The Russians aren't coming to Dubai

Dubai

RUSSIAN-SPEAKING clerks sit idle in the dozens of shops that line Dubai's Deira fur market, waiting for someone to come in and look at the racks stuffed with mink, sable and ermine coats. This was supposed to be the busiest time of the year.

"We knew the storm was coming, but we didn't realise how strong it would be," said George, a shopkeeper who says sales have dropped by about 70 per cent this year. The store hasn't sold any coats at the top price of US$100,000 after several were bought in 2013, he said, asking that his last name not be used to avoid helping his competitors.