Fact Check: No, Dubai Did Not Host a Giant Santa Drone Show Near Burj Khalifa

Fact Check: No, Dubai Did Not Host a Giant Santa Drone Show Near Burj Khalifa

Dubai is globally known for its extravagant celebrations, from record-breaking fireworks to breathtaking drone displays. So when a video surfaced online showing thousands of drones forming a giant Santa Claus beside the Burj Khalifa, many viewers believed it without question. Captioned, “Here’s how Dubai celebrates Christmas,” the clip quickly went viral, amassing over 36 million views across social media platforms. It was even shared by Elon Musk, owner of X (formerly Twitter), further amplifying its reach and credibility.

The video sparked widespread praise for Dubai’s multiculturalism, with users applauding the city for its inclusivity, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence across cultures and religions. However, despite how realistic and convincing it appeared, the video is not real.

What Is the Video?

The widely shared clip is just three seconds long and shows a massive Santa Claus figure, seemingly made of drones, moving its hands up and down in the sky near the Burj Khalifa. The perspective appears to be from ground level near Souk Al Bahar, adjacent to Dubai Mall a spot frequently visited by tourists. People can be seen walking normally in the foreground, giving the impression that the footage was casually filmed on a smartphone, which added to its authenticity.

Why the Video Is Fake-

Despite its realism, the video was created using visual effects (VFX) and does not depict a real drone show. The creator is UAE-based VFX artist Fawez Zayati, who originally made the video in 2023.

In an Instagram story addressing the renewed viral spread, Zayati clarified, “Hey Elon Musk, my dear friend, I created this video 2 years ago, it’s fake.” He jokingly added, “If you want, I can do you next, instead of Santa.”

The video was first posted on Zayati’s own page in 2023, where it garnered over 18 million views. Although he clearly stated in the caption that the video was created using VFX and identified himself as a VFX artist in his bio, many viewers missed these details.

Backlash and Removal-

According to Zayati, the video received significant backlash for causing confusion. Despite transparency about its digital nature, many people believed it to be real. To prevent further misunderstanding, he eventually decided to take the video down.

His message to viewers was simple but important: “Take a moment, before you share.”

The Age of Misinformation-

This incident highlights a growing challenge in the digital age. Advances in technology have made it easier than ever to create hyper-realistic but misleading content and distribute it to millions within minutes.

At the same time, major tech companies such as Meta and X have scaled back or dismantled professional fact-checking teams, increasingly relying on AI systems or community-driven tools. On X, for example, Community Notes allow users to add context to potentially misleading posts. While helpful, experts have raised concerns about credibility, consistency, and the risk of public confusion.

In this case, Elon Musk’s visible engagement with the video  even a simple heart reaction was interpreted by many as an endorsement, reinforcing the belief that the footage was real.

The Takeaway-

The viral Santa drone video near the Burj Khalifa is a well-executed VFX creation, not an actual Christmas celebration in Dubai. While Dubai does host impressive events, this particular clip is a reminder of how easily digital illusions can blur the line between reality and fiction.

As misinformation becomes more sophisticated, viewers are encouraged to pause, verify sources, and think critically before sharing content no matter how believable it looks.