Dubai authorities and influencers push ‘safe’ message as UAE cracks down on war footage sharing to protect its economy and global reputation.
DUBAI: The United Arab Emirates is mounting a concerted campaign to protect Dubai’s reputation as a secure global hub following a sustained missile and drone onslaught from Iran.
Authorities and social media influencers are rallying behind a unified message that the emirate remains safe, even as security forces crack down on citizens sharing footage of the attacks. Iran has fired over 1,800 projectiles at the UAE, more than at any other nation in the conflict, severely testing the country’s carefully cultivated image of stability.
Dubai-based influencers are showcasing strong support for the government. Kuwaiti-American reality star Ebraheem Alsamadi, known from “Dubai Bling”, stated in a video that he would stay despite US consular advice.
“This has been my home for the past 16 years and I’m not going to leave it in 16 seconds,” he said, calling the UAE “the safest country in the world, and nothing can change that”. Dubai’s official Instagram account, with 5.8 million followers, shared an emotional song reinforcing that “Dubai is safe, will always be safe”.
The push comes amid fears that prolonged conflict could inflict long-term damage on Dubai’s economy and its appeal to foreign talent and tourists. Roughly 90% of the UAE’s population are foreigners, a workforce crucial to its economic diversification away from oil.
Authorities are aggressively promoting an image of normality. In the early days of the war, UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was seen walking through Dubai Mall with a large entourage.
Major developer Emaar, which operates Dubai Mall, warned shops and restaurants against closing or reducing hours. A company note stated such actions “undermine public order, create unnecessary concern and adversely affect the reputation and economic standing of the United Arab Emirates”.
To control the narrative, authorities have moved swiftly against those sharing war footage. Dubai police warned against “sharing rumours” and “photographing or sharing security or critical sites”.
The UAE attorney general ordered the arrest and urgent trial of individuals for publishing videos of interceptions or “misleading, fabricated content”. This crackdown has drawn criticism from Western media and analysts.
Geopolitical analyst Ryan Bohl of Rane Network suggested the strategy “will backfire for specific audiences, particularly Westerners and others from democracies who are used to having freedom of expression”. He noted the UAE is “hoping the war will be short enough that people will not associate war with the country”.
The tourism sector, acutely sensitive to security issues, has seen visitor numbers plummet. Foot traffic at flagship sites like Dubai Mall and JBR beach has reduced to a trickle as tourists flee.
Bohl pointed out that retaining investor confidence is paramount for Dubai, which cannot rely on oil revenue. “If major investors… no longer believe that their investments are safe this would have a much more significant impact on the diversification plans of the UAE,” he said.
This week, many companies evacuated Dubai’s financial district after Iran threatened US and Israel-linked economic targets, underscoring the ongoing challenges to maintaining business as usual.
The Sun Malaysia
