Madhavan makes urgent appeal for Dubai taxi drivers, urges UAE residents and tourists to help out amid Iran-US war

Actor R. Madhavan, who starred in the recently released Dhurandhar 2, has made a public appeal asking people in the UAE to come forward and support taxi drivers, many of whom are struggling to earn amid the ongoing tensions in the Middle East. Sharing a note on his Instagram Story, the actor highlighted how the slowdown has directly affected daily wage earners, especially those dependent on tourism and regular city movement.

A simple request during a difficult time

In his message, Madhavan addressed UAE residents and urged them to extend small acts of kindness. He wrote, “#UAE fam, a small heartfelt reminder: This month has been quite slow for many taxi drivers in the city, and some of them may end up earning only around 500-700 AED this month.”

Ending his note on a hopeful tone, he said, “Dubai has always felt home to everyone because people look out for one another. Sometimes a simple act of kindness, even a small one, can remind someone that they're not alone.”

Tourism slowdown visible across Dubai

The appeal comes at a time when Dubai, usually packed with visitors, is seeing an unusual dip in activity. Popular spots like Jumeirah Beach Residence are reporting thin crowds, with empty beaches and quiet restaurant spaces becoming a common sight.

Businesses that depend on tourists are among the worst affected. Workers in sectors like watersports and retail say they are going days without customers. One worker told AFP, “Yesterday: zero. Today: zero. Not a single customer,” reflecting how sharp the drop has been.

Major attractions such as Ain Dubai and Madame Tussauds Dubai are also witnessing low footfall, even after offering discounts.

Workers struggling to manage expenses

The crisis has put many workers in a difficult position. Several employees, especially those on commission-based income, say they are unsure how they will manage rent and daily expenses. Some have had to borrow money to survive, while rising airfares have made it difficult for others to even consider returning home.

According to estimates by the World Travel and Tourism Council, the conflict is costing the Middle East around $600 million a day. The tourism sector, which contributes significantly to the UAE’s economy, is feeling the pressure.

Hotels, travel and bookings take a hit

Industry voices are also flagging a sharp drop in business. Speaking to NDTV, Praveen Shetty, Chairman of Fortune Group of Hotels, said, “This is different. During COVID, the impact was global. But this situation is different because it is linked to conflict.” He added, “We don't have tourists. Flights have been affected, and major attractions are closed. That has directly hit business.”

Hotel occupancy has fallen significantly, with some properties operating at just 30 per cent capacity. To manage costs, several hotels have shut down floors and reduced operations.

At the same time, international travel patterns are shifting. According to the BBC, many travellers are now avoiding the Middle East and opting for destinations in Europe and other regions, leading to a drop in bookings for Dubai.