Dubai influencers mock Brits fleeing war

Several Dubai-based social media influencers have sparked controversy after criticising residents who left the city during recent security tensions in the Middle East, labelling them “ungrateful” and suggesting those who remained have continued to profit despite the crisis.

The comments emerged as thousands of foreign nationals, including Britons, returned to their home countries following escalating attacks across parts of the Gulf region. According to UK government figures, more than 63,000 British citizens have left the area since the conflict intensified.

One influencer, Mitchell Armstrong, posted a video on the platform TikTok mocking those who fled the city during the attacks. Speaking to his followers, Armstrong claimed that people who stayed in Dubai had largely continued their normal routines and, in some cases, even benefited financially.

In the video, he said nothing had changed for him personally, describing how he continued his daily activities while living in his luxury apartment. Armstrong argued that those who left had panicked unnecessarily, claiming that many were now attempting to return after conditions appeared to stabilise.

His remarks came despite several recent incidents in which missile and drone attacks targeted locations across the Gulf region. According to the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Defence, hundreds of incoming projectiles launched from Iran had been intercepted, including 285 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and more than 1,500 drones.

Over the past two weeks, Dubai has reportedly experienced multiple security alerts, with attacks affecting areas near airports and parts of the city’s financial district. Videos shared online showed smoke rising into the sky following some of the incidents.

Authorities have also taken action against individuals accused of spreading misinformation. Police in Abu Dhabi announced the arrest of 45 people of various nationalities for allegedly filming sensitive locations and circulating misleading footage online during the attacks.

Despite the tense situation, some influencers have continued to portray life in the city as largely unchanged. Another content creator, Soudi, also criticised residents who chose to leave, describing them as “very ungrateful”.

In a widely viewed video, she said Dubai remained quiet and peaceful and suggested that the departure of some residents had reduced traffic and scams in the city. She also argued that many of those leaving were newcomers rather than long-term residents.

Soudi added that people returning to their home countries were exaggerating their experiences, saying some were acting as though they had been on the “front line” of the conflict. She insisted that despite the tension, she still considered Dubai one of the safest places to live.

Meanwhile, the regional instability has triggered wider financial and legal concerns among expatriates. Reports indicate that some wealthy Britons who previously lived in the United Arab Emirates have temporarily relocated to countries such as Ireland and France.

Their aim is to avoid becoming liable for UK tax payments by spending too many days in the United Kingdom during the current financial year.

Nimesh Shah, head of the advisory firm Blick Rothenberg, said his office had received a surge in enquiries from expatriates seeking guidance. He warned that some individuals may struggle to rely on the UK’s “exceptional circumstances” rule to avoid tax obligations.

As the conflict continues to create uncertainty across the region, the comments from influencers have triggered strong reactions online, with critics accusing them of downplaying security concerns and showing little sympathy for those who chose to leave for safety reasons.