Rory McEntee, a 43-year-old British gym boss, has sparked controversy by declaring that war-torn Dubai is "still safer than London." This statement comes after he expressed frustration with the UK government for failing to assist him in returning to the United Arab Emirates, where he now resides.
A Stranded Expat's Ordeal
McEntee, who relocated to Dubai last year with his wife and two-year-old child after 17 years in London, found himself stranded in the UK following a visit to old friends. He landed in London on February 25 and was scheduled to return home last Sunday when conflict dramatically erupted in the Middle East, leading to widespread airspace closures and flight disruptions.
"I am surprised to have received no help from the UK Government," McEntee told the Daily Mail. "The UAE is helping all Brits that were stranded there when the conflict broke out, paying for their flights, hotels, food, and taxis. But there was no help provided by anyone in the UK for me, as a UAE resident, which I find strange, to be honest."
Zero Support from Authorities
McEntee emphasised his disappointment, noting that as a taxpayer for 17 years, he expected at least some support. Instead, British Airways merely offered a full refund or a booking on the next available flight. The conflict, involving Iran, the US, and its allies, has caused retaliatory strikes across the region, prompting thousands of Britons to flee. Many reported sleeping in basement car parks in Dubai during the initial explosions.
Despite this, McEntee insists Dubai is safer. During his week-long stay in Britain, he witnessed "constant petty crimes," including two phone muggings in broad daylight. He added that a female friend asked him to walk her home from the Tube due to safety concerns, and he observed "men in balaclavas whipping by you on e-bikes," describing it as "no way to live."
Quality of Life and Safety Concerns
"I moved to Dubai with my wife when we had a baby and realised the UK wasn't the place I wanted to bring up a child," McEntee said. "We also moved for a better quality of life, sunshine, career opportunities - and obviously the tax breaks are a bonus, but not the main reason for moving."
So determined was he to return to Dubai that he set up a GoFundMe page, raising £660 from the public to buy another plane ticket. He described life in Dubai as "business as usual," with people still dining out and visiting gyms, and claimed that "the majority" of British expats prefer to stay there currently.
Conflict Context and Government Response
The conflict has seen the US and Israel launch nationwide strikes on Iran, with Iran retaliating against Israel, US bases, and the region. The UAE confirmed being hit by a ballistic missile and six drones, following a barrage of 131 suicide drones in a "revenge" attack. Notably, the Burj Khalifa was narrowly missed in a drone strike last Sunday.
McEntee argued, "Like 90 per cent of the drones have been dealt with, so there's a feeling of safety in the UAE for me. It's definitely somewhere I'd rather be right now than London and having to deal with petty crime on a daily basis."
Meanwhile, the Foreign Office confirmed that 7,500 people have returned to the UK from the UAE since March 3, with over 140,000 Brits in the Middle East registering for updates. McEntee described his experience as a "state of limbo," spending days online and on the phone to navigate flight reschedules.
Broader Implications and Regulations
In a related development, the UAE this week threatened to jail Dubai influencers or anyone posting "misinformation" about the Iranian war. Under Sharia law, content deemed harmful to public order, national unity, or the country's reputation could result in severe penalties, including jail time or fines up to roughly £60,000.
McEntee's case highlights the complex dynamics of expat life during geopolitical tensions, raising questions about government support and perceptions of safety in urban centres worldwide.
