Anchal Vohra

Tourism in Dubai has sharply declined following renewed Iranian missile attacks, prompting widespread travel advisories and reduced European airline services. Hotel occupancy has plummeted, and businesses face significant losses. To revive demand, Dubai’s hospitality sector and the UAE government have introduced steep discounts, tax cuts, and free hotel stay promotions through Emirates Airlines. While these incentives target both locals and Gulf-region travellers, experts say European and British tourists remain hesitant due to persistent security concerns. Analysts predict that meaningful recovery will depend on the stability of the U.S.–Iran ceasefire, with long-haul visitors unlikely to return in large numbers until regional tensions ease.

Concerns mount that the UK’s newly announced defence spending plan may fall short of Nato expectations as Prime Minister Keir Starmer heads into the summit in Ankara facing likely criticism from Donald Trump. Despite pledging £15bn in additional spending, projections show the UK reaching only 2.7 percent of GDP by 2030, below key Nato milestones. Experts and allied officials warn that Britain’s lagging investment could undermine its standing as a reliable defence partner, particularly as other European states increase spending more aggressively. Pressure from Nato leaders, scrutiny over unclear funding sources and reliance on US defence systems intensify doubts about the UK’s trajectory. Starmer’s attempts to frame the spending as beneficial to US industry may offer limited reassurance as he prepares to hand responsibility for meeting commitments to potential successor Andy Burnham.