Dubai Influencers Maintain Positive Image Amidst Regional Tensions
Dubai, a popular destination for social media influencers, has seen a notable shift in online content following recent Iranian missile attacks targeting the United Arab Emirates. While acknowledging the strikes caused alarm, many influencers have largely continued to post content showcasing the city’s luxurious lifestyle, prompting questions about the extent of self-censorship and potential external pressures. The situation highlights the complex relationship between online personalities, geopolitical events, and the desire to maintain a carefully curated public image.
Following the attacks on Saturday, March 1, 2026, some residents reported hearing explosions, with one individual describing a series of blasts occurring every 20 to 30 minutes. Despite the reported incidents, many influencers appeared to downplay the situation, continuing to share images and videos of everyday life in Dubai.
Mike Babayan, a 23-year-old day trader and influencer with nearly 150,000 TikTok followers, described a scene of normalcy even after the attacks. “Everyone just went back to their hookah and food a minute later,” he said, adding that people continued “having coffees, walking around like there’s no care in the world.” He temporarily relocated from his apartment in the Burj Khalifa to a residence further from the city center, where the explosions were more audible.
A recent trend on social media involves influencers responding to questions about safety in Dubai with videos featuring images of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Emir of Dubai and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, and his son, Crown Prince Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, Minister of Defense of the United Arab Emirates. These videos are often accompanied by an AI-generated cover of Stromae’s song “Papaoutai,” with lyrics translated as “Tell me, where is your dad?”
The coordinated nature of these posts has led to speculation about potential financial incentives or directives from authorities. Gabriella Magalhaes, one influencer who posted the video, responded to such claims by stating, “Paid? I actually invest here.” Ina Aogo, a German influencer, expressed outrage at the questions, asking, “Do you really believe we’ve received a briefing?”
Influencer activity in Dubai is subject to increasing regulation. Since mid-2025, the UAE Media Council has enforced mandatory licensing for social media influencers, strengthening government oversight of their content. This development underscores growing government control over online narratives within the Emirates.
Reports indicate that some influencers who initially posted about the attacks have since shifted to exclusively positive content. According to EenVandaag, they have been “tapped on the fingers” for their initial coverage.
The incident also raises questions about freedom of speech for influencers operating in Dubai, as highlighted by Deutsche Welle. The situation comes as tensions remain high in the region amid the ongoing conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran, as reported by The Guardian.
