Jamie McIntyre Responds to Andrew Tate: “Expat Entrepreneurs Have Better Options Than Dubai”
A fresh debate has erupted online after controversial internet personality Andrew Tate criticised people leaving Dubai, calling them “cowards” and defending the Gulf city as one of the world’s best places for entrepreneurs.
But Jamie McIntyre, founder of the Australian National Review, has pushed back strongly, arguing that global entrepreneurs and expats now have far more appealing alternatives than Dubai.
According to McIntyre, while Dubai has achieved remarkable success as a business hub over the past two decades, recent geopolitical developments and lifestyle considerations are prompting many expats to reconsider where they want to live.
“Leaving a War Zone Is Not Cowardice”
Responding to Tate’s remarks, McIntyre said the idea that people are “cowards” for leaving a potential conflict zone is unrealistic.
“Being in a war zone is no excuse to want to leave,” McIntyre said. “The UAE Government didn’t need to join a war against its neighbour, and should not have been so reckless to do so.”
He argued that individuals and families naturally look for stable, peaceful environments, particularly when geopolitical tensions rise in the Middle East.
“Don’t flee back to the West either,” he added. “But there are safer and nicer places to live.”
Criticism of Dubai’s Lifestyle Culture
McIntyre also criticised what he described as the cultural limitations of Dubai’s expat scene.
“Dubai has done some great things as a city,” he said. “But it also has a culture that revolves heavily around escorts, tax-dodging influencers and a population that is about 99% expats.”
He contrasted this with locations that have deeper local culture and more natural environments.
“And let’s be honest,” McIntyre said, “the climate there often feels like living on a Mars lunar base.”
While acknowledging Dubai’s impressive infrastructure and business-friendly environment, he warned that one poor geopolitical decision can damage a city’s global brand.
“One dumb move is enough to severely damage a reputation that took decades to build,” he said.
New Expat Cities Emerging
McIntyre says the bigger story is not about Dubai itself, but about new destinations competing for global entrepreneurs and remote workers.
He pointed to developments currently underway in Indonesia, including the emerging expat-focused coastal city projects such as Nesara Bay City in Lombok.
“These new cities are being designed specifically for international residents looking for freedom, affordability and a better lifestyle,” he said.
Projects like Nesara Bay City aim to combine eco-village living with tourism infrastructure, villas, and business hubs for international entrepreneurs.
Indonesia Rising as a Safe Haven
McIntyre also highlighted Indonesia’s increasing reputation as a safe destination for expats and investors.
“Indonesia has been rated among the safest countries if a global conflict escalates,” he said. “It has culture, affordability and natural beauty.”
He also noted the rapid growth of tourism and investment in regions such as Bali and Lombok, which are seeing increasing interest from international entrepreneurs.
“With Bali and Lombok attracting more global business people, and with the Indonesian President pushing plans to make the country a global business hub, it’s good to have choices.”
A New Era of Lifestyle Migration
According to McIntyre, the future of global living will not revolve around one or two mega-cities like Dubai.
Instead, he believes a new generation of purpose-built international communities will emerge across Southeast Asia and other regions.
“Dubai has competition now,” he said.
“And that competition is coming from places that offer something many people want more of today: nature, affordability, freedom and a genuine local culture.”
As geopolitical tensions and lifestyle priorities shift globally, McIntyre says entrepreneurs and expats will increasingly look beyond traditional hubs.
“The world is changing,” he said. “And new cities are being born.”
