Economic slowdown in Dubai

Dubai is hit by the low oil price and the global economic slowdown.

Many construction projects have stopped and the workers are sent back. Price of real estate has dropped by 40% to 60%. Many investors have lost money. The projects under development have been shelved.

Hotel occupancy is down to 50% on most days (except where there is a major exhibition organised in Dubai. Although this is the peak season, the hotel rates reflect the off-peak season (about half of the peak season rate).

On my way to Dubai, I observed that Changi Airport is rather quiet and the SIA plane is half full. The stewardess said, "economy slow".