Re: How is business?
 

will be interesting to see if the Dubai tourist industry benefits from the bombing of the Russian plane and the Russo-Turkish spat.

Re: How is business?
 

On the ground evidence would suggest, no.

Dubai is a very very expensive place these days and the currency is moving the wrong way. The other countries were attractive as they were cheap. I doubt these value tourists will be swapping to Dubai.

Re: How is business?
 

Aside from the economic side (Dubai is expensive, Turkey and Egypt were at the cheap end), the present international focus on islamic terrorism is unlikely to do anything to help Dubai with either Russians or Europeans in general. I have plenty of friends who comment "I bet you're glad you're not out there now". Rightly or wrongly, there is a perception that the middle east is more dangerous than it's been for a long time and that even flying over it is a risk.

Today in the news there are claims that the UAE is trying 41 people for a terrorist plot a year ago. While it's hard to really know if it's what the UAE says it is (let's face it, dictators hang on to power by banging up all political opposition on trumped up charges, so this is exactly what you'd expect if 41 civil rights campaigners signed a letter to the president calling for universal suffrage), it's not going to help the perception that the UAE is somehow immune to this kind of thing.

Re: How is business?
 

It's a lose-lose situation.

The UAE has these trials to reassure everyone that they're serious about keeping a tight lid on any potential dissent and they certainly don't want anyone rocking the boat in this country. Notice how quickly they reacted to the Reem Island stabbing? Dictatorship or not, it's a benign one and one that works very well for the locals and expats. It is the ideal Muslim state and a rare role model. I have no criticism.

But the trials still signal to the rest of the world the potential for terror attacks, despite however small and certainly less than in, say, the UK. So by attempting to combat the perception of danger, they're only perpetuating it. It's unfair, isn't it?

Although there may have been other incidents which we know absolutely nothing about. I wouldn't be surprised. I don't think events have been hushed up but the odds that certain individuals / groups in the UAE were quietly eliminated before they could cause too much trouble is probably higher than we think.

As it is, I'm still waiting for the day when something big will happen. Just hope it's after I've left the country (again!).

Re: How is business?
 

It's currently suffering from a lack of Russians following the devaluation of the rouble. Why do you think Atlantis keeps spamming everyone with offers?

Re: How is business?
 

This is also why retail is struggling.

A lot of retail was driven by Russians and Chinks buying stuff here that is either not available or not more expensive than at home. They are no longer coming, or if they do, are no longer buying.

Personal lending is also very down - i.e. houses and cars.

What sectors are up?

Re: How is business?
 

Defence and national security, but even that now takes it's time to get pushed through with a lot more checks and approvals being needed now.

Re: How is business?
 

Makes sense, I did wonder at the sudden onslaught of óffers'.

Re: How is business?
 

Snap. Good point Meow.

I'm convinced Iran is the future.

Re: How is business?
 

That'll require a revolution, of one sort or another.

Re: How is business?
 

Audi opened up over there and apparently cannot get new cars there quickly enough to keep up with demand.

Big retail groups here are looking at opening malls etc over there.

It's boom time.

Re: How is business?
 

Re: How is business?
 

As long as it all doesn't go BOOM!!

Re: How is business?
 

When retail/cars/hotels/restaurants are not doing well, they tend to either lower prices or at the very least, not increase them, as in 08/09.
Why is it that so many things are going more and more expensive?
Was in Dubai mall to exchange an item made in Italy, prices were up 20% over last month. The manager had the gall to say it was because of the "weak dollar", lol !

Re: How is business?
 

Welcome to UAE economics, where when volumes are down, prices go up. I've never understood it.

Dubai is adding almost 35% more hotel rooms over the next 10 months. Awesome stuff.