Ski Dubai Sees Drastic Drop in Visitors Amidst Regional Conflict

Dagens Nyheter reports on the desolate state of Ski Dubai, an indoor ski resort in the United Arab Emirates, which is now eerily empty, a stark contrast to its usual vibrant atmosphere. Normally bustling with up to 3,900 visitors per hour, the resort is now seeing as few as ten guests per day. This dramatic downturn is directly linked to the recent escalation of conflict involving Iran, the US, and Israel. The ensuing hostilities led to widespread flight cancellations and stranded hundreds of thousands of tourists, effectively paralyzing the tourism industry in Dubai, a city heavily reliant on international visitors.

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It is like during the pandemic, but worse.

Jayson, an employee at Ski Dubai for over two decades, describes the current situation as "worse than during the pandemic." He, like other guest workers interviewed for the article, uses a pseudonym due to strict regulations in the UAE that prohibit speaking freely to the media. Violations risk not only job loss but also deportation. This fear underscores the controlled narrative often presented by the UAE, where reporting anything less than positive is discouraged. The resort is currently offering significant discounts on ski lessons and activities, including rides in giant inflatable balls, in a desperate bid to attract patrons.

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Today we have had ten guests. That has been the case since the war began.

Dubai, typically one of the world's most visited cities, welcomed over 19 million tourists last year. However, between February 28 and April 8, the period of intense conflict, the UAE's air defense systems were on high alert, intercepting thousands of missiles and drones. While 90% were reportedly neutralized, the attacks still impacted key infrastructure, including the Palm Jumeirah. The city's streets, usually teeming with life, are now noticeably sparse, populated mainly by construction workers and delivery drivers struggling to find work. One delivery driver mentioned earning as little as 700 dirhams (approximately 1,800 SEK) per month. The patriotic displays and messages of national pride seen throughout the city, while intended to project strength and security, stand in stark contrast to the visible economic hardship and the profound impact the conflict has had on the tourism-dependent economy. This situation is uniquely concerning for Dubai, where the image of constant prosperity and global appeal is now severely challenged by geopolitical instability.

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It is difficult now. Not so much work.