The British newspaper Daily Mail published a striking report titled “Dubai Is Finished”, stating that many expatriates living in Dubai are now announcing their intention to leave the emirate permanently and not return.
The newspaper quoted British residents in the United Arab Emirates saying that the dream that once attracted them to Dubai, living in a tax-free and secure city, has completely collapsed due to the ongoing war and the daily Iranian bombardment.
According to the report, Dubai, which is home to around 240,000 British expatriates, including well-known figures such as former footballer Rio Ferdinand, television personality Louisa Zissman, and model Petra Ecclestone, has become a major target of Iranian attacks. The report states that nearly two-thirds of the missiles and drones launched by Iran toward the region were directed at Dubai as part of retaliation against US allies in the Middle East.
The report also referred to three massive explosions that struck the city on Wednesday morning, injuring four people after two drones crashed near Dubai International Airport. Following the incident, several international airlines suspended flights to the region for weeks.
It added that damage was reported at the well-known Fairmont hotel on Palm Jumeirah. Western banks such as Standard Chartered and Citi also evacuated staff from their offices after direct Iranian threats.
According to figures cited in the report, six people have been killed so far, while tens of thousands of residents and tourists have fled since the conflict began weeks ago.
The newspaper also noted that authorities in the United Arab Emirates have begun pursuing individuals who publish videos of missiles or explosions. Charges of cybercrime were filed against 21 people, including a British citizen. Authorities warned that anyone publishing content contradicting official statements or spreading public panic could face penalties of up to two years in prison and a fine of 40,000 pounds sterling.
The report highlighted the spread of similar posts by social media influencers praising the Emirati government and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai, using phrases such as “I know who protects us”. The newspaper noted growing suspicions that some of these posts may be the result of pressure or financial incentives, while others have resorted to self-censorship out of fear of punishment.
The newspaper also included testimonies from expatriates. A British school principal said most of his British teachers had already left after suffering severe psychological distress. A Pakistani taxi driver who lost his car in a missile attack said he is planning to return to his country, stating that “Dubai is finished” and that tourism and business will not return to what they once were.
The report concluded that Dubai relies heavily on expatriates, who make up around 90 percent of its population. Despite official media campaigns attempting to calm the situation by describing the sounds of explosions as “sounds of safety” produced by the air defence system, the fear spreading among residents has not diminished.
