Dubai Influencers Engage in Public Feud Over Safety Concerns
Social media influencers based in Dubai have launched into a bitter public war of words against each other regarding their contrasting views on safety, as Iranian drones persistently target the United Arab Emirates city. This conflict emerges amidst a significant exodus of British nationals from the region following the escalation of US-Iran hostilities two weeks prior.
Divergent Perspectives on the Crisis
Tens of thousands of British citizens have departed the UAE since the conflict's inception, yet a substantial number have chosen to remain, sparking intense disagreements across social platforms about the actual level of danger. The situation is further complicated by allegations that certain influencers are receiving payments to disseminate propaganda supporting UAE leader Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Authorities in Abu Dhabi have reportedly arrested at least 45 individuals of various nationalities for spreading misinformation and filming or sharing locations of events related to the alleged attacks, highlighting the tense atmosphere.
Influencers Mock Those Who Fled
Among the most vocal critics of evacuees is TikTok personality Mitchell Armstrong, who boasts 31,100 followers. In a video, Armstrong mocked those who left, claiming that residents who stayed have either profited from the war or increased their earnings because they were "more locked in." He insisted his daily routine, including visits to saunas and steam rooms, continues uninterrupted from his $2.1 million apartment.
"Like nothing has changed for me," Armstrong stated, panning to his balcony view of Dubai. "While you guys were all running around acting like brokies, 'oh my god, there's bombs, oh my god, let's get out of Dubai', all the rich guys, all the guys making money, printing bread either profited off the war or made more money because we are more locked in."
He added that Dubai has experienced four consecutive days without incidents, questioning why people left and noting that many are now attempting to return.
Another Voice Joins the Fray
Fellow influencer 'Soudi of Arabia' also criticized those who evacuated, labeling them "very ungrateful" in a video that has amassed over 62,000 views. She acknowledged the city is "very quiet" and residents have "a little PTSD from the overhead noises," but described the conflict as merely a "speed hump."
"I just think they are very ungrateful," Soudi remarked. "Less traffic and less scammers, please. The best era for Dubai was 2015, so let's bring that back - if you know, you know. I seriously don't think people's home countries are any better."
She emphasized that long-term residents are staying, while newer arrivals are leaving, and mocked returnees for acting as if they had been on the front lines.
Evacuation Efforts and Broader Impact
The conflict has triggered what experts describe as the largest consular crisis since the COVID-19 pandemic. Air Charter Service has organized more than 70 evacuation flights from the Middle East, with additional departures scheduled. Initially, most charters were private jets to Muscat and Riyadh, but focus has shifted to larger aircraft for corporate and government groups.
Foreign Office minister Hamish Falconer confirmed officials are working continuously to assist stranded Brits, with over 168,000 registering their presence in the region. Evacuations have included high-profile individuals like property entrepreneur Samuel Leeds, who chartered a £150,000 private jet and sparked outrage by saying, "I don't know why everyone is not doing this."
Families such as Mark and Zoe Ruffels, who escaped with their children and friends, compared the experience to COVID-19 lockdowns but with the added terror of missiles. "It was scary seeing the missiles in the sky," James Pryor, part of their group, recalled.
The UAE Ministry of Defence reports intercepting 285 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1,567 drones from Iran, underscoring the ongoing threat as influencers continue their public dispute over the city's safety.
