Emirates: Based in Dubai (UAE), known for operating a large fleet of Airbus A380s
Qatar Airways: Based in Doha (Qatar), a major competitor offering extensive global connectivity.
Etihad Airways: Based in Abu Dhabi (UAE).
These three states and airlines perfected the halfway stop from anywhere to everywhere, and in the process created an overnight stay in luxury accommodation that saw millions of travelers passing through this hub. Dubai doesn't just need Emirates to fly. It needs tens of millions of people to keep walking through it every year. In 2025, Dubai had 19.6 million international overnight visitors, a fifth consecutive record year. The 827 hotels ran at 81% occupancy. January and February 26 were tracking above that at 85%. Dubai was preparing to announce the best year in its history. In the week ending 14th of March, Dubai hotel occupancy was 22.8% These statistics are paralleled in Abu Dhabi and Qatar.
As the world reroutes around the middle east, even if everything settles down again in the near future, will the Gulf States every regain the confidence of travelers to choose it as a halfway destination or is their business model totally damaged if not entirely destroyed? Time will tell no doubt but they surely they have a lot to thank Trump and his insistence on the Israel-Iran War. Don't you think?
@kmax87 saidWhat did they expect? They all allowed the US to build and maintain massive military bases that were clearly aimed at Iran. It was almost inevitable that some US President would decide to play with their toys located there in this manner.
Emirates: Based in Dubai (UAE), known for operating a large fleet of Airbus A380s
Qatar Airways: Based in Doha (Qatar), a major competitor offering extensive global connectivity.
Etihad Airways: Based in Abu Dhabi (UAE).
These three states and airlines perfected the halfway stop from anywhere to everywhere, and in the process created an overnight stay in luxury accommodat ...[text shortened]... ey surely they have a lot to thank Trump and his insistence on the Israel-Iran War. Don't you think?
These are all oppressive dictatorships, but I wonder what their populace thinks of their support for Israel and apparent willingness now to engage in military strikes against Iran in a war Israel started.