Picture of President Barrow speaking to journalists shortly after his project site visit. Credit. The Fatu Network
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Gambian President Adama Barrow has once again come under public scrutiny following remarks in which he likened Brufut, a coastal settlement, to Dubai.
The comments, which went viral on social media, sparked widespread debate, mockery, and criticism, while some supporters argued that the remarks were taken out of context.
In this explainer, DUBAWA examines the background of the president’s statement, public reactions, and differing interpretations surrounding the controversial comparison.
What Happened?
On Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, President Adama Barrow embarked on a day-long inspection tour of ongoing infrastructure projects across the Greater Banjul Area. The visit aimed to assess progress and the impact of government-led development initiatives on local communities.
During a stop in Brufut, the president expressed his satisfaction with the changes he observed:
“When I entered Brufut today, I left something else. I was very, very happy the way Brufut is. Brufut is just like Dubai, believe me,” he said.
President Barrow further remarked that Brufut now features modern houses that are not commonly found in Pipeline, a settlement in the Kanifing Municipality along the busy Kairaba Avenue.
The statement, extracted from a 17-second clip of a three-minute video, quickly ignited debate online. Reactions ranged from thoughtful analysis to ridicule, with critics accusing the president of misleading the public.
The short clip shared by The Fatu Network garnered over 403,000 views, 6,500 likes, 1,400 comments, and 188 shares, highlighting the scale of public engagement. Watch several videos about the comments here, here, and here.
Where is Brufut located?
Brufut is an old settlement located along the coastline in The Gambia’s West Coast Region, approximately an hour’s drive from the capital, Banjul. The area is known for fishing and tourism activities.
Once characterised by poor road networks, inadequate drainage, and frequent flooding, Brufut has undergone noticeable changes in recent years.
The construction of modern roads, drainage systems, and functional traffic lights has significantly altered the area’s landscape.
Brufut is also home to many high-income earners, including government officials, NGO workers, and real estate developers.
It hosts the Turkish and Moroccan embassies and features notable real estate developments, such as Brufut Gardens, which has been in operation for over 25 years.
A screenshot of Brufut’s location on Google Maps.
Public Reactions
Public opinion has remained sharply divided. Mustapha Njie, CEO of TAF Africa Global, a leading real estate developer and resident of Brufut, defended the president’s remarks, stating that they were meant to praise the impact of infrastructure projects funded under the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) initiative.
“There’s no denying the positive social and developmental impact this infrastructure has had on residents in urban and peri-urban areas,” he said.
“When an area becomes accessible with reliable roads, electricity, water, and telecommunications, investment in housing and community growth naturally follows. This is precisely what we’re witnessing along these new corridors.”
Mr Njie, however, stressed the importance of proper maintenance, including regular cleaning of roads and drainage systems, to sustain the improvements. Others were far less charitable.
One commenter, Bakary Njie, wrote: “You will be kicked out with your corrupt administration. The guy thinks everyone is sleeping like his supporters.”
Government Response
Speaking on Coffee Time with Peter Gomez on West Coast Radio, Dr Ismaila Ceesay, Minister of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services, said the president’s remarks had been misinterpreted.
He argued that Brufut has experienced a dramatic transformation over the past two years, largely due to improved road infrastructure.
According to Dr Ceesay, areas that were once flooded and impassable during the rainy season now have proper drainage, streetlights, and improved accessibility.
He cited three major road projects, Gamtel to Brufut, Wullingkama to Brufut, and Ghana Town to Brufut, as catalysts for increased private investment and construction.
Dr Ceesay explained that the comparison to Dubai was meant to reflect the speed and scale of development, rather than a literal equivalence.
Continued Criticism
Despite the minister’s clarification, criticism of the president persisted online, with some commentators questioning his understanding of the country’s realities.
“Sometimes we blame Barrow, but we shouldn’t. We should blame ourselves for listening to him,” said Husney Drammