Meanwhile, 11 migrant workers have died in attacks by Iran.
An aviation influencer has become the latest punching bag on the internet. Daniel Goz, known as Nonstop Dan on YouTube, told his more than 1 million subscribers that he was stranded in Asia after his flight to Dubai was canceled. He noted that some economy seats were available, but viewers quickly realized he was extending his stay because premium seats were sold out.
Goz was flying to Dubai from Bali with a stopover in Singapore when the attacks began, and flights were suspended. Commenters reminded him that he was not, in fact, in a crisis; he had the option of flying to Europe or the U.S., where he has family in Sweden. An array of viewers told him to fly economy—some were kinder than others, while one said he sounded “completely ridiculous.”
His privilege, especially during wartime, was called out. One person said, “Dear lord! The trials and tribulations of those poor souls who have the dreadful choice of either flying in scum-class or suffering an extended stay at a luxury resort in some obscure and uncivilized corner of the world. May god look upon them with mercy.”
After the backlash, he changed the title of the video from “There Are No Flights Left” to “Millions of Travelers are About to be Stranded.” He also cut it short by a minute and pinned a comment, saying, “I mentioned premium cabins because that’s what this channel usually covers. The bigger point of this video, that global aviation capacity has been massively disrupted and millions of travelers, families, students, people on work trips, will feel ripple effects, still stands.”
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Another influencer, Maddy Burciaga, came under fire for allegedly abandoning her dog in Dubai. Burciaga told her Instagram followers that she was going to Mauritius with her family, while the dog stayed back with the nanny because there was too much paperwork. The comment did not endear her to dog lovers, who slammed her for abandoning her pet. She later clarified that they are on holiday and have not left Dubai. “We didn’t flee Dubai, we went on vacation for a few days to escape the anxiety-inducing atmosphere there,” she said.
It may not have been Burciaga’s intention, but many have left their pets behind when fleeing Dubai, leaving shelters to take over. Influencers are at the center of this controversy once again.
The internet has little sympathy these days for those who choose to live in Dubai. Influencers are being brutally trolled and reminded of their selective outrage and tone-deaf commentary. Meanwhile, discourse—especially in Britain—holds that tax-evading people who moved to the UAE should pay for their own way out.
Sensitivity is also lacking in reactions to videos of travelers stuck in the Middle East. Luissa Zissman, an influencer who herself returned to the U.K., mocked people, saying, “Everyone in [UAE flags] seeing tourists talk in interviews like they just came back from the frontlines.” The social media influencer had posted that the UAE was safe and even called herself a refugee, minimizing the struggles of those who have been displaced permanently while she enjoys margaritas with her friends.
Related: Stranded in the Middle East, Travelers Resort to GoFundMe to Return Home
Social Media Smog
After the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran on February 28, Iran retaliated with strikes on Gulf countries. In the early days, influencers living in Dubai shared photos and videos of fires and smoke engulfing the city, which is known as a safe haven for expats. However, a new reality followed as the UAE restricted photography and sharing images of damage, and Qatar arrested more than 300 people for sharing images.
A wave of influencer videos now attests that Dubai is safe. One video, shared by various influencers, is especially widespread. It begins with influencers showing their aspirational life in Dubai with the text, “You live in Dubai, aren’t you scared?” Then, the text answers, “No, because I know who protects us,” accompanied by footage of UAE leaders. The shift in tone has baffled users, some of whom accuse influencers of posting state-sponsored content. Creators have denied these allegations.
@dalilalaaribi This is how the UAE payed me #dubai #dubainow ♬ original sound – Dalila Laaribi
Dubai has carefully cultivated a positive, inclusive image for expats and businesses for years. It extended its Golden Visa to attract content creators, who showcase the high-flying lifestyle but within strict regulations. With the war tarnishing this reputation, these influencers are now participating in damage control—whether by choice or not is anyone’s guess.
Meanwhile, 12 people have been killed in Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, UAE, and Kuwait—11 of them migrant workers. Yet much of the media’s attention has focused on influencers and travelers affected by the disruptions. The most vulnerable people in the Gulf countries are immigrants and low-wage workers, who may not have safe spaces to seek shelter or the option to hire private jets to escape.