The prospect of a rapid unblocking of the Strait of Hormuz is receding. As a result, the Gulf countries are faced with sluggish tourism and supply problems, like in the United Arab Emirates.
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/2026/05/12/6a02ef84c0893225838882.jpg "\"Change of menus, reduction of menu…\" : the catering sector suffering in Dubai due to the war in the Middle East")
David Croiser’s bakery is renowned as one of the best in Dubai. But the tourists having deserted because of the war in the Middle East, its clientele has narrowed. And getting supplies is also starting to pose difficulties due to the prolonged blockage of the Strait of Hormuz.
For now, David Croiser is coping, living on the stocks available in the United Arab Emirates. Huge hotels have closed, which had “10, 15 or 20 restaurants”a godsend for him, explains the baker. “All these restaurants were ordering chocolate, butter, cream. They are no longer ordering so the stock is for us. I think the problem will arise later, in one or two months”he believes.
The situation is more complicated for restaurants, particularly at the high end. “Complete change of menus, reduction of menulists this French woman who works in a company that supplies them. JI don’t know who is able to supply themselves correctly today. There certainly are, but at exorbitant costs. Some have found solutions from Saudi Arabia. We tried to have it delivered by plane but we are no longer at the same cost price at all”she points out. And according to the professional, certain products are in short supply, notably beef, often from Australia.
Even if tourists eventually returned, reassured by the cessation of fighting, or even by the quality of air defense in the emirates, “the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz remains a necessity”says this expatriate. She estimates that the sector will take one or even two years to recover anyway.
