Trending Now: Michael McIntyre slams influencers and celebrities who moved to Dubai to ‘evade tax’ – Fans React

Comedian Michael McIntyre has taken swipe at individuals who have moved to Dubai to avoid paying tax, during a recent stand up gig.

Michael McIntyre has taken swipe at those who have relocated to Dubai to “evade tax”. Recently, tensions in the Middle East have escalated after Israel and the USA carried out a strike in Iran that killed its leader, Ali Khamenei.

In retaliation, Iran launched attacks on military bases and other targets across the region, including Tehran, Beirut, and the UAE, with missile and drone strikes reported in Dubai. The attacks have caused widespread flight cancellations, prompting the Foreign Office to advise against all but essential travel to the UAE.

The luxurious Emirates state, where personal income is generally untaxed is a popular destination for influencers, celebrities and other wealthy individuals. While Dubai remains an appealing low-tax environment – though not entirely ‘tax-free’ – regulations exist to ensure residents, including British expatriates, remain compliant.

Comedian Michael has now joked that he can “judge” those complaining about the situation, despite its “terrible” nature because he pays tax in the UK.

He said: “That is what people do [evade tax], I pay my tax and it’s a f*** of a lot, which means I am making loads. Anyway I can’t complain. Until I evade it, I feel like I am in a position to judge others.”

During a recent live show at London’s Soho Theatre, the 50-year-old added: “They have gone [to Dubai]… I know I should not laugh, ’cause it’s terrible what has happened. The drones have come, and you have got all these people who have made the decision to leave the country and they keep posting videos.

“They are going “Dubai is still the safest place in the world…We got shot at by 180 missiles overnight but only two got through…'” [I] still wouldn’t wanna live there. Would you?!”

People in the UAE were advised to stay indoors, with celebrities such as Kate Ferdinand and Luisa Zissman taking refuge in the basements of their luxury homes.

The British Embassy in Dubai is advising against all but essential travel to the UAE, while urging British nationals in the country to register their presence in the state, the Mirror reports.

Last week, the warnings continued as the UK’s Embassy in the United Arab Emirates issued an official notice instructing people to “shelter in place”.

An image posted on its X, formally known as Twitter, read: “Move indoors and remain inside. Follow the instructions of the local authorities. You should stay indoors or go to the nearest safe building. Stay away from windows. An interior stairwell or a room with as few windows as possible to offer additional protection.”

One of the first celebrities to comment was former Love Island star Arabella Chi, who told Good Morning Britain last week that she still felt “safe” despite the ongoing chaos.

She said: “Despite being scared, I do feel safe, so as it stands, we have no bags packed and we are not planning on leaving. Obviously, if things got worse, then I might re-look at that situation but I feel that they are intercepting everything that is coming our way so I don’t feel the need.

“My brother and my sister-in-law are stuck here, they were supposed to fly two days ago. They need to get back to the UK and hopefully there will be a solution to that soon but they’re here with us at the moment.”

There is no indication that the celebrities mentioned in this article relocated to Dubai to ‘evade tax’.