Dubai influencers responded to Iranian drone strikes by posting the same scripted praise of their leader, and the backlash was immediate

Dubai-based social media influencers are sharing nearly identical pro-government posts, raising suspicions of a coordinated campaign. This is happening as Iranian drones have recently targeted the city. Content creators with large followings are responding to the attacks with what appears to be a unified, pre-planned message.

According to The Daily Mail, the videos follow a very specific format. They usually begin with questions like “Are you scared?” or “Do you feel safe in Dubai?” before showing images of Dubai’s leader, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, waving to crowds. They all end with the same line: “No, because I know who protects us.” One of these videos has received nearly seven million views.

This wave of pro-government content comes after Iranian drone attacks on the city. In one recent incident at Dubai’s airport, four people were injured, and passengers had to take shelter. Earlier, a drone strike hit the five-star Fairmont Hotel on the Palm Jumeirah.

The identical posts point to a paid government campaign, and the pressure on influencers in Dubai is very real

Many social media users have noticed how similar these posts are and have speculated that influencers are being paid by the UAE government. Some influencers have denied receiving payment. German TikToker @julisjoking posted a video rejecting accusations of being paid, saying her “payment” comes from the lifestyle she enjoys in Dubai. 

She urged her followers to “trust God and trust the government.” Another influencer, Bea Albero, responded to criticism by simply saying, “we are ok, I feel this way.” The UAE government has strict rules about online content. Influencers need a license to operate in Dubai, and the government has threatened prison for anyone sharing information that “results in inciting panic among people.” 

Authorities also cracked down on people who shared footage of earlier attacks, calling the videos “outdated images of past fire incidents.” The broader conflict continues to escalate, as the Iran war enters its third week with more U.S. troops deployed to the region.

Marc Owen Jones, an Associate Professor of Media Analytics at Northwestern University in Qatar, says the identical nature of the videos is “suspicious.” While he cannot confirm direct payments, he believes the trend likely started as a “paid” effort to promote Dubai’s stability. He also suggests that in an authoritarian state, people may post such content to signal patriotism and gain positive attention from authorities.

British influencer Ben Moss, who lives in Dubai, admitted he is more worried about being fined or jailed for posting the “wrong” content than he is about the actual missiles. He and his girlfriend moved from their apartment near Iran to a safer inland location when the first attacks began. 

Moss received a text from Dubai Police warning that “photographing or sharing security or critical sites, or reposting unreliable information, may result in legal action and compromise national security and stability.”

Despite the situation, Moss sees it as an “opportunity” for influencers willing to stay in the UAE for the “long haul.” He believes that people leaving could bring down property prices and create more marketing opportunities for hotels and resorts, and expects the market to recover within 24 months if the region becomes safer. On the diplomatic front, Trump’s refusal to negotiate a deal with Iran suggests the conflict is unlikely to ease anytime soon.