20yrs and have seen its advancement in all forms of life, i can only look at the people from western countries who make this silly comments about human rights, environment and naturalization issues, with eyes of pity. Grow up and accept UAE has made its mark. Remember its a young country with a very earthly bedouin culture blessed with oil reserves. Now we are talking about the best airline in the world, mind u the second best is etihad which is also from UAE. The country has managed to reach a stage where it competes with the best of the world in everything in such a short time in its life span and everyone else is hell bend on finding the pitfalls. This development has not come just because of oil money, many countries had the same blessing and we dont hear their names anymore. it was made possible becuase of a very wise, visionary leadership UAE had and has. They have made this place everyone can find as their home. Given the best security, the best infrastructure and opporrunities. I challenge anyone who has come to.UAE once to say anything bad about it. Ofcourse there are rules. Do u want your family to live in a law less land. Yes many things still needs modernisation. And UAE is getting there step by step. It cannot make the journey of a bedouin culture very swift overnight. It has to be dealt sensitively taking the emiratis along with loads of expartriates from different parts of the world in a harmonious , universal destination where all of them can be happy and call UAE their home. So i beg the critics to be patient and while look at their own countries journey from violent past to where they are today and how long that took. I can assure you UAE will do that journey much faster and better without any violance. About the current problems of covid. Yes it is one of the disasters of our life time and UAE also has problems. But mind you if any place, or any airline thats going to comeback faster after this pandemic will be emirates and Etihad and the place everyone wants to be will be abudhabi and dubai.
If u have tonnes of money gold cars and other material possessions to make life comfortable and also the source of adequate income any place can become lively.
LGTB rights? Hahaha. Listen, this article is full of sh**. UAE was the first country to come out of the 2008 financial crisis regardless of all the negative media. Even with oil crisis being prolonged since 2015 and funding a war against terrorism, the country managed very well and its economy was better than how it was before the financial crisis. If you guys are paid by Qatar and Turkey to write this article and comment, don’t waste your time. UAE will come out of the current covid crisis before any country in the world. I don’t know why this article is only talking about the UAE, while Europe, US and almost every single major county is already in melt down. Let alone Qatar that has no one.
People who say bad things about Dubai are those who do not want to follow rules to make everyone live in harmony, they only care about their nose and not about the society as a whole. I live in a very “democratic” country and all I see everyday is people doing what they want and not caring about others. They’re selfish and bad educated. It’s not clean, the traffic is a mess, it’s not safe and if you do the right thing people mock you up or say you are dumb. This is Brazil. I visited Dubai and I was astonished who many people from all over the world can live in peace and harmony. This is what rules are made to. To make everyone feel safe and live comfortably. I really loved Dubai and will visit again soon! I was very welcomed by everyone. I felt home even if it was 2 weeks. Congrats to the rules of Dubai for helping making it such a great place to live.
Dubai is one of the safest and most clean places with laws applicable . It is not some 200 years old country but it is doing better than many . It’s economy and the airline is suffering in the face of pandemic and opened the country’s border faster than others . It is a case study for many who followed its footsteps how country’s airline supports the country and vice versa . It must be kept in mind people and and look for a job and make Dubai their home by choice . Never feel like going back into their miseries and enjoy a
Decent lifestyle with their families because they feel safe and treated well . Of course in many developed countries we face much severe discrimination , lawlessness and many examples where nationalities are not given on a platter . We visit Dubai , enjoy every moment and if we don’t like it we should not visit it’s a country that has given livelihood to hundreds of thousands indiscriminately. To respect and praise and encourage is greater service .
It’s a beautiful place to live and work and don’t care about their downside because it’s at the minimum
You said it, plainly and clearly.
Don’t be jealous of UAE it’s better than a lot of first word countries
I think that the pandemic is definitely depressing Dubai. But its good that there is no business and no pleasure there because fewer individuals will die from the virus. In California the government is trying to shut everything down but people don’t want to cooperate with restaurant closings and shelter in place. I won’t fly anywhere until the pandemic ends.
It’s liberal but, the citizenship by birth is denied to a foreigner because otherwise there will be so many births which will out balance the Arabs and so after 20 years who knows the public might just throw away the sheikhs and their kingdom.
