The recent Iranian missile and drone attacks on the United Arab Emirates have shattered the image of Dubai as one of the safest places on Earth, prompting a flood of social media content from influencers documenting the contrast between their lavish lifestyles and the sudden threat of war. Mike Babayan, a 23-year-old American day-trader and influencer with nearly 150,000 TikTok followers, was in a hookah lounge when he heard the first explosion. He later moved from his home in the Burj Khalifa to a residence further from the city centre, where he could hear explosions every 20 to 30 minutes.
Despite the attacks, many residents continued their routines, with Babayan noting that people were having coffees and walking around as if unconcerned. In his videos, Babayan sought to combat misinformation, such as an AI-generated clip of the Burj Khalifa burning, but also maintained that Dubai remained safer than cities like New York, Los Angeles or London, citing the ability to wear an expensive watch without fear of theft. The attacks came as Iran retaliated against US-Israeli strikes that killed over 700 Iranians, according to Iranian state media.
British travel influencer Will Bailey, who has nearly 500,000 followers, witnessed the missiles from a beach club where the DJ continued playing music as the nearby Fairmont The Palm hotel was engulfed in smoke. Other influencers posted videos from yacht parties, while one British entrepreneur complained about grounded flights, sparking criticism online. Babayan acknowledged that such displays can appear insensitive, but argued that influencers are simply documenting the surreal reality.
Dr Sreya Mitra, an associate professor of mass communication at the American University of Sharjah, noted that Indian social media influencers in Dubai are working to reassure family and friends back home, countering hyperbolic coverage from Indian news channels by emphasising that life continues as normal in many parts of the city. The UAE reported three deaths and 68 injuries since the conflict began, with most missiles intercepted or destroyed, though airports in Dubai and Abu Dhabi sustained some damage.
