Dubai has reportedly been hit by Iranian missile and suicide drone strikes, according to major media reports. Amid this, thousands of ordinary holidaymakers are battling flight cancellations trying to leave Dubai, though the extent and main reasons are not fully known. In response, there is reportedly a wider wave of influencers defending Dubai online as the 'safest place on Earth'.
Influencers in Dubai allegedly face prison for posting material about the conflict with Iran, and they have reportedly been warned about legal consequences for posting about the Iran war. Influencers in Dubai are allegedly terrified to speak openly for fear of arrest or losing their homes, but how many have faced legal action remains unclear. Under UAE laws, damaging the country's reputation can reportedly carry fines up to £200,000 or prison sentences up to five years, followed by deportation, according to reports.
Samuel Leeds, a self-proclaimed property 'guru' who sells get-rich-quick training courses online, reportedly chartered a private jet from Dubai to Heathrow costing about £100,000-£150,000, as reported by major media. Samuel Leeds has been mocked online for his social media posts about chartering a private jet. He claimed the real reason for his departure was to run a networking meeting, not due to danger.
In a quote, Samuel Leeds said, 'To be honest, it's not even dangerous in Dubai. There's more people being stabbed in England, and being shot in America, than getting hit with drones in Dubai. Right, so the only reason we're going is because I've got business to take care of, and my flight was cancelled.
' He also suggested people trapped in Dubai drive to Oman and charter a private jet from Muscat airport, stating, 'If you're trapped in Dubai, it's very simple. Drive three hours to Oman, and then when you're in Oman, go down to the Muscat airport, and there's literally planes waiting for you. You can pay about £100,000, jump on a plane, and it'll take you straight to Heathrow.
' How many private jets are available for charter from Muscat airport, and at what actual costs, is not specified. Samuel Leeds reportedly moved to the United Arab Emirates to avoid paying taxes, according to major media. He claims to have a £20 million property portfolio.
Samuel Leeds's investment courses have been described by experts as promoting tax loopholes that may not exist, though specific loopholes and their legal validity are unknown. In another quote, Samuel Leeds said he is a global citizen with multiple residencies and bank accounts, giving him true freedom: 'If you have the money then getting a jet out of Dubai isn’t a problem. Don’t believe everything you see in the media.
I’m a global citizen with multiple residencies and bank accounts. ' The current official safety assessment of Dubai by international governments or security agencies has not been detailed in the claims.