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By Lydia Patrick
Life & Trends Reporter
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An influencer has hit back at criticism after sharing scenes of a carefree day in the Dubai sun—despite the UAE remaining under heightened security following a wave of Iranian missile and drone attacks.
U.K.–Dubai–based lifestyle creator and author Jade Marrey (@the.jade.life), 31, has defended herself after being accused of minimizing the severity of the conflict by continuing to post calm, beachy content from the emirate.
Earlier this week, Marrey wrote: “Everyone is panicking about Dubai… I’m currently sitting at Dubai Creek, kids running around with families, people enjoying coffee in the sunshine or strolling along the water. No drama or fear.”
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She added that Kite Beach was “HEAVING with people living their lives,” pushing back against claims she was glossing over a serious geopolitical crisis. According to her Instagram bio, Marrey splits her time between the U.K. and Dubai.
She later shared a serene Instagram Story from a beach sun lounger, a manifestation book by her side, captioned: “Beach is very much a vibe and everyone is just living their best life so all is well.”
Marrey clarified she is a sole resident of the U.K. but visits the UAE city over four times a year for the sunshine and lifestyle.
"Nothing about sharing moments of normal life is intended to diminish the seriousness of the conflict. But there is also a parallel truth: here in Dubai, people are still going to work, children are playing in parks, and neighbors are greeting one another as usual. Watching events unfold from another country can create an image that feels all-consuming. Being physically present offers a different perspective, one where ordinary life continues alongside global uncertainty," she told Newsweek.
Marrey, who has written a book called Stripped to the Soul, said she has registered for the U.K. government's regular travel alerts, and is choosing not to read international news, instead focusing on statements from the UAE.
She was supposed to board a flight on Sunday, March 1, just after the strikes started. Since, her second flight scheduled for tomorrow has been canceled.
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What Is Happening in the UAE?
Iranian Attacks + UAE Interceptions
Dubai—usually marketed as a safe, stable influencer haven—made global headlines after debris from an intercepted Iranian drone fell onto Dubai International Airport (DXB) and the famous Burj Al Arab, which broke out into flames.
According to the UAE Ministry of Defence, Iranian strikes have claimed three lives, and injured 58 people.
War broke out after U.S.-Israeli airstrikes killed Iran's longtime supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, over the weekend.
Since February 28, Iran has fired ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones toward several Gulf nations—including the UAE.
The country’s air defense systems intercepted the majority of incoming projectiles, though debris triggered fires, damage, and injuries in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
On March 3, a suspected Iranian drone hit the parking lot of the U.S. Consulate in Dubai, causing a fire but no reported casualties.
Travel Situation: U.S. & U.K. Citizens Warned Against Travel
U.S. Advice
The U.S. Department of State raised the UAE to Level 3: Reconsider Travel and ordered all non‑emergency U.S. personnel and their families to leave due to the continuing risk of drone and missile attacks and major disruption to commercial flights.
U.K. Advice
The U.K.’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) now advises against all but essential travel. British nationals in Dubai and Abu Dhabi have been told to shelter in place, avoid airports unless explicitly instructed, and follow local emergency guidance.
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Are Flights Operating?
Air travel across the region is still severely disrupted.
- Emirates, Etihad Airways, flydubai and Virgin Atlantic have resumed only limited repatriation flights, operating far below normal capacity.
- Qatar Airways has extended its suspension until March 6.
- According to Flightradar24, more than 12,300 flights had been canceled across seven major Middle East airports—including Dubai International, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Kuwait, Bahrain and Sharjah—by March 3.
Officials continue urging passengers not to go to airports unless their airline has directly confirmed their flight is operating.
Why the Backlash Against Influencers?
Dubai’s influencer‑heavy expat scene has long been drawn by tax‑free earnings, luxury living and a content‑friendly lifestyle. But now, the sight of intercepted drones overhead and sweeping travel disruption is serving as a stark reminder of the country’s geographical vulnerability within a conflict‑prone region.
Critics have accused Western influencers of presenting a sanitized, escapist version of life in an active conflict zone, leaving out the fear and uncertainty faced by residents experiencing missile interceptions overhead.
This frustration surfaced quickly under Marrey's posts.
“Missiles and drones are passing you in the air… you are normalizing war,” wrote Laura Stevens. Marrey fired back: “I am not normalizing war… I mentioned nothing about war.”
Others warned that Dubai’s calm can be deceptive, writing that life often appears normal “until it doesn’t.”
Some travelers, however, echoed Marrey's experience, noting that tourist spots remain busy.
“Sat in Atlantis The Palm and it is exactly the same,” one user commented.
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