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The end of Dubai? After the war, the UAE faces a hard road back to its shining past
Not just energy flows, but business confidence also needs to return – and that will take time.
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Smoke billows from Jebel Ali port after an Iranian attack, following United States and Israel strikes on Iran, United Arab Emirates, on March 1.
PHOTO: REUTERS
Of all the countries drawn into the vortex of the Iran war, none has paid a higher price than the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It was not a combatant, nor did it seek the fight. But its geography, alliances and ambitions made it the most frequently targeted nation in the Gulf, subjected to a relentless barrage of Iranian missiles and drones, totalling over 2,800 – more than even fired at Israel.
The physical damage, though partly contained by capable air defences, has been severe. Estimates put the total cost to infrastructure at close to US$60 billion (S$76.3 billion). Oil production dropped by up to 800,000 barrels per day. Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest hub, was shut on and off for weeks, with more than 30,000 flights cancelled since the conflict began.
