Dubai welcomed 19.59 million visitors last year, ranking among the world’s top destinations. The US-Israel war with Iran now hammers tourism, leaving local businesses desperate.
Restaurants that once buzzed every evening now sit eerily empty. Natasha Sideris launched her first Tashas outlet in 2014. Her group now runs 14 locations, employing over 1,000 people.
The war slashed revenues at Sideris’ spots by over 50%. Tourist-heavy outlets suffered 70-80% drops. She cut all salaries—including her own—by 30% to save jobs.
“The situation feels brutal,” Sideris says. “I chose salary cuts over firing 30% of staff.” Community mall locations near homes still draw locals, softening the blow.
Other chains report footfall at 15-20% of normal. Executives place over half their workers on unpaid leave. Some outlets shutter temporarily while others limp along with skeleton crews.
