Egypt tension boosts Dubai tourism

Political problems in Egypt have led to an increase in visitors to Dubai.

More people are booking flights to Dubai as a result of the Egyptian political crisis, it has been claimed.

Dubai holidays are more likely to be organised as travellers adjust their plans, according to Mona Farej of PhoCusWright.

The Middle East analyst noted that Egypt’s loss will be Dubai’s gain as visitors look for a safer holiday destination than the north African nation.

“We’re in the spring holiday season and expectations were that Egypt, Lebanon and Dubai [would see the most traffic],” she explained.

“Now I’m positive that there will be no hotel available in Dubai because all of the Saudi traffic has been diverted to Dubai because of the current political situation.”

For the last two weeks, Egypt has been gripped by mass protests against the government and president Hosni Mubarak.

Although Mr Mubarak has dissolved parliament and has vowed to step down after his term ends in September, ordinary Egyptians are calling for him to go immediately.

Written by Alex Cochrane