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'Destinations like Dubai have thrived on the perception of safety, a perception that is now under threat'

Opinion
Alan Bowen
3 March 2026

The crisis in the Middle East risks a short-term drop in demand for all travel, not to mention wider implications for the global economy, writes legal advisor to the Association of Atol Companies, Alan Bowen, for TTG.

The Palm in Dubai
(Credit: iStock / mrtekmekci)

Are Middle East destinations like Dubai's reputation for safety at risk? (Credit: iStock / mrtekmekci)

Mexico last week, the Middle East this week – who said working in the travel industry was easy?

The latest crisis, and this really is a crisis, will cost airlines and operators a fortune in time and money as they struggle to get passengers home or to their final destination – including those those unfortunate enough to be transiting through Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Doha at the wrong moment.

Dubai is now the busiest international passenger airport in the world, and the UK has already identified more than 100,000 citizens in the region looking for help.