Iran Strikes Expose Dubai Influencers’ Free Speech Constraints Amid Geopolitical Tensions
A viral video trend has emerged among influencers in Dubai, showcasing expats enjoying scenic views in the city. The videos often feature a caption questioning their safety amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly referencing the US-Israel conflict with Iran. The caption typically states, “No, because I know who protects us,” accompanied by images of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Emir of Dubai, and his son, Crown Prince Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum.
The reels are set to the melodramatic tune of “Papaoutai (Afro Soul),” an AI-generated cover of a song by Belgian artist Stromae. The lyrics convey a sense of longing and reassurance, asking, “Tell me, where is your dad? Without even having to speak to him, he knows what’s wrong.”
Social media users quickly noted the repetitive nature of these videos, questioning the influencers about their motivations for sharing what some perceive as propaganda. Gabriella Magalhaes, one of the influencers, responded by stating her investment in the region, while fellow influencer Ina Aogo expressed frustration over the uniformity of the posts, questioning whether influencers had received any official guidance.
Damage Control to Protect a Brand
Influencer activities in Dubai are subject to strict regulations. Since mid-2025, the UAE Media Council has mandated licensing for social media influencers, enhancing government oversight of their content. Following recent Iranian strikes on key infrastructure, the UAE government reminded residents and influencers that spreading unverified information is a punishable offense.
In response to the attacks, a public relations campaign was initiated to safeguard the UAE’s reputation, which has been cultivated over decades as a safe and luxurious business hub. Influencers play a crucial role in promoting this image.
While missile strikes occurred, some influencers continued to post content related to beauty and luxury lifestyles. Others shared their shock and panic, documenting their experiences as explosions rocked notable landmarks. Dubai International Airport sustained damage, and debris from intercepted drones caused fires at the Burj Al Arab hotel and outside the Fairmont hotel on Palm Jumeirah.
Authorities and PR firms have sought to mitigate panic by emphasizing the effectiveness of the UAE’s air defense systems. Reports indicate that the air defenses successfully intercepted nearly all of the 165 ballistic missiles, two cruise missiles, and 541 drones that targeted the UAE within a 24-hour period. The incidents resulted in minimal injuries, primarily from falling debris.
This narrative was echoed in influencer content. German reality TV star Aleks Petrovic cautioned his followers against “fake news,” acknowledging he heard several explosions but clarifying they were from intercepted rockets. The Dubai Media Office issued warnings against sharing outdated videos and images, stressing that such actions could lead to legal repercussions.
The UAE Public Prosecution announced that individuals posting or reposting footage from unverified sources could face fines of AED 200,000 (approximately €46,000 or $54,000) and imprisonment for no less than one year.
‘I Don’t Know What I’m Allowed to Say’
Reports have surfaced highlighting the constraints on free speech among influencers in Dubai. Influencers have expressed uncertainty about what they can and cannot share. Nathalie Bleicher-Woth remarked on her confusion regarding permissible content, while Zara Secret noted that she had to delete all her posts.
The population of Dubai has surpassed 4 million, with around 90% being expatriates. Despite minimal physical damage from the recent attacks, the psychological impact on the expatriate community could be significant. Jim Krane, a fellow at Rice University’s Baker Institute, emphasized the potential threat to Dubai’s economic model, suggesting that the city’s status as a safe haven for expatriates is increasingly in doubt.
Ultra-Wealthy Influencers Promote Dubai After Attacks
Dubai is also recognized as a leading tax-free haven, attracting entrepreneurs and wealthy individuals to invest in real estate. Various affluent public figures have taken to social media to comment on the situation in Dubai. Andrew Tate, facing serious allegations, shared a video of himself dancing in his garden, captioned, “Me in Dubai while the bombs fall.”
Malaysian commentator Ian Miles Cheong posted a video from a nightclub, stating, “It’s 3 am in a Dubai club right now and the place is alive. You can’t beat this city.” Pavel Durov, CEO of Telegram, expressed regret for leaving Dubai, noting that despite the current tensions, the city remains statistically safer than many parts of Europe.
Elon Musk echoed this sentiment, asserting that Dubai and the UAE are better managed than many European regions.
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Published on 2026-03-05 07:53:00 • By Editorial Desk
