Dubai rallies to preserve safe-haven image

DIRE: SEEKING OTHER NATIONS' HELP TO PROTECT OIL SHIPMENTS

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Dubai is scrambling to preserve its image as a safe haven in spite of Iran's onslaught, with influencers rallying behind the government's message as authorities crack down on those sharing footage of strikes.

For decades, the Gulf was seen as an oasis of safety in a tumultuous Middle East, with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) branding itself the safest country in the world and boasting of its very low crime rates.

But the image has now been shattered. Iran has fired over 1800 missiles and drones at the emirates, more than any other country targeted by Tehran in the conflict, upending its aura of tranquillity despite its air defence intercepting a vast majority of the projectiles.