Hey there, I’m Jess ✨. On The Signature, I share reflections on beauty, routines, travel, wellness, culture, and everyday life. For those drawn to a calmer, more intentional way of living, I send a free newsletter each month on the 7th. You're welcome to join.
"Habibi, take me to Dubaiiiii!" and finally it happened! I am writing you from the United Arab Emirates, where I am spending the weekend between Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Is Dubai a good idea right now?
My husband works for one of Dubai's biggest companies and comes to the UAE very often, sometimes for weeks-long stints. I had the opportunity to come with him several times but I always declined, as they were never the right timing for me. I was about to decline this trip again - I have severe airplane fatigue, to be honest - but I decided to stop saying no, and say yes to discovering a new country where my husband has been spending a lot of time. I knew he really wanted to share with me what his life is like when he is here.
Is it safe in Dubai right now?
This is my experience as a tourist. My husband and I don't live in fear and we were never scared to come although we have to be aware that the current regional conflict is on everybody's mind. The United States of America and Israel are engaged in a war with Iran. Following February 2026 airstrikes in Iran, the country retaliated by striking U.S. bases, Israel, and Gulf nations, while blockading the Strait of Hormuz.
And as usual, it's always the third parties who suffer and several Gulf countries (GCC) are being targets, especially those with ties with the US and American military bases. It's the case of the United Arab Emirates.
Dubai has suffered several missile and drone attacks, yet it has countered most of them. Yet the damage is done and I am not talking about physical damage to buildings. The airport - one of the busiest in the whole world - was shut down temporarily, flights were cancelled, people were stranded and the anxiety around the world intensified rapidly.
Where are the locals and residents?
The locals became more cautious and temporarily stayed home more often and many expats left the country, on the advice of their embassies and governments. The people who stayed are going out and about (after several weeks of working and schooling from home), yet life isn't exactly the same. There is still traffic, but a bit less. There is still activity in malls, but a bit less. At every corner, you see major discounts to attract people again.
Yet the summer is about to start and Emiratis summer (yes, it's a whole verb here in the UAE!) elsewhere because of the scorching hot temperatures. The city will feel even more empty in a few weeks. Yet at every corner, you see UAE flags proudly displayed in building and balconies. The people are proud and grateful to their government because they do feel protected and resilient. It's heartwarming to see that show of affection and it not being just because of a football game.
Where are the tourists?
We have been talking to locals, either my husband's coworkers, drivers, shops and hotels staff and they have been struggling. Hotels are not at full capacity and it shows. Our hotel breakfast lounge is always empty in the morning. We have been to the Mall of the Emirates in Dubai and my husband said it was a "timid experience", as he had never seen it so quiet, especially around lunch break and after business hours.
One of the most striking things right now is how hard Dubai’s hospitality industry is trying to bring people back. Hotels, restaurants and malls remain open as usual, but everywhere you look there are staycation offers, discounts and promotions trying to lure residents and tourists back into the city again.
We had the opportunity to visit several attractions in Abu Dhabi too, such as the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Qasr Al Watan presidential palace. Both were bereft of tourists. It makes for a quiet and pleasant experience for us, but a desolate one when you think about tourism as a whole.
What does it feel like to be a tourist in Dubai and Abu Dhabi?
I am very happy to be here. I feel very safe everywhere my husband and I go. I hope the end of this conflict is near as the repercussions around the world are already palpable with oil price surges and airlines shutting down connections to save fuel. I sincerely hope it's a short episode in the history of this very prosperous and ambitious country.
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