Telegram's Pavel Durov says Dubai 'statistically safer' than Europe despite aerial strikes. Elon Musk reacts

Several users supported Pavel Durov’s position, arguing that public safety in Dubai remains strong despite geopolitical tensions.

Telegram founder Pavel Durov has prompted widespread discussion after stating that Dubai remains statistically safer than Europe, despite recent missile and drone attacks targeting the United Arab Emirates.

Writing on X, Durov said he had travelled to Europe a week earlier and regretted the move in light of recent events. “Unfortunately, I had to leave Dubai for Europe a week ago — so I’m not only missing the free fireworks from Iran, but also exposing myself to greater risk. Given Europe’s crime rates, Dubai is statistically safer even with missiles flying. Can’t wait to be back,” he wrote.

His comments followed a wave of missile and drone launches by Iran aimed at several Gulf cities, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Manama. The strikes were reported to be in response to military actions by the United States and Israel that resulted in the death of Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Unfortunately, I had to leave Dubai for Europe a week ago — so I’m not only missing the free fireworks from Iran, but also exposing myself to greater risk. Given Europe’s crime rates, Dubai is statistically safer even with missiles flying. Can’t wait to be back.

— Pavel Durov (@durov) March 1, 2026

Among those responding publicly was Elon Musk, chief executive of Tesla and SpaceX. Musk wrote: “No country is perfect, but Dubai and UAE broadly are objectively safer and better run than many areas of Europe.”

No country is perfect, but Dubai and UAE broadly are objectively safer and better run than many areas of Europe — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 1, 2026

The exchange quickly drew mixed reactions online. Several users supported Durov’s position, arguing that public safety in Dubai remains strong despite geopolitical tensions.

One user commented: “True! Sometimes traveling adventures make us realize that safety isn’t just about clear skies, but about the society and systems around us. Despite the tensions, Dubai remains one of the safer places compared to many European cities.”

Another wrote: “As a Dubai resident, I can confirm: even with the occasional ‘fireworks’ show, I’d take Burj views + zero street crime over Europe any day. Hurry back boss, the desert misses you more than the missiles miss their targets.”

A third user stated: “Totally! even with 700+ missiles/drones in the last 24h, Dubai on the ground feels completely normal. shops open, food/grocery deliveries running, no panic in the air. the leadership and defenses have handled this incredibly well, and people from 200+ nationalities are supporting each other like one team. realistically your chances of harm from everyday things anywhere in the world are still far higher than the actual risk here right now.”

However, others questioned whether recent events undermine Dubai’s image as a stable and secure destination.

One response read: “He’s not wrong on the crime stats. But I fly in and out of DXB regularly — the airport got evacuated, 70% of flights cancelled, Burj Al Arab on fire, Jebel Ali Port burning. Dubai was the one place in the Middle East where you didn’t have to think about any of this.”

Another wrote: “I get the dark humor, but missiles aren’t ‘free fireworks,’ they’re real risk even if interception rates are high. You’re right about one thing though, under normal conditions Dubai has very low street crime compared to many major European cities. Different places carry different kinds of risk, everyday crime versus geopolitical flare-ups. The key is proportional thinking. Europe isn’t a war zone and Dubai isn’t a crime haven. Both have strengths and vulnerabilities depending on what you’re measuring. Wanting to be somewhere familiar and stable makes sense. Just don’t let headlines, or gallows humor, distort the bigger picture of relative safety.”

Another commenter added: “I have met many rich people in my life, received hundreds that were looking for help, and the ONE thing they want is security. They are mobile, they want security, and they do not mind paying a bit more for security. On top of that, many options are available worldwide. This will change things for many people, absolutely.”

A further post stated: “Dubai is one of the safest big cities in the world, but saying all of Europe is more dangerous is an oversimplification. Some cities in Germany, Switzerland, or Finland are also extremely safe and have low crime rates. On the other hand, some major cities like Paris or London struggle more with theft and certain types of crime.”

Over the weekend, residents reported hearing multiple explosions as air defence systems intercepted incoming aerial threats above the city. Authorities later confirmed that a drone had been intercepted near the Burj Al Arab. Falling debris caused a limited fire on the building’s exterior. The Dubai Media Office said emergency services responded promptly and brought the fire under control. No injuries were reported in that incident.

In a separate development, an explosion struck a building on Palm Jumeirah, resulting in a fire. Four individuals sustained injuries and were taken to hospital for treatment. Officials confirmed that the blaze was contained.

The disruption extended to transport and commercial operations. Some travellers reported that Dubai International Airport (DXB) was evacuated temporarily and that a significant proportion of flights were cancelled. There were also reports of fires at Jebel Ali Port during the period of heightened tension.

Iran was reported to have launched 137 missiles and 209 drones towards the UAE as part of the escalation. Interceptions were also reported across other Gulf states, including Bahrain and Qatar.