DUBAI, March 31: Demand for gold in Dubai has become even more subdued with the start of war in Iraq as fewer foreigners head to the emirate, the Gulf’s tourism hub, and gold prices fluctuate on war news, traders said on Monday.

They said jewellery demand in March was down at least 15 per cent from February, when sales were hit by pre-war jitters.

Demand was even lower in March because of the war. Fewer tourists are coming and shopping malls told us there were 30 per cent fewer shoppers, one trader told Reuters.

Earlier this month, the US and British embassies in the United Arab Emirates warned their citizens of an increased risk of terrorist attacks in the Gulf Arab state, particularly in entertainment venues in Dubai, due to the US-led war on Iraq.—Reuters