A Gulf in Communications

A Gulf in Communications

From When It Hits the Fan by BBC Radio 4

March 11, 2026 · 27 min

About this episode

The episode explores how Gulf countries manage their public relations amidst conflict, focusing on the use of social media influencers.

When your country's PR plan relies on the projection of safety and security, how do you keep that image alive when you're under attack? This week, David Yelland is joined by global PR expert Farzana Baduel to examine how countries in the Gulf have managed their comms since the start of the war in Iran. In Dubai especially, social media influencers have been used as foot soldiers in the reputation battle. But has the relentlessly on-brand, 'we feel safe' messaging been successful? David and Farzana explain why it depends which end of the PR telescope you're looking through. Producer: Duncan Middleton Editor: Sarah Teasdale Executive Producer: Eve Streeter Music by Eclectic Sounds A Raconteur Studios production for BBC Radio 4

People in this episode

Host: David Yelland

Guest: Farzana Baduel

Topics covered

  • public relations
  • Gulf countries
  • war communication
  • social media
  • safety messaging

Keywords

  • public relations
  • Gulf
  • Iran
  • social media
  • safety
  • communication strategy
  • influencers

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: BBC Radio 4

Places: Gulf, Iran, Dubai

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