Officials in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are maintaining their usual composure after Iran launched retaliatory operations following attacks by the United States and Israel.
On 2/3, Dubai's government media office shared a video on social media. It showed UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, along with Dubai Crown Prince Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum and other government leaders, leisurely walking through Dubai Mall. They waved to staff and passersby.
The group of officials then stopped at an open-air restaurant, where they sat and enjoyed pastries and coffee amidst cheers and filming from residents and tourists. Patriotic music played throughout the space.
"Close to the people. Steadfast in leadership," the Dubai Government Media Office captioned.
This message of reassurance mirrors previous efforts by the UAE government. UAE leaders frequently appear in public, shaking hands and taking selfies with citizens to strengthen connections.
However, observers note that the long-standing image of the UAE as a safe destination in a volatile region faces challenges. This comes amid continuous missile and drone attacks by Iran.
Several luxury hotels in Dubai have caught fire in recent days. The force of explosions shattered windows in many apartment buildings. The international airport sustained damage, injuring 4 people and forcing its closure. At least 6 people have died and more than 100 were injured in Iranian attacks across the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman.
"Observing social media, you can see a lot of content aimed at reassuring the public and preventing panic," said Omar Al-Ghazzi, an associate professor of media at the London School of Economics. He believes the core message aims to demonstrate that life in Dubai remains normal and unaffected.
He added that influencers amplify this message. These individuals "walk around tourist areas in Dubai, saying that nothing is really happening and expressing that they feel safe in Dubai."
"UAE leaders do not want images of bombs and smoke to be etched into people's memories, and they do not want Dubai to be associated with any future conflict," he stated. He referenced the country's regulations restricting online content that could "affect the country's reputation, prestige, and dignity."
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The UAE president (in black) greeted a child in Dubai Mall. Photo: X/Dr_BuAbdullah |
Mira Al-Hussein, a research associate at the Alwaleed Centre at the University of Edinburgh, who specializes in writing about the Gulf region, believes the UAE president's mall visit is telling.
"If you look closely at the video, you will see no locals in the mall," she observed. She noted that many locals have changed their daily routines or avoided going out since the new wave of conflict erupted.
However, she believes the government's video is necessary for those who are anxious.
"It sends a reassuring message that they are safe and confident enough in their country to move around securely," she said. "The video worked."
Hong Hanh (According to Hindustantimes, AFP, Reuters)
