Expats scared to speak out about the scramble to leave Dubai: Families pay up to £100,000 for private jets while avoiding the social media police

dailymail ^ | March 4 | By JAMES FIELDING, SENIOR REPORTER

[RandFan]

Dubai expats have been flooding social media with posts insisting the country remains the 'safest place on Earth' - as frightened holidaymakers and British nationals scramble for flights home, with some families paying up to £100,000 for private jets to escape the war-shaken Gulf state.

The extraordinary online campaign comes despite Iranian missiles and suicide drones striking across the region, leaving airports disrupted, flights cancelled and thousands of ordinary Britons desperate to get home.

While the United Arab Emirates government insists its air defences are successfully intercepting most incoming attacks, the Daily Mail has learned that behind carefully curated Instagram posts lies a far more anxious reality.

Influencers are allegedly terrified to speak openly for fear of deportation, jail or losing their homes.

Speaking to one content creator in Dubai, the Daily Mail was told: 'People are scared to say anything negative.

'Influencers have huge followings and they know they're being watched. Many feel they've been warned not to create panic online.'

In the UAE, criticising the government, spreading rumours or damaging the country's reputation can carry fines of up to £200,000 or prison sentences of up to five years - followed by deportation.

The result, critics say, is an atmosphere where influencers and celebrities are careful to echo the official message that Dubai remains calm and open for business.

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TOPICS: Chit/Chat
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[RandFan]

Is Dubai done for? Look at the lines to leave....

[Fai Mao]

I doubt very much any of them are much danger.

[stanne]

Are these people like southeastern coastal people who refuse to to leave before a hurricane that’s been prdixted for two weeks? Bit just with tons of dough?

I think so

[MikelTackNailer]

The extraordinary online campaign comes despite Iranian missiles and suicide drones striking across the region, leaving airports disrupted, flights cancelled and thousands of ordinary Britons desperate to get home.

Where they'll actually be in MORE danger amid OTHER radical Islamists. Gotta love it.

[MotorCityBuck]

Oh. Our local Drama Queen has his Concern Face on. 😂🤡

[No name given]

Same here.

[Iron Munro]

It’s really not our problem.