I have been living in Europe for sometime and my family still continues to live in UK. The people in UK have no sense of responsibility, the medical infrastructure has given up, the government in UK has given up any hopes. Same with rest of the world except few countries like UAE. UAE is still pouring millions of dollars on residents and visitors and citizens. UAE has the best law enforcement amongst the world. I have been travelling / staying in UAE intermittent for past 11 years. I feel much safe and loved in UAE than any of the western world. Next time u post something please do some research and don’t be blindly driven by someone’s culture, skin color or relegion
I don’t know why you think this article was an attack on Dubai. It was anything but…
Sorry sir my comment was a reply to one of the comments not on your article
@Shyam: No problem, thanks for reading!
Born an bought up in dubai! 35 years of life spent there so I would say Shyam you need to keep your mouth shut because you have no idea what uae is all about. And besides the author here was only stating the fact which were neither negative or positive just FACTS!
So well written !
I am an Indian and have lived in the UAE for long enough . I have witnessed its growth and the changes the rulers have brought about . There is peace here. I can leave my door open and don’t have to panic because nothing will be stolen . Tell me any country which is better than this ?
Emirates is the best airline I have flown.
This country is good. It will survive all calamities.
The UK does not automatically give passports in children born of foreign nationals does that make them bad too
my dear brother yes they do
Its against the faith. So for those seeking to love the same sex. Dont pick UAE. It will never happen. Dont try to change the world. Change your choices as to where you want to enjoy your free spirit of love. Also, there a all rules in place for labor workers. Its up to the companies which are majority foreign owned to treat them according to the rules. Do your research on sustainable education in Dubai too please. Theres that too! Its up to the public to follow. Repeatedly on National news they have mention to also not waste food. Its a blessing from god. No place like Dubai…thank you and God bless.
Nice attempt to this useless author ChiFlyer1979. UAE is one of 198 countries globally going through the same exact thing, but will come out of the covid crises economicly as the first country. Their base and infrastructure is unbeatable. LGTB? What has that got to do with this
I’m not sure why the post or author is “useless”. Simply a comment that it is difficult to feel apathy for a country based on dirty petro dollars, repressed human rights, and excessive use of near-slave labor. And I think many others would agree. Yes – it is easy to have “unbeatable infrastructure” when funded by corrupt sheiks and free flowing oil.
Yes indeed i agree. Sadly all the regulations for the expats who work in uae soil, in some sectors they hold their passport, visa work only provide from their company and discrimination level of salary based on their passport not from their skills..
The country has its laws and valid reasons for the protection of its own citizens. Everyone who comes to work and live in Dubaj is very much aware of the Emirate’s rules and regulations.
The quality of life In Dubai is like no other in any part of the world. The labor laws are very much towards the side to the labors rather than the employers. I am really not able to process your criticism or find it understandable.
Signed: a sufferer from the current situation but doesn’t blame the country for it !!
Absolutely!!
But I feel sorry for all workers who have lost their jobs!!
Well voiced I have no sympathy either
SO VERY TRUE. YOU SHOWED THE REAL PICTURE AND REALITY OF THEM. FINALLY SOMEONE HAS THE GUTS TO TALK TRUTH OPENLY AND IS ON THE RIGHT. PERFECT MATTHEW
Emirates and Dubai is Pride of we all expats and Nationals and we ll never let this pride to go down .This is the time we have to support emirates and Dubai .Stand strong with UAE am with UAE and Our loving government i ll always do something positive so UAE will grow
And we expats ll grow as well . Stay with Dubai and abu dhabi help Our leaders Create positive environment .Insha allah 100% will win from Covid . Committed to win .
Very sad to hear. We pray that Emirates will keep going…
Matthew, I can’t really get the sense of your well written article.
Are we talking about Emirates Airlines? Are we talking about the future of Dubai? Is this instead a not so insightful view on airline dependency, in which case we should also list a number of other very similar situations ( take Qatar or Singapore and their respective airlines) ?
Is this about the impact of Covid on air transportation? Because if this was the case, I would expect someone who travels 200,000+ miles a year to be knowledgeable enough to be able to tell the difference between Dubai and the UAE when mentioning the record-high number of cases and to recognize the so far impressive crisis management by the UAE (which includes Dubai), also thanks to the approach of the badly affected (like all the rest) and extremely organized ( like no other) local airlines like Emirates.
I wasn’t talking about the wider UAE. Only about the interdependency of Emirates (the airline) and Dubai.
And case numbers are hitting all-time highs in Dubai…those are relative of course. Dubai has done an admirable job in addressing the pandemic.
You are çorrect in your write up on Emirates and Dubai. There is always a link between Tourism and Economy.
I hope the world will be able to handle it all on time. Definitely, it will get better for UAE and all of us.
