The Misconceptions of Dubai Perpetuated by Influencers | by Chris McDonough | Oct, 2023

Ahh… the influencer.

The pinnacle of “living the dream” and “escaping the Matrix” draws those who wish to live a life of luxury. But what lies beneath this luxury?

Does the influencer only show that which is desired and positive? Are they too ignorant to understand the lack of sustainability this could bring?

Am I too ignorant to understand?

I have never been one to idolize an influencer. In fact, I pity some of them. Most of the time, these influencers seem to force or dramatize their personality for views and selling the experience. It is almost sad in a way- the inability to be yourself. Because who is going to watch that?

On the other hand, of course influencers force their personality. In a video, short, reel, whatever, it is crucial to keep your audience engaged and keep coming back for more. This is business after all. A lot of sacrifices must be made in order to sell this certain lifestyle. Even if those sacrifices involve you.

Regardless of my opinion on the influencer, the lifestyle they perpetuate can pose misconceptions regarding that which they market.

I recently came across a reel on Youtube from an influencer glamorizing her life in Dubai. She showed the beautiful architecture, expensive cars, and luxurious lifestyle she was living (Not to mention the lavish clothing she wore in the process).

However, Dubai is not necessary a place of luxury. Rather, it is a fools paradise.

Short History of Dubai

Dubai’s success begins with the discovery of oil reserves beneath the city around 1966. This attracted the attention of the British when Dubai began to heavily trade with neighboring nations and cities. This also attracted the attention of other Arab Emirates.

By 1971, these neighboring Emirates came together with Dubai to form the United Arab Emirates (UAE), allowing the potential for Dubai to increase in such drastic size, wealth and potential.

However, by 1985, Dubai began to pour billions of dollars into tourism. As any historian could point out, it is not sustainable enough to rely on one resource for wealth and power, even if that resource is oil. Just like the individual, it would be wise to have multiple streams of income to lessen the burden of having all your eggs in one basket.