UAE tycoon tones down criticism of US days after deleting his furious anti-Trump tweets
A rising tide of 'anger and frustration' is beginning to surface across the Gulf aimed at Trump's handling of the Middle East war, experts have revealed.Iranian missiles and drones have rained down on the likes of Dubai, Bahrain, Abu Dhabi and Qatar while the Strait of Hormuz has ground to a halt sending global energy prices soaring after US and Israel unleashed its campaign of airstrikes on Iran.Since then, there has been a mounting sense of fury within Middle East countries which, until just weeks ago, had been seen as regional safe-havens.This came to a fore last week when Emirati billionaire Khalaf Al Habtoor, a tycoon whose developments have influenced Dubai's skyline, took to X with an extraordinary outburst criticising the US president.In the posts, Al Habtoor accused Trump of placing Gulf states 'at the heart of a danger they did not choose', writing: 'Who gave you the authority to drag our region into a war with Iran?'And on what basis did you make this dangerous decision? Did you calculate the collateral damage before pulling the trigger?'And did you consider that the first to suffer from this escalation will be the countries of the region itself!'He continued, questioning President Trump's motive for the war: 'The peoples of this region have the right to ask as well - was this your decision alone? Or did it come as a result of pressures from Netanyahu and his government?'Thank God, we are strong and capable of defending ourselves, and we have armies and defences that protect our homelands, but the question remains - who gave you permission to turn our region into a battlefield?'Soon after, the critical posts were removed - with no explanation given. Khalaf Al Habtoor, a prominent billionaire whose developments have influenced Dubai's skyline, took to X last week to vent his frustration at the US president A smoke plume rises from a fire at Dubai International Airport in Dubai on March 16The tweets were instead replaced with ones hailing the UAE's 'beauty', as the billionaire wrote: 'How beautiful our country is this morning, with clouds filling the sky and the rains of goodness pouring down upon the land of the Emirates.However, Sanam Vakil director of the Middle East and north Africa programme at Chatham House told The Guardian many within the Gulf are furious.'This is the Gulf’s worst nightmare. There’s deep anger and frustration at the United States because this is not their [the Gulf states’] war, and yet they’re bearing the brunt.'Khaled Almezaini, an associate professor of politics and international relations at Zayed University, in Abu Dhabi told the newspaper: 'The perceived Iran threat to the Gulf only became a reality when the US declared the war – Iran did not fire first. There is strong condemnation of the Iranians but at the same time there’s a message to the Americans and the Israelis that, well, we have to find a way to end this. This is not our war.'The rulers of the Emirates have made no comments about the wider politics of the conflict beyond condemning Iranian aggression.They have, however, issued influencers or anyone posting social media content about the conflict with Iran that they could face fines of up to £58,000 or prison, deeming it harmful to the reputation of the state.In a Washington Post interview published on Wednesday, Al Habtoor toned down his frustration at Trump, as he attempted to pivot and place responsibility on Israel and Iran instead.Asked about his criticism towards the US leader, Al Habtoor said: 'I blame Trump, but I blame the Iranians more.''America is to be blamed because Israel pushed them to do this. But not as much as the Iranians.' 'We had no interest in this war. … This is a business country,' he said. 'We don't want anyone to kill our economy.'He claimed his post was simply an 'explanation' not an attack, adding he did not want to cause any problems. The billionaire was quick to praise Dubai as a 'jewel of the world' and a safe haven, adding that UAE leaders were working hard to keep residents safe.Al Habtoor admitted he received mixed responses to the posts, saying some well-connected friends warned him against taking aim at Trump.One friend, Abdulkhaleq Abdulla, a retired political science professor at United Arab Emirates University, reminded him both publicly and privately that the UAE Patriot missile defense system protecting them was bought from the US. While UAE leaders maintain a strictly defensive public stance toward the Islamic Republic, many privately share Al Habtoor's views, according to the Post. In response to the billionaire's now-deleted tweet about dragging the region into war with Iran, Middle East expert Andreas Krieg wrote: 'Literally, everyone in the Gulf is asking this question, quietly.'Another top businessman said the instability in the region is putting pressure on various sectors in Dubai and disrupting supply chains.Speaking to Bloomberg anonymously, he added that if the war goes on for longer than a month, many companies would face hard decisions about production and services. Middle East analyst Ryan Bohl added: 'Most of the Gulf States always knew that President Trump is going to be himself and not necessarily listen to outside influence.''But I think they are taken aback by how willing he is to take risks that impact them.' Residents have been warned against posting pictures or videos of damage. Pictured: An Iranian drone hit a fuel tank near Dubai Airport, sparking a massive fireRead More I was in Dubai for the last two weeks, this is what I saw... gnawing fear written on everyone's face The Gulf capitals have released public statements saying they are not taking part in operations against Iran and that their territory is not being used as a base for attacks.Analysts believe the oil-rich countries are collectively betting on staying out of the conflict, figuring the cost of direct involvement would be far higher than that of restraint.The UAE has cracked down on social media posts showing missiles, drones, or interceptions, in an effort to maintain the country’s image as a safe haven.Dubai officials have been telling people the 'big booms' in the sky are 'the sound of us being safe' as the UAE air defence system takes action. Over the weekend, UAE police released mugshots of 25 people arrested for sharing 'war footage' in the country. More than 100 people – including one British tourist – have been arrested and charged with spreading such information, facing up to a year in jail and hefty fines.In a statement posted on social media on Saturday, Dubai Police said: 'Sharing rumours, false information, or any content that contradicts official announcements or that may cause public panic or threaten public safety, order, or health is prohibited.'Violators may face criminal penalties, including imprisonment and fines of no less than Dh200,000, [£41,000].'The police also warned against taking photos of critical sites.'It may seem like just a photo... But to some, it's information. Do not photograph or share security or critical sites. Protecting them is a national responsibility that helps keep our community safe and secure,' the force said.Meanwhile, thousands of influencers have been parroting 'Dubai is Safe' propaganda while Iranian projectiles rain down on the country. Dubai has been targeted by thousands of Iranian missiles and drones since the outbreak of the war.On Monday, an Iranian drone hit a fuel tank near Dubai Airport, sparking a massive fire.Flights were diverted and roads to the airport were closed as a pall of black smoke could be seen from several miles away.After the fire on Monday, authorities quickly took to social media to reassure the public that the attack caused 'minimal damage’ and no injuries, referring to the fire as a 'drone-related incident'.
