Luisa Zissman Vigorously Supports UAE, Denies Influencer Payment Allegations
Luisa Zissman, the former Apprentice contestant, has once again publicly championed the United Arab Emirates, forcefully rebutting claims that she and other Dubai-based influencers are financially compensated for posting favourable content. The 38-year-old reality television personality, who moved to the UAE from the UK in December with her Irish millionaire husband Andrew Collins and two of her three children, has emerged as one of the most outspoken advocates for the Emirati government.
Safety Claims and Social Media Backlash
Last week, Zissman declared the UAE to be the 'safest country in the world', a statement made despite days of reported missile strikes and suicide drone attacks in the region. She has since returned to the UK, citing a pre-arranged work commitment, but continues her vocal campaign of support for her adopted home. On Thursday, she reposted a video from Dubai-based entrepreneur and influencer allaia.wealth, which featured the text: 'POV: The internet thinks Dubai is paying you to post content. Reality: You just genuinely love living here and appreciate how they keep everyone safe.'
Context of Fear and Legal Restrictions
This defence comes against a backdrop of reports suggesting that social media personalities in the UAE are often terrified to speak openly, fearing deportation, arrest, or loss of residency. In the Emirates, criticising the government, spreading rumours, or damaging the country's reputation can result in severe penalties, including fines of up to £200,000 or prison sentences of up to five years, followed by deportation. Many individuals who have left Dubai are said to be anxious that any negative commentary could permanently bar them from returning.
Dubai is estimated to host more than 50,000 influencers, attracted not only by the climate and tax-free status but also by a coordinated government initiative known as Creators HQ. This programme offers substantial assistance and advice for setting up businesses, further incentivising digital content creators to establish themselves in the city.
Contrasting Experiences: UK Visit and Ongoing Praise
During her current trip to the UK, Zissman has expressed dissatisfaction with London's crime rates and the weather. However, on Wednesday, she enjoyed margaritas with Carrie Johnson, wife of former Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Sharing a cheerful photograph with Carrie Johnson, her best friend Anna Williamson, and Lucie Cave, Zissman wrote: 'Being in the UK isn't so bad when I'm with my best girls drinking margaritas...'
Zissman had always planned to return to the UK this week to record episodes of her podcast, LuAnna, but decided to bring her daughters along due to concerns about potential travel restrictions back to Dubai. On Tuesday, she posted a clip featuring the classic bored Cillian Murphy meme, humorously addressing the panic some have felt about being trapped in Dubai. The text overlay read: 'Everyone in (UAE flags) seeing tourists talk in interviews like they just came back from the frontlines.'
Personal Reflections and Journey Details
Earlier that day, Zissman described herself as being in 'my refugee era, displaced from my home,' and admitted to feeling apprehensive about London's crime levels. In a video from Chinatown, she told followers: 'Back in Blighty... I'm really paranoid someone is going to steal my phone.' She then heaped further praise on the UAE, detailing her 'very, very easy' journey home via Oman, which took approximately 15 minutes at the border before flying from Muscat to Heathrow.
Concluding her update, Zissman expressed excitement about reuniting with her podcast team but lamented the British climate: 'Back with Team Luanna for the next two days and I'm very excited to see my crew, and I'm very f**king cold and it's very grey.' Her comments underscore the ongoing tension between her affection for Dubai and her temporary return to the UK, all while firmly denying any financial motives behind her positive social media posts about the Emirates.
