As the conflict began on February 28, 2026, it gradually began to affect Dubai's tourism sector, with hotel occupancy declining. Now, the conflict, combined with the tourist off-season, has left many of those employed in Dubai unemployed.
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For 29-year-old Gyanukumar Shrestha of Puranagaun, Manthali Municipality-9, Ramechhap, employment at a five-star hotel in Dubai has been shrouded in uncertainty in recent days.
Shrestha, who has been working at a five-star hotel in Dubai for three years, has been earning more than Rs 200,000 per month. But now, the tensions between the US-Israel-Iran in the Middle East have changed his daily life. He is currently in Dubai on a regular company vacation.
But as the conflict that began on February 28, 2026, gradually began to affect Dubai's tourism sector, the number of customers coming to hotels has decreased. Now, with the impact of the conflict combined with the tourist off-season, most of those employed in Dubai are unemployed. 'Hotels are almost closed, people are not coming to eat. I have also been sitting without work for 15 days,' said Shrestha. 'You can hear the sound of bombs exploding from outside, but the situation here is not that scary.'
He feels that life is normal even amid the news that 20 to 25 missiles are being fired at Dubai every day. 'The missiles explode on the ground, there is no direct risk. The government sends alerts on mobile phones for security,' he said, 'Once, a bomb fragment fell near a hotel.'
However, the psychological impact of the security risk has badly affected the tourism sector. With the lack of tourists, big hotels are facing problems in operating. The temporary closure of the hotel where Shrestha works has affected the employment of about 500 employees. 'The company pays regular holiday pay, but there is no income for the rest of the time,' he said, 'It is uncertain when the situation will return to normal. It could be in a few weeks, it could be months.'
Currently, Ramadan is underway in Dubai, so activities are somewhat slow. Now Shrestha is preparing to return to Nepal to see if the situation improves or worsens. 'I am thinking of coming to Nepal towards the end of April,' he said.
He expressed his dissatisfaction with the exaggerated video circulating on social media. 'The fake video has made the family even more worried. The real situation here is normal,' he said.
According to Shrestha, there are fewer attacks in Dubai compared to other cities because there is no American military camp. 'Iran does not seem to be targeting public areas, but attacks are taking place where there are American camps,' he said. Four youths from his village are also working in Dubai. Although the tourism sector has been affected, he informed that other sectors are operating normally.
After returning to Nepal, he is still confused about whether to return to Dubai or go to another country. 'I could not succeed in doing business in Nepal, so I had to go abroad again.' If the situation in Dubai does not return to normal for a long time, I am thinking of going to Japan,' he said.
He is satisfied with the income he earned in Dubai. But the current uncertainty has confused his future plans. Amidst family requests and increasing tension, he is preparing to return home for some time on the company's regular leave.
According to Shrestha, although the situation in Dubai is not as dangerous as it is being advertised, the family is worried. His father, mother and niece live in the village, while one sister is in Japan. Recalling his family, he said, 'There is no such insecurity here, I am safe. The scenes shown on social media are not real, I have not posted any such videos or photos.'
However, he said that the family has become worried due to the misleading content spread on social media. 'At home, my parents are very scared after seeing fake videos,' he said, 'They have repeatedly asked me to return home.' He said that amid the family's urging and increasing confusion, he has now decided to return to Nepal for some time.