It is every where in the world everyone is going through financial crisis for self employed or salary employed everyone is affected by this covid 19 I feel Emirates airlines has to decrease the air fare to attract passengers to fly with emirates as everyone is concerned about fare These days I use to fly regularly with Emirates but recently I fly with other airline the fare difference is almost 50 % more compare to other airline . If Emirates airline need the business they should be reasonable fare for all the destinations to get passengers on board from around the world . Inshallah things will be better soon . Ameen
Ive been to Dubai and have flown emirates airline and all of my experience was terrific and the country and people were fabulous
If the hotel occupancy levels are so low
Howcome hotel rates are still so expensive
My Emirates will bounce back, I am confident. Live Emirates
It will all come back. The tourist are coming back. This guy has no clue what he’s writing about.
Being an expatriate I love United Arab Emirates, Alhamdulillah Can easily say that UAE is one of the Best place. Am very happy the way government has taken the precautions to fight this Covid and In Shaa Allah UAE will come back stronger as usual. # Live Emirates # Love Emirates #
BALLS ALWAYS REMAIN BALLS NO MATTER HOW MUCH YOU TRY TO STAND UP
Lieber Autor Herr Klint,
Von einem Journalisten erwarte ich eigentlich das er objektiv recherchiert und dann erst sein gewonnenes Wissen der breiten Öffentlichkeit zugänglich macht. Also wenn du schon schreibst das in den Emiraten an einem Tag 1231 neue Coronafälle gezählt wurden dann musst du auch schreiben das am gleichen Tag genau soviel Geheilte zu verzeichen waren und das die Emirate seir märz 2020 bisher 9.500.000 Test durchgeführt haben und das bei 9.300.000 Einwohnern. Ist doch irgendwie logisch das man mehr Fälle findet wenn man mehr testet. Leuchtet auch dir das ein.
Wenn Deutschland prozentual gemessen an der Bevölkerungszahl genau soviele test gemacht hätte dann wäre die Zahl der Infizierten 15 mal so hoch. Leuchtet auch ein, oder?
Ich lebe als Deutscher seit vielen Jahren in den Emiraten. Und ich sage Dir es ist im Bezug auf Corona das sicherste Land.
Bitte immer gut recherchieren bevor du ein Land in eine Ecke stellst wo es nicht hingehört
Ich verstehe deinen Einwand nicht. Ich habe nie gesagt, daß Dubai die Korona falsch gehandhabt hat.
I think that the pandemic is definitely depressing Dubai. But its good that there is no business and no pleasure there because fewer individuals will die from the virus. In California the government is trying to shut everything down but people don’t want to cooperate with restaurant closings and shelter in place. I won’t fly anywhere until the pandemic ends.
This must be a good lesson to both Emirates’ & to Dubai’s arrogance & religion-based view, treatment & operations
I have had bitter racism experiences with them both.
I had bitter experience in religious Kashmir I was castigates by the indian
People like you get it every where you go no matter what as it shows what you are.
Great article but I believe it is overstated.
Did the US become a superpower because of United Airlines? After all, the US was sort of weak from 1776 to World War I. Only during World War II, did it become strong. United Airlines came into place just before World War II.
Build it and people will come is not always true. Look at Mirabel (Montreal) or Mid-America Airport east of St. Louis. Nobody came. On the other hand, I have heard of companies relocating to the DFW area after a careful competition.
But interesting reading. Chicken or the egg?
One point I did not mention. Oil was discovered in 1958 in the UAE and began being extracted in 1960. It wasn’t oil that caused the boom…the oil had been there for decade before.
I totally agree with Ralph Jung’s assessment. Of course the more you test the more cases will be identified and hence an increase Emirate wide. I have just returned to Germany from Dubai a couple of days ago and I must say that I couldnt have felt more safe while in Dubai as a result of the containment measures put in place by the authorities and the discipline of the residents of Dubai . The situation with Emirates airline that talk about, is also a phenomena being experienced by all major airlines worldwide and hence Emirates in no exception! Yes the economy is feeling the pain, however having lived and worked in Dubai through several crisis, I am confident that Dubai and the United Arab Emirates WILL bounce back.Furthermore , as a frequent flyer on Emirates I am happy to report there was no compromise to their usual high standard of service even during these trying times. The health safety measures on board were exemplary! It is the high quality of service that will make Emirates fly high again.
Stephen. What alot of Cods Walop. Go to UAE first it is not dickension is a very beautiful place if you bother to learn UAE Culture. Plus nobody or Country is Perfect. You always need to go to a Country to learn their Culture in Europe also absolute rubbish a large majority of UAE Mr. Stephen are highly Educated.. And are not Athiests. They do respecy whom respects their Nation get my point like any other Nation.
