Chris Williamson Faces Criticism Over Dubai Tour Plans

A reality TV star turned YouTuber, Chris Williamson, has found himself in the middle of a controversy after adding Dubai as one of the stops on his upcoming Self Discovery Tour 2026. The problem arises because, in the past, he had described Dubai in very negative terms on his podcast, calling the city “soulless” and “one of the most awful places on the planet.” These words have not been forgotten, and now his tour announcement has sparked strong reactions.

One of the most vocal critics has been Ahmed bin Sulayem, the chairman of the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC). He questioned why Williamson, who had once dismissed Dubai so harshly, is now planning to host an event in the city.

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Chris Williamson’s Journey from Reality TV to YouTube Fame

Chris Williamson first became known to the public through his appearance on the reality TV show Love Island. Later, he turned into a full-time podcaster and YouTuber, creating content that focuses on personal growth, self-discovery, and conversations with experts from different fields. His podcast, Modern Wisdom, has gained millions of listeners and made him a recognizable figure in the world of online content creation.

However, along with fame comes scrutiny. While his podcast is often known for thoughtful discussions, one episode in particular, where he openly criticised Dubai, has now returned to haunt him.

The Harsh Words About Dubai

In a past episode of his Modern Wisdom podcast, Chris Williamson had shared his personal views about Dubai. He described the city as a place with “very little soul” and even called it “one of the most awful places on the planet.”

For many people living in Dubai or those who admire the city’s achievements, such comments felt insulting. Dubai is often praised worldwide for its modern architecture, business opportunities, cultural diversity, and safety. So, Williamson’s blunt words did not sit well with many.

At the time, his statements passed without a major reaction. But the situation has changed after his recent tour announcement.

The Dubai Tour Announcement

Chris Williamson recently announced the locations for his Self Discovery Tour 2026. To the surprise of many, Dubai was included as one of the destinations. For a man who had earlier spoken so negatively about the city, this move raised questions about his intentions.

Why would he choose to perform in a city he once openly criticised? Was it simply for financial gain? Was he trying to reach his global fan base in Dubai despite his earlier opinions? These questions soon became the center of public discussion.

Ahmed bin Sulayem’s Strong Response

Ahmed bin Sulayem, chairman of DMCC, took to his blog to openly question Williamson’s decision. In his post, he expressed confusion and disappointment, pointing out the contradiction between Williamson’s past remarks and his present plans.

He wrote, “It is unclear what metrics you’re using to summarise what makes Dubai ‘one of the most awful places on the planet’. Not so awful that you’re returning for your Self Discovery Dubai Live 2026 event. Assuming you stand by your position, this questions the integrity of your own soul, but perhaps worse, shows an arrogance that you feel you can insult a city like Dubai and expect it to go unnoticed.”

This strong statement highlighted the anger felt by many in Dubai who believe Williamson’s actions are hypocritical.

Questioning the Integrity Behind the Decision

For Mr bin Sulayem, the issue is not just about words but about integrity. How can someone call a place “awful” and yet plan to make money from an event in the same place? He felt it was arrogant to expect people to forget such remarks and simply welcome the tour.

According to him, Williamson’s earlier words showed that he did not truly understand or experience what Dubai has to offer. And if that is the case, then returning for a paid event would look more like opportunism than genuine interest.

The Offer to Experience Dubai Firsthand

Despite his criticism, Ahmed bin Sulayem did not simply dismiss Williamson. Instead, he offered him a chance to experience Dubai properly before making any final judgments.

He wrote on his blog that Williamson’s earlier comments were inaccurate and removed from reality. To help him see the city differently, Mr bin Sulayem, along with his friend Kris Fade, a DJ and star of the show Dubai Bling, invited Williamson to visit Dubai and experience it through the eyes of locals.

This invitation was not just an act of hospitality but also a challenge. If Williamson had only seen Dubai through a limited lens, this would be an opportunity for him to learn more about the culture, the lifestyle, and the people who live there.

Dubai’s Global Image

Dubai is known around the world for being a hub of trade, tourism, and innovation. With a population now exceeding 11 million, it is a melting pot of cultures where people from more than 200 nationalities live and work together. The city is famous for its skyscrapers like the Burj Khalifa, luxury lifestyle, advanced infrastructure, and opportunities for entrepreneurs.

For many residents, Dubai represents ambition, progress, and modern living. This is why comments like Williamson’s are seen as unfair and dismissive.

A Clash of Views

This controversy highlights a clash of perspectives. On one hand, Williamson expressed a very personal, negative view of Dubai. On the other hand, Dubai officials and residents see their city as a place of pride and progress. When someone with a global platform speaks negatively, it can influence the opinions of others and hurt the city’s reputation.

Therefore, Williamson’s decision to now include Dubai in his tour appears confusing and contradictory to many.

What Happens Next?

The ball is now in Chris Williamson’s court. He can either accept the invitation to experience Dubai more deeply or continue with his tour plans as they are. If he chooses the former, it may soften criticism and allow him to present a more balanced view. If he ignores the invitation, the controversy may follow him into his Dubai event next year.

Fans and critics alike will be watching closely to see how he responds.

Chris Williamson’s decision to include Dubai in his Self Discovery Tour 2026 has stirred debate because of his earlier harsh words about the city. Ahmed bin Sulayem, chairman of DMCC, strongly criticised him for the contradiction and questioned his sincerity. At the same time, he extended an invitation for Williamson to come and experience Dubai in a more authentic way.

This incident is a reminder that words carry weight, especially when spoken by public figures. What Williamson chooses to do next will not only shape his relationship with Dubai but also affect how people view his honesty and integrity.