People out in the Dubai Business Bay area on March 4.
Photographer: Walaa Alshaer/BloombergIranian Missiles Shake Gulf Finance’s Image of Stability
Dubai and Abu Dhabi were long seen as havens in an uncertain world. Now, the cities are caught in a conflict with Iran that's impossible to ignore.
As Dubai residents sat on their balconies watching Iranian missiles being intercepted, London-based recruiter Ashwin Anil started getting calls and texts from prospective hires contemplating a move to the Gulf metropolis. Half of them were now having doubts.
“In a few cases, they have withdrawn from processes while they reassess things,” said Anil, who handles jobs in private equity, credit and venture funds. Companies, too, are reconsidering hiring there, he said. “A number of firms are continuing as normal, but others are taking a step back and rethinking hires or slowing down processes until they have a clearer view,” said Anil.