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Tesla CEO Elon Musk has said the UAE is “objectively safer and better managed” than many parts of Europe, a remark that comes even though Dubai it has recently faced missile and drone attack from Iran.
Musk’s comment was in response to a post by Telegram founder Pavel Durov who claimed that Dubai remains “statistically safer” than Europe despite Iranian missile barrages targeting the city.
Durov, who has been based in the UAE for some time, said he was due to leave Dubai for Europe a week early and was looking forward to returning.
He joked that the missile strike felt like “free fireworks” and said he was actually at greater risk in Europe because of higher levels of crime.
“Unfortunately, I had to leave Dubai for Europe a week ago, so not only do I miss Iran’s free fireworks, but I also put myself at greater risk. Given Europe’s crime rates, Dubai is statistically safer even with missiles flying. I can’t wait to go back,” he wrote to X.
Musk echoed the sentiment, adding that while no country is perfect, the UAE is “objectively safer and better run” than many European nations.
This emphasis on security is not limited to technology entrepreneurs and business leaders. It is also a factor increasingly cited by global sports stars who have chosen to settle in Dubai.
Australian fast bowling legend Brett Lee, who recently moved to the UAE, has openly said that safety was central to his decision. Calling life in Dubai “next level” and “amazing”, Lee explained that safety stood out above all else.
“What captured the essence of my move was a number of things, (mainly) safety. This is one of the safest places in the world, especially for women and certainly for children,” she said.
And he is not alone. Football icons Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra have also made Dubai their base. Tennis great Roger Federer owns property in the city, while Filipino boxing champion Manny Pacquiao received his golden visa from the United Arab Emirates last year. England cricketer Moeen Ali has also moved there to manage his franchise and coaching commitments.
