Richard Tice with Isabel Oakeshott

British influencers in Dubai are facing a backlash after claims some are refusing to register for evacuation help over fears it could expose them to UK tax scrutiny.

More than 130,000 Britons across the Gulf have logged their details with the UK government’s safety registration system as tensions escalate following US-Israeli strikes on Iran. But critics say some high-profile expatriates appear more concerned about tax status than missile strikes.

Missiles Above, Luxury Posts Below

The crisis has unfolded as Iranian drones and missiles have been intercepted over the Gulf, yet social media feeds from Dubai continue to showcase luxury lifestyles.

Videos circulating online show influencers partying in clubs or filming lifestyle content while air defences intercept incoming drones. Other clips use trending audio with captions such as “You’re in Dubai, aren’t you scared?” followed by footage praising UAE leadership.

Dubai-based analyst Amjad Taha told the Financial Times the reluctance to complete UK evacuation paperwork may have a surprising cause: fears it could “somehow turn into a tax form”.

Dubai’s Zero-Tax Magnet

Dubai’s appeal to British expatriates is simple — zero per cent income tax.

An estimated 240,000 Britons live in the emirate, according to reporting by the Wall Street Journal, making it one of the largest British communities overseas. Across the wider Gulf, roughly 300,000 UK nationals are believed to reside in the region.

The UK government has not ordered citizens to leave the United Arab Emirates but has warned against all but essential travel.

Political Row Erupts in Westminster

The controversy spilled into Parliament when Ed Davey criticised wealthy expatriates seeking protection from Britain while living abroad for tax reasons.

He singled out “washed-up footballers and tax exiles”, naming commentator Isabel Oakeshott, who moved to Dubai in 2024. Oakeshott pushed back, insisting expatriates still contribute financially and were not demanding rescue.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer stepped in to cool tensions, saying all British citizens would receive equal help in a crisis — regardless of where they pay their taxes.

Britons in Dubai fear leaving because they might get taxed

Feel sorry for people flaunting the law ?

Big pass.

13 minutes ago, blaze master said:

Feel sorry for people flaunting the law ?

Big pass.

They're not breaking the law, just don't want to pay tax which is their right if they live in Dubai ( I think!).

So some might say why should the British tax payers have to fund their return to the UK?

Perhaps the government should charge them for the flight, like a year's tax bill, lol.

1 minute ago, bannork said:

They're not breaking the law, just don't want to pay tax which is their right if they live in Dubai ( I think!).

So some might say why should the British tax payers have to fund their return to the UK?

Perhaps the government should charge them for the flight, like a year's tax bill, lol.

Are they residents of UK or Dubai ? Just because someone is living in Dubai does not mean they are a resident.

This needs to be clarified.

21 minutes ago, blaze master said:

Are they residents of UK or Dubai ? Just because someone is living in Dubai does not mean they are a resident.

This needs to be clarified.

That last sentence of yours probably hits the nail on the head! Clarification is the last thing they want.

2 minutes ago, bannork said:

That last sentence of yours probably hits the nail on the head! Clarification is the last thing they want.

Hence why they are "influencers" in a foreign country making money.