A Pilates instructor stranded in Dubai after Iran missile attacks has sparked backlash for saying there’s ‘no drama or fear’ while flights remain cancelled and the FCDO warns against travel
The Pilates instructor snapped a photo from the beach in Dubai (stock image)(Image: NiseriN via Getty Images)
A Pilates instructor travelled to Dubai feeling “no drama or fear” but has now been confronted with a harsh reality check. Restrictions and increased security measures are currently in place throughout the United Arab Emirates following a wave of drone and missile strikes by Iran.
Numerous flights have been grounded after the decision to shut UAE airspace, leaving lots of travellers stranded. One influencer and writer has opted to focus on the positives but has faced criticism for seemingly downplaying the seriousness of the unfolding crisis.
Jade Marrey, 31, turned to Threads to provide an update on her situation. Several days ago, she wrote: “Very grateful to be in a hotel safe however the fact I was meant to fly home on Tuesday but ended up in hospital and missing my flight makes this so sucky.”
However, a more recent update has sparked controversy. The writer posted: “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.”
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office “advises against all but essential travel to United Arab Emirates”.
In the comments section, people were quick to voice their opinions, with many highlighting how rapidly her circumstances could deteriorate.
One said: “For now? What about tomorrow or the following day? Don’t feel too comfortable. Be alert. You don’t know what’s coming. Pray.”
Another said: “Day-to-day life often looks normal until it doesn’t. Hopefully it stays peaceful – but contingency planning isn’t the same as hysteria.”
A third commented: “At the same time my friend gets warnings to seek shelter… they are by the airport. Stuck. Just waiting to go home.”
While a fourth said: “War doesn’t knock on your door and give you a pamphlet stating the price of your new iPhone, it happens all of sudden, that’s why it changes your reality, that’s how it shatters your life. Displaces people and till then, everything seems fine.”
Someone else said: “I was just there. What you state is accurate. It is also accurate that missiles and drones are passing you in the air and some [are] being intercepted right above you. You are normalising war.”
Jade replied: “I am not normalising war, I am stating a fact that people are out and about with their kids and living their lives… mentioned nothing about war.”
In a follow-up comment, Jade shared a photograph of the beach and said: “Everyone calling me all sorts of names yet Kite beach is HEAVING with people living their lives.”
However, another Threads user understood Jade’s viewpoint and said: “Life goes on, even in a war zone. Days after the 7/7 [bomb attacks] in London were normal, we got the bus or tube just because we had to.”