UAE cultural and tourism leaders maintain vision amid regional conflict

Monocle Radio conducted a week-long reporting trip across the United Arab Emirates, visiting Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Dubai. The team produced special episodes of their programs The Globalist and The Briefing from each emirate. They interviewed ministers, business leaders, designers, and media professionals about the regional conflict's impacts. Despite the war causing economic disruptions like rising oil prices, flight cancellations, and slowed property sales, local leaders expressed unwavering commitment to long-term development. Key figures interviewed included Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing; Noura al-Kaabi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs; and Mohamed Khalifa al-Mubarak, chairman of Abu Dhabi's Department of Culture and Tourism. These officials appeared engaged and focused on national building rather than crisis. The reporting noted that while some residents left after initial attacks, many expatriates who have lived in the UAE for decades feel strong loyalty to the country. Public billboards displayed patriotic messages like 'One nation, one community' and 'In the UAE, everyone is Emirati.' The article contrasts international media narratives with on-the-ground perspectives, suggesting the UAE is developing clearer self-identity through the crisis.