As Covid cases spike, Dubai works to keep its ‘party central’ reputation

As Covid cases spike, Dubai works to keep its ‘party central’ reputation

As if the Boohoo online fashion company had not generated enough controversy in recent months, its bosses once again found themselves in the headlines last week for hosting a four-day meeting with suppliers in the luxurious surroundings of a Dubai hotel.The company's top executives had taken a private jet to the emirate for the get-together with the businessmen and women who supply their fabrics and manufacture their fashions, despite foreign office guidance that advises against all but essential travel.However, like the reality TV “influencers” who have been in Dubai churning out endless beachwear poses, the Boohoo bosses were able to travel because the outing was classed as a work trip and, the company explained, all those present adhered to all Covid safety protocols.Dubai is still hard at work, trying to carry on, even with its current spike in Covid infections. During working hours, like other financial hubs around the world, the Dubai International Financial Centre is still the domain of suits and pencil skirts. By night, it becomes the swanky playground of the emirate's glitterati, where chic restaurants and cocktail bars pull in the well-heeled movers-and-shakers of the Dubai business scene. The car park valets handle a steady stream of