A social media influencer has been detained in Dubai following the release of a satirical TikTok video that parodies the extravagant lifestyle of a wealthy Emirati in a luxury car dealership. The comedic skit, which features the influencer offering stacks of cash to bewildered employees and attempting to purchase a $600,000 Ferrari SF90, satirizes the opulent displays of wealth often seen in Dubai, a city renowned for its impressive skyline and extravagant attractions.
While Dubai is generally considered more socially liberal than other parts of the Middle East, with relaxed dress codes, readily available alcohol, and a burgeoning comedy scene, its laws prohibit speech, including satire and journalism, that is perceived as critical of the government or insulting to the United Arab Emirates.
The influencer, known online as the "Car Expert" and using the name Hamdan Al Rind, is a UAE resident of Asian descent with over 2.5 million TikTok followers. His now-deleted video garnered millions of views before his arrest. In the video, he wears traditional Emirati attire, including a kandura, sunglasses, and a surgical mask, while speaking English with a pronounced Arabic accent and issuing abrupt commands to dealership staff as his assistants carry a stretcher laden with cash.
He faces accusations of "abusing the internet" by disseminating "propaganda that stirs up public opinion and harms the public interest." The state-run WAM news agency reported that the video promotes a negative and inaccurate stereotype of Emirati citizens. The exact date of Al Rind's arrest and potential penalties remain undisclosed, and it's unknown if he has legal representation.
This incident follows a recent case where a UAE resident received a five-year prison sentence and a substantial fine for violating hate-speech laws after posting a video online. A 2022 cybercrime law significantly restricts freedom of expression and assembly, criminalizing almost any form of political dissent and anything that could tarnish the UAE's or its leaders' image. Human rights organizations have advocated for the law's repeal or amendment.
Ahmed Mansour, the owner of the car dealership where the video was filmed, stated that he believed Al Rind to be an Emirati citizen and permitted the filming. He acknowledged the divided public reaction to the video, with some finding it humorous and others offensive. Mansour expressed surprise at Al Rind's apparent lack of awareness of the law.
Al Rind, who owns a car dealership in the UAE, has previously produced satirical videos, including one where he portrays a wealthy Emirati buying cars for his four wives, in addition to car repair tutorials.
The UAE, home to some of the world's wealthiest individuals, is known for its extravagant displays of wealth. While some Emirati citizens have shared videos showcasing their lavish purchases and lifestyles, authorities appear to be more sensitive to such portrayals by foreign nationals. The laws against hate speech and public incitement aim to prevent anything perceived as exacerbating political, religious, or ethnic tensions in the diverse nation, which prides itself on tolerance and coexistence.
Another video under investigation involves two men in a luxury sports car stranded in the desert being assisted by a female Emirati police officer who miraculously produces gasoline. This incident further highlights the sensitivities surrounding portrayals of wealth and Emirati life.