Dubai is portrayed as an Islamic state. Correct?
Why are bars free flowing? Why is prostitution rife? Why are the authorities turning blind eyes? Because without all these dubai would be struggling g even before covid.
Why have they offered an olive branch to the Israelis when they would never entertain any Muslim or Arab? Answer all because it is running out of mone..
I don’t think it’s only Dubai economy suffering globally as a result of the covid19 and they are picking up faster than most cities of the world. Thanks to God for their good leaders. I as a Nigerian seeing what’s happening back home envy them cos of their leaders. So to the editor of this article, I would tell you it’s not all about Emirates. Because there would be no Emirates if theirs no capable leaders take note.
” Emirates has shed tends of thousands of workers, all of them are expatriates.”
The locals weren’t laid off.
A slight correction.
Just because the locals thrive on the government stipends.
Emirates and Dubai can start by removing all covid restrictions about having a printed test result, registering before arrival etc for flying in/out/through DXB.
Don’t cry about reduced demand when you’re contributing to it by adding onerous rules.
Just because the locals thrive on the government stipends.
Long live Emirates. Will come back soon
I was a “Regular Flyer” with Emirates, even though they usual cost more, I liked their big Airbus. However; they let me down badly during this crisis and I will never use them again.
They cancelled my return flight from Bali four times, on one occasion they cancelled me as I was at the desk, my bag was being weighed in. Their attitude was very arrogant and unhelpful.
In the end I was forced to pay another £850 to fly home with Qatar, who ran a regular service throughout, while Emirates just abandoned everyone.
Furthermore; I’m not holding my breath for any compensation, So far, I haven’t been offered anything.
What do you expect from the company who laid of thousands people without proper compensation or end of service money. They fired mothers on maternity leave! They treating their cabin crew like sh*t. They couldn’t make official announcement about firing it happened overnight, people were receiving emails at 1 am for meeting the same day 11 am. They gave them their golden envelope and escort them throw back side of the building next to the garbage. Passing next to the garbage with envelope being fired that’s how people ended careers with them. No one should ever fly with Emirates. It’s a modern slavery!
It’s really sad Dubai economy is gradually fading off, but guess what guys?
There’s lot of hope because I strongly believe in the strong leadership of the Emirates.
Dubai will rise again and everything will be back to normal.
Thanks Matthew for this great writeup.
My name is Stanley Ashibuogwu, a Nigerian national.
If u have tonnes of money gold cars and other material possessions to make life comfortable and also the source of adequate income any place can become lively.
Dubai has been home to many expats from all over the world and they have loved to live here. As far as the labours are concerned, I think most of them are happy to be here and work here as they are feeding so many families back home and putting food on their tables. For those who criticize the laws of this country, put your feet in the shoes of a labourer then talk. Ask any labourerwould u want to be in Dubai or home and see the response, off course Dubai. Some of them pay so much money to come here, why ? Is Dubai forcing them..
They love it, so please stop criticizing, see the good that The Rulers of Uae are doing for everyone and be appreciative and I just want to say as a dr. Working here for past 15 years from South Africa, THANK YOU THE RULERS OF UAE, Thank you Sheikh Muhammad, Allah is with you and we love you
my dear brother I think you’re full of it the real fact of the UAE is nothing like you’ve just said you starve you handle the heat you handle humiliation insult you become as a slave surviving on the left over if you want to live a decent life in the UAE you would never make it on your salary that you’re being given down there you’re always being threatened to whatever you do wrong whatever the Dozen please done they will Deport you back to wherever you came from did they take your passport and they keep you as a hostage there by the rules there by the Sharia Auto Supply whatever rules they think it’s fit for them at the moment for their own convenience it’s a kiss ass life that is life in the UAE
The safest place. Stayed and worked there for 28 years. I love that place. My second home. Best care during covid. No shortage of any sort. No transport issued. Cleanliness to its highest accord. Freedom to live.
Dubai is MAGNIFICENT, and will rise like the mighty Phoenix if we have anything to say about it. http://www.twitter.com/ColourMeDubai
It is sensible not to call yourself a journalist but a traveler Mathew. Rock bottom has under 50 guests a night, UK just imposed restrictive measures on pubs , Belgium put a ban on alcohol sales this week… every government is doing what they need to do combating the virus.
UAE has responded to the pandemic admirably with a fine balance between economy and safety.
