CI T Y O N T H E MOVE AFTER THE GOLD RUSH The shining skyscrapers of Dubai have witnessed an upheaval in recent months, as many expat workers left this successful hub because of the COVID-19 crisis. While this exodus created a boom time for many international movers in 2020, what does the future hold for this key Gulf city and the UAE overall? T he shockwaves from the coronavirus pandemic have reached far and wide across the globe, with repercussions stretching far beyond the immediate impact on peoples health. In Dubai with its booming economy and status as the most populous city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) many assumptions flew out the window when the crisis hit. The UAE, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this December, has long been on an upward trajectory but the COVID-19 crisis hit this popular expat mecca hard. Many expats lost their employment and returned to their home countries in various corners of 40 FF301 Q2 21 pp40-45 Dubai.indd 40 WW W. F I D I FOC U S . OR G 09/03/2021 09:53