This is my wife, my son and me in Dubai in 2023.
And no, I’m not going to write that I’m “lucky I’m not there now” and turn this situation into something about me.
Yes, we were lucky to be here. But this post is about something else: a bit of nuance.
Over the past days I’ve seen many negative comments about entrepreneurs and influencers who are currently in Dubai. Many of them are young Dutch people who built businesses there and live a lifestyle that looks luxurious from the outside. Now some of them suddenly find themselves feeling caught in the crossfire of escalating tensions in the region.
Because they show a luxury lifestyle, some people think they shouldn’t complain or feel like victims.
But why not?
Does having money mean you cannot be afraid when conflict escalates around you?
Does success mean you are not allowed to experience uncertainty or danger?
I don’t agree.
The situation is serious. People are scared and understandably so. Some of them are sharing what they are experiencing in real time. Many of them are entrepreneurs, influencers and, yes, some of them are also my clients.
Their perspective helps us understand what is actually happening on the ground.
And no, this is not about politics on LinkedIn.
It’s about people. Entrepreneurs and creators who are living through this situation right now. That makes it relevant to talk about.
Please, let’s respect each other and avoid judging from a distance. People are not at war. Governments are. The only resistance most of us can offer is to keep living, keep connecting and keep respecting each other.
So to everyone around the world currently living with uncertainty and fear:
take care. We are with you in spirit.
