Panic in Dubai as Brits terrified they will be ‘punished’ – £200,000 fines | World | News
People warned about sharing images that violate UAE laws (Image: Getty)
Expats in Dubai continue to insist the city remains the “safest place on Earth” amid chaos where terrified holidaymakers and Brits are struggling to get flights back to their country, with some even paying hundreds of thousands of dollars for private jets.
After Israel and the US struck Iran on February 28, Iranian missiles and suicide planes have been attacking the country in the last few days, causing the country to retaliate and attack UK and US bases in the Middle East. Ongoing tensions affecting some of the world’s busiest international airports have resulted in a string of flight cancellations, leaving panicked Brits in a difficult situation.
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However, many people on social media claim that everything is fine for fear of being deported, losing their homes, or even being thrown behind bars.
One creator said: Daily Mail: “People are afraid to say something negative.
“Influencers have large numbers of followers and know they are being watched. Many feel they have been warned not to create panic online.”
Criticizing the UAE Government, spreading rumors or damaging the country’s reputation can result in a fine of up to £200,000 or imprisonment for up to five years, followed by deportation.
Dubai’s Media office issued a statement just hours after Iran’s first retaliatory missile strikes, claiming that “outdated footage of the past incident” was shared to spread fear.
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Influencers claim Dubai remains safe (Image: Getty)
He also announced that “legal action will be taken against those who publish or republish such content in violation of UAE law.”
The UAE’s The National newspaper also reported that it was “business as usual” in old Dubai and that “there were no visible signs of fear”.
Many influencers have been sharing their experiences while in Dubai, including Geordie Shore star Vicky Pattison, 38, who told her followers that reports of the city being “bombed” were “exaggerated”.
Former Apprentice contestant Luisa Zissman, who moved to Dubai with her family, described it as the “safest country in the world”. However, he also shared the news that he heard an explosion and said that he had prepared the basement in case of emergencies.
Many influencers also told their followers about their attempts to return home. Former Love Islander Laura Anderson, 36, flew to Edinburgh five days ago with her two-year-old daughter.
In a social media post, he said nationals, including British expats, deserve empathy rather than comparison with other people suffering or accused of tax evasion.
The TV star also showed his “utmost respect” for UAE officials in a social media post
He wrote: “I offer my utmost respect to the UAE armed forces and the UAE government for their rapid response in protecting us and the continued resilience of all expatriates and locals who are still in limbo.”
