Today Show Dubai Trip: Backlash Over ‘Out of Touch’ Timing
- Channel Nine's "Today" show is facing backlash after sending hosts Karl Stefanovic and Sarah Abo to broadcast live from Dubai.
- Stefanovic and Abo are reportedly staying at the Atlantis The Royal hotel in The Palm Jumeirah, where rooms start at $1,400 a night.
- Social media users have voiced their disapproval, questioning the appropriateness of promoting a lavish lifestyle while many Australians face hardship.
“Today” show hosts Karl stefanovic and Sarah Abo are under fire for broadcasting from Dubai amidst the devastating NSW floods, sparking outrage. Viewers slam the timing, citing the cost of living crisis and the luxury accommodations—rooms costing upwards of $1,400 nightly—as insensitive while over 32,000 people remain isolated. Social media erupted, questioning the appropriateness of promoting a lavish lifestyle when so many Australians face hardship. The hosts are broadcasting from the Atlantis The Royal hotel in Dubai while floodwaters devastate NSW communities. News Directory 3 reports on the unfolding controversy and the goverment’s pledged support for affected areas. Discover what’s next for the recovery efforts and the broadcast.
“today” Show’s Dubai Broadcast Draws Fire Amid NSW Flood Crisis
Updated may 25, 2025
Channel Nine’s “Today” show is facing backlash after sending hosts Karl Stefanovic and Sarah Abo to broadcast live from Dubai. The decision to showcase luxury accommodations in the United Arab Emirates while New South Wales grapples wiht devastating floods has sparked outrage among viewers.
Stefanovic and Abo are reportedly staying at the Atlantis The Royal hotel in The Palm Jumeirah, where rooms start at $1,400 a night. Critics argue that the broadcast is insensitive, given the ongoing cost of living crisis and the severe impact of the NSW floods, which have claimed five lives and affected thousands of properties.
Social media users have voiced their disapproval, questioning the appropriateness of promoting a lavish lifestyle while many Australians face hardship. One user wrote of their disappointment that the show would promote a $20,000 suite in Dubai while Australians are experiencing a cost of living crisis and over 30,000 people are cut off by floods.
Adding to the controversy, Karl Stefanovic’s wife, Jasmine, and their daughter harper, are also in Dubai, with Jasmine sharing photos of their luxurious hotel stay on Instagram.
The NSW State Emergency Service reports that more than 32,000 people remain isolated by floodwaters,with approximately 400 properties uninhabitable or destroyed. Recovery efforts are expected to be hampered by further rain and strong winds, with a risk of landslides and falling trees.
Premier Chris Minns, who visited Taree, stated the government’s commitment to assisting the affected communities. Hardship and disaster grants are planned, along with long-term strategies to improve flood resilience.
We’re persistent not to repeat the mistakes of the past, given we’re having more and more of these natural disasters.
Chris Minns, Premier
What’s next
The Bureau of Meteorology forecasts strong winds that could impede recovery efforts. The state government plans to provide hardship grants and improve flood resilience in affected communities.