The title of the article is misleading. No doubt, Emirates helped build this nation and put it on the world map but the UAE is standing pretty strong on it’s feet. A financial hub, an investment hub, a young nation making superb technological advances, ranked highly in ease of doing business, relaxed tax jurisdiction, a vibrant city that attracts tourists from around the globe, an established trading hub, EMEA home to many MNCs and with a leadership that is agile, the UAE remains a place where residents enjoy a good quality of life and safety of their families.
Those ridiculing the state of labor and experts here need to look at the condition of the minimum wagers and homeless in their own backyards. The fact is that workers working low wages here sustain families back home with those wages, they don’t have opportunity to make an honest living in their home country in many cases. BlueCollar Expats here live a better quality of life than wherever they came from.
Your article read like UAE is the only country experiencing a troubled airline and employ pubs!
Raphael, at least say thank you to the country welcomed you all those years
Not everyone who lives in Dubai or UAE as an expatriate is happy . Maybe the rulers may not be aware of this but so many people are suffering here , with very low pay , discrimination at work , racism , I won’t hesitate to say that most Indians who are employers , prefer giving positions to fellow Indians regardless if one is qualified or not , that’s absurd ..Trust me there is a lot of racial discrimination here , but I believe things can change with time . The rulers have greater interest for everyone but the expatriates who get invited and get jobs , are the bad ‘apples’..Jobs are given based on colour of skin, if you are African , it’s believed that your position is just on security, housekeeping , waiter etc .the unskilled work , but to the surprise ,many of these people have degrees and masters . It’s so sad but I just hope someday there will be equality . Having said that , I hope the country bounces back soon.
I’m Brazilian and this “democracy” we live in only makes people to think that they can do whatever they want. It doesn’t matter if that will hurt the other people. It’s a pity. The major problem is that young generation are growing up in a more messy situation. So they are learning nothing good. People have no respect for others. It’s a shame to have such a beautiful country full of violence, irresponsible people, bad neighbors, no quality health services, no good education for children. This is the result of the letting everybody do what they want. To make a healthy environment for people to live we need rules. Here in Brazil, people do not follow rules.
I have read this article and I honestly feel there’s a lot of truth and a lot of pros and cons that the pandemic has posed for the region and country. In all honesty after living three years of my life in Dubai I can confidently say that there has been a big change in the economy. Yesterday, I was in Diera. And I was surprised to see a lot of shops closed mind you these are shops that were once occupied by restaurants bakeries and general merchandise shops. I also saw a lot of people from various nationalities hanging out not working. I saw bed sharing apartments that had many people sitting and doing nothing. The general atmosphere in all of Dubai even in the most expensive areas middle class and hang out spots have definitely gone down. Even at the public beaches (free) You will only find just a few people outside the virus has definitely penetrated the tourism fueld economy.I believe over estimation and over planning into the future was one of the disadvantages that led to this and as we battle this pandemic globally I hope that we can find new ways of adapting the tourism sector challenges.
Visited Dubai Nov/Dec 2019 on route to Madrid and returning to Australia…purely through tourist eyes…I was blown away by the beautiful buildings, Magic Gardens, Burg Khalifa to the top…magnificent, Dubai Mall, Palm Island, cruise around Palm Island, Gold and Spice markets, Dubai Museum AND the most amazing Christmas lights and decorations, Dubai Marina and the old town and various meals. Did excursions from hotel but also did a few walks and felt totally safe. I shall go back for another trip when and if this terrible pandemic is under control. I wish for all UAE residents, safety and a healthy way out of this pandemic. Best wishes from a happy Aussie
The Expo2020 opening in Oct 2021 will definitely help the tourism recovery. The opening of the Museum of the Future will make a trip to Dubai even more worth it. And tourists will be delighted to discover gourmet ice cream made out of local camel milk ingredient!
Lives and businesses have been upended but it will pass, Emirates will survive, thanks to positive outlook.
One thing we all must remember – the sole purpose of this man-made virus was to destroy economies and lead to social unrest, both on the street as well as on our minds. The only way we all can survive is to cooperate, avoid conflict and focus on rebuilding our nations. Its easier said than done but there is no other way out. Forbearance is humanity’s clarion call.
Dubai deserves all that it is currently going through.
It portrays itself as an Islamic state but if you go out on any given night clubs and bars are free flowing with alcohol and working girls. I dont have a problem with that, but what I have a problem with with is, that as soon as ramadan or Islamic holidays cone around it closes all its establishments for the duration. Which is hypocritical at the biggest level.
