A video trend is going viral among Dubai influencers: reels show expats enjoying scenic city views with the caption, “You live in Dubai, aren’t you scared?” followed by the answer, “No, because I know who protects us,” over images of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Crown Prince Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum. The clips use an AI-generated cover of Stromae’s “Papaoutai,” whose lyrics ask, “Tell me, where is your dad? Without even having to speak to him, he knows what’s wrong.”
Social media users noticed the uniform format and asked whether influencers were paid to post the content. Some creators denied being briefed or paid; others said they were simply investing in the city’s image.
Influencer activity in Dubai is tightly regulated. Since mid-2025 the UAE Media Council has required influencers to hold licenses, increasing government oversight. After Iran launched retaliatory strikes that hit key UAE infrastructure, authorities warned that “spreading rumors or unverified information in the UAE is a crime punishable by law.” A PR campaign seeks to protect the Emirates’ reputation as a safe, luxury business hub—an image influencers help promote.
During the attacks, some influencers continued posting routine beauty and lifestyle content; others shared frantic reactions as explosions shook tourist landmarks. Dubai International Airport was damaged, debris from intercepted drones started a fire at the Burj Al Arab, and there was a fire near the Fairmont on Palm Jumeirah. Authorities and PR firms emphasized the effectiveness of the UAE’s air defenses, saying they destroyed nearly all of the 165 ballistic missiles, two cruise missiles and 541 drones that struck the country within 24 hours, and that most harm was caused by falling debris.
This official messaging appeared in influencer content too. German reality star Aleks Petrovic urged followers to avoid “fake news,” describing loud nightly explosions as intercepted rockets whose debris caused bangs and falls. The Dubai Media Office cautioned against reposting old videos of past fires, calling such material false and misleading. The UAE Public Prosecution warned that sharing footage from “unknown sources” could lead to a Dh200,000 (€46,000) fine and at least one year in prison.
A report by NTV showed distressed German influencers in Dubai questioning their freedom to speak. Nathalie Bleicher-Woth said, “I don’t know what I’m allowed to say and what I’m not allowed to say,” while another influencer said, “We’re not allowed to post anything! I had to delete everything.” Those stories and reels have since been removed.
Dubai’s population has topped 4 million, with roughly 90% foreigners. Jim Krane of Rice University’s Baker Institute warned that the psychological impact on expatriates could harm Dubai’s economic model. “Dubai’s status as a safe-haven for expatriates and their businesses is in increasing doubt,” he told Reuters, adding that prolonged conflict would drive international capital to seek alternatives.
High-profile wealthy figures also posted from Dubai. Andrew Tate shared a video of himself dancing on his lawn with the caption, “Me in Dubai while the bombs fall.” Commentator Ian Miles Cheong posted from a nightclub, noting the city “alive” at 3 a.m. Pavel Durov, Telegram’s CEO, said he had left Dubai for Europe, citing safety and awaiting a return; Elon Musk replied that Dubai and the UAE are “objectively safer and better run than many areas of Europe.”
Edited by: Sarah Hucal