As Iranian missile and drone attacks rattled parts of the Gulf, social media across the region has become a space for reassurance, solidarity and resilience.
On 28 February 2026, Iran launched ballistic missiles and drones at the United Arab Emirates following U.S.–Israeli strikes on Iran, with most intercepted by air defences though debris caused damage in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Yet across Instagram, TikTok and X, influencers, business figures and residents have responded with a common message: life continues.
Influencers emphasise calm and unity
Among the most widely shared responses came from Emirati content creator Khalid Al Ameri, whose social-media video highlighted the UAE leadership’s public presence in Dubai.
“If that doesn’t tell you everything you need to know about how safe we are in the UAE, then I don’t know what will,” he said in the video.
He pointed to footage of leaders walking through crowded public spaces as a symbol of reassurance.
“Here, the leadership sends its message by walking through one of the most crowded areas,” he said.
Al Ameri also criticised alarmist international coverage circulating online.
“All these news outlets around the world are sharing clickbait articles and spreading fear,” he said, adding that the UAE responds to crises “with calm and with people’s safety first.”
Viral “aren’t you scared?” trend
Across Instagram and TikTok, another trend quickly went viral. Influencers filmed everyday scenes of life in Dubai – cafés, malls and beaches – while responding to a caption that reads:
“You live in Dubai, aren’t you scared?”
The clips typically show creators continuing their daily routines, emphasising confidence in the country’s security systems and leadership.
The trend highlights how creators increasingly act as real-time narrators of events in the region’s digital ecosystem.
Residents echo confidence
The resilience narrative is not limited to influencers.
Some residents and expatriates have also taken to social media to express confidence in the Gulf’s security and governance.
“Listen to someone who’s been in the middle of it all and lived here for 20 years: the last 48 hours, Dubai’s been quiet. Don’t get me wrong—four days ago it was unnerving. Not the kind of sounds you want to hear in the sky. But life is returning to normal, fast,” posted Lewis Allsopp on Instagram. His instagram account describes him as an estate agent.
“You may have seen UK media questioning whether expatriates should be flown home—or worse, if taxpayers should pay. NO ONE HAS ASKED FOR REPATRIATION, NO ONE IS SEEKING TAXPAYER SUPPORT. Residents are fully self-sufficient—they pay their own rent, have their own medical insurance, and fund their lives entirely from the money they make in Dubai. No handouts. Everyone lives independently, “ the post adds.
Business leaders urge stability
Business figures have also used social platforms to call for calm and diplomacy.
Dubai billionaire Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor, chairman of the Al Habtoor Group, warned that escalation could destabilise the region’s economy.
He said real leadership requires “wisdom and the pursuit of peace, rather than war.”
Such messages reflect the stakes for Gulf economies that have built global reputations as hubs for finance, tourism and entrepreneurship.
Beauty entrepreneur Mona Kattan, co-founder of Huda Beauty, shared a message urging unity and prayer for safety.
“Now is the time to come together in prayer. Let us lift our voices for the safety of our loved ones, our families, our homes, and our communities,” excerpt from her insta message read.
This post framed the moment as one for community solidarity rather than panic.
Luxury entrepreneur Ebraheem Al Samadi, founder of Forever Rose, posted a strongly patriotic message supporting the UAE.
:“In times of uncertainty, character is revealed. My loyalty to the United Arab Emirates is not seasonal…We reject fear. We reject division. We stand united,” he said in his video on instagram.
His post circulated widely among UAE business communities.
Digital narratives in a time of conflict
The online response shows how residents and influencers alike are shaping a narrative of resilience.
Some creators documented the missile alerts and explosions. Others simply continued posting their everyday routines — dinners, workouts and family moments.
Together, the posts paint a picture of a region determined to project stability despite uncertainty.
As one influencer put it, moments like these reveal the strength of community and leadership.
“Out of 137 missiles shot at the country (UAE( by Iran, zero landed. Zero. Restaurants are open, hotels are open, including my hotel in Dubai,” says this insta video.” Tell everyone you know this is not a war between the Iranian people and the Emiratis. There are 500000 Iranians living in the UAE. This is war between builders and destroiyers. Those who wanna build bridges, buildings and cities and those who want to destroy them.This is our chance to stand with builders.”