Also as money and fundi g running out they have just opened up dubai for the Jews to enter and spend their money….
And it calls itself an Islamic state.
I look forward to the day I get asked to leave…….
I am the manger of Rock Bottom Cafe and while the pandemic hit us hard back in March, we have recovered to the point now of being at capacity over the weekends with a line up to get in. We have brought back live music six nights a week and updated our menu. We strictly adhere to the COVID guidelines of social distancing thereby limiting our ability to pack the club as the in the old days but we are definitely full on the weekend and remain busy throughout the week. Thank you for mentioning Rock Bottom Cafe in your article. Hope to see you in the club. Cheers!
Can smell a bit of jealousy… the whole world is suffering! Coz of UAE many families in the subcontinent survive. Cant nitpick problems and make a mountain of it. I’m not saying everything is perfect, but what do we see in the so called havens of democracy? We have to give the due credit where it’s due… they have made tremendous advance in short period of time. As a woman this is one of the safest place. Then again dont point on one or two incidents and discredit a place.
I wish peace with Israel good luck to all
Hoping for good days
I wish the Jews will stop lying there is no such thing as beasts as long as they are taking over Palestine
Dubai is very resilient!I don’t believe it is end of the World for Emirate or Dubai.One of the best managed country/city in the World cannot crumble,as depicted!Very,very soon Dubai and Emirate will bounce back to the original Glory,with blessings of Allah!
The tragedy is western expats haven taken Emirates for a ride by ordering white elephants in the guise of A380s close to 100. This is much more than even the airlines of the countries which manufactured this aircraft put together. You can imagine the commision or money involved in such deals and same being parked in their homeland and not in Emirates. The same is true of other industries too. Absurd that such people digress and talk about LGBT and other issues to enforce their way of western life on others.
Haha, nice try Mathew. What a useless attempt. The only person who is going to be bankrupt is you because you can’t post any articles on travel. UAE is amongst all the countries in the world and will come out of it first as usual.
Most people are discussing two different issues and causes.
Dubai economy during Covid -19
Social and working conditions in Dubai.
Dubai is suffering from economic difficulties more like other tourism based economies.
But being in Dubai as a permanent resident or a worker is not better than any third world society. Things are fake, dual law system and you can buy everything with money.
The Emiratis will go back to a traditional nomadic life, inshallah. We do not need money or foreign help. Camels and donkeys are green Energy. We do not need airplanes.
It is truly astonishing how so many people are close minded and silly not to understand this is a universal pandemic and Dubai is just one of the world’s hubs that is suffering as all other hubs in the world.
My which is that we can develop some fresh subjects to write about not the same old subject few times a year it seem to be, same bad wishes on a nation and its people filled with hatred towards others. Its the simplest things to hate …. its remarkable people that does not spread hate therefore so much easier to be around them.
This country sure has some problems so does all countries nothing unique. I tell you one thing people usually writing these articles are normally from a country whom has far worse issues to deal with.
I personally went through really ruff times over here… thank God it was here and not in my own country. Long live the UAE
Sheikh should look at the plight of low cadre workers living concentrated camps..transguard is full of shit in their labour supply. People are left on their own with meager pay of btwn 1000- 3000 aed salaries..nkt stupid indians behave like they are kids to the maktoum. They really mistreat blacks along racial lines…I hate silly indians who even demand bribes to get promoted in those pathetic jobs in the sun. Let it fall and we shal see where the indians will go…uae has useless things going on for africans who are escaping unemployment in their countries.
The degree to which some of your posts go viral never ceases to fascinate me.
Don’t get me wrong, this was an interesting and well written article. I’m glad it’s getting so many hits. It’s just funny how certain topics can pique the interest of such a wider audience.
I can only thank the great Google algorithm in the sky, 150K clicks later…
Their judicial system favours the locals , foreign partners never really get justice and have their companies stolen from them openly and nobody even bats a eye lid . Rulers choose to ignore all ! Is it any wonder people are shying away . A good place for a holiday but that’s it .
You need to spell-check this article.
I did. Maybe I am blind. What is the issue?
its a small city, no agriculture and industrial base and unfortunately not a single world class University…a place for rich people to spend holidays (and living)..poor people spend days in the heat and nights on bunker beds (10-15 people in one small room) …If you cannot see the light, it does not mean that sun is not shining…good analysis of the writer about one issue…Emirates in trouble like many airlines and so is Dubai. Wish Dubai get out of this trouble soon as thousands loosing their jobs there.