Dubai-based influencers have turned on each other online after missile strikes linked to the escalating Middle East conflict sparked a fierce social media row. The glamorous image of the luxury hotspot has been shaken in recent weeks after Iranian missile and drone attacks targeted the UAE following US and Israeli strikes on Iran.
The attacks have killed several people and injured more than 100, with debris falling in parts of the country, including popular expat cities like Dubai. But while residents dealt with explosions and air defence systems lighting up the sky, a bitter war has erupted among influencers posting about life in the city. Some creators have faced backlash after sharing emotional videos or complaining about travel disruptions as the conflict intensified.
In one widely criticised clip, an influencer filmed herself from a balcony saying she was “so scared” and insisting the situation “wasn’t meant to be happening here”. Critics blasted her comments as tone-deaf, pointing out that millions of people elsewhere already live with the reality of war, according to The Tab.
Meanwhile, a British traveller on TikTok was slammed for moaning about cancelled flights and missed events after airport disruptions, prompting furious viewers to accuse influencers of being “out of touch” with the seriousness of the situation. Tens of thousands of Brits have left the UAE since the start of the conflict two weeks ago.
The backlash quickly escalated into feuds among influencers, with some defending the posts and others accusing fellow creators of using the crisis for views.
Meanwhile, strict laws in the UAE have only heightened tensions. Authorities have warned influencers they could face heavy fines of up to £200,000 or even prison sentences if posts about the conflict are deemed as damaging to “public order” or the country’s reputation. There have also been reports of at least 45 people of “various nationalities” having been arrested by police in Abu Dhabi for “spreading misinformation and filming and sharing event locations” over alleged footage showing attacks, reported The Mirror.
The warning has reportedly prompted several creators to delete footage of missile debris and explosions shared on social media.
Despite the growing tensions, some Dubai influencers have continued to insist life in the city remains safe and largely normal, posting videos showing nightlife, beaches and luxury lifestyles continuing as usual. This comes amid claims that some are being paid to pump out “propaganda” on behalf of the UAE’s leader, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
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