Social media influencers in Dubai have begun arguing with each other over the safety of the city as drone attacks continue. Tens of thousands of Britons have left the United Arab Emirates since the start of the US-Iran conflict two weeks ago, but many more have stayed, leading to disagreements on whether it is safe.
TikTok influencer Mitchell Armstrong, who has 31,100 followers, mocked those who left in a video. He claimed that those who stayed 'either profited off the war or made more money' and insisted his daily routine of visiting a sauna and steam room and enjoying his '$2.1million' apartment has continued unabated. 'No bombs, no crackles, no nothing, no missile interceptions,' he said, panning to the view of Dubai from his balcony.
Another influencer, known as 'Soudi of Arabia', criticised those who fled as 'very ungrateful' in a video with over 62,000 views. She described the conflict as a 'speed hump' and said: 'I still feel very grateful that I live in one of the safest countries in the world. Like, there is quite literally nowhere else I would rather be right now.' She added that long-term residents were staying while newer arrivals were leaving.
The UAE Ministry of Defence has reported intercepting 285 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and 1,567 drones from Iran. Meanwhile, police in Abu Dhabi have arrested at least 45 people for 'spreading misinformation and filming and sharing event locations' related to alleged footage of attacks.
