The football stars’ visit to the United Arab Emirates underlines the pulling power of the Gulf tourism and trade hub, even as attacks by Iran-allied Houthi rebels in Yemen threaten to damage its reputation as one of the safest states in the Middle East.
Missile attacks in recent weeks have shaken people from their beds in the capital Abu Dhabi. There were explosions and flashes of light in the sky as UAE and US forces launched interceptors. “It was very scary,” said one British expatriate in Abu Dhabi. “Not something I expected or signed up for.”
From Lebanese professionals fleeing instability to western remote workers taking advantage of the country’s openness during the Covid-19 pandemic, the UAE has long been an attractive location for foreigners. This includes a steady procession of celebrities since the new year, as visitor numbers in Dubai bounce back to three-quarters of pre-pandemic levels.
