UAE safety has drawn global attention after billionaire Elon Muskpraised the country as “safer and better run” than many parts of Europe, despite rising regional tensions.

His remarks followed comments by Pavel Durov, founder of Telegram, who is based in Dubai. Durov said he had recently travelled to Europe but was eager to return to the UAE, describing it as “safer even with missiles flying.”

The statements came just days after Iran launched missile and drone attacks targeting major Gulf cities, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Manama. The strikes were reportedly in response to US and Israeli actions that killed Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Despite the attacks, both Durov and Musk publicly expressed confidence in the country’s stability.

Posting on X, formerly known as Twitter, Durov wrote that he had to leave Dubai for Europe a week earlier. However, he added that he was “not only missing the free fireworks from Iran, but also exposing myself to greater risk.” He further stated that, given Europe’s crime rates, Dubai is statistically safer, even with missiles flying, and said he could not wait to return.

Musk echoed similar sentiments. He wrote, “No country is perfect, but Dubai and UAE broadly are objectively safer and better run than many areas of Europe.”

The comments have since circulated widely online, adding to discussions around UAE safety as the region navigates ongoing geopolitical tensions.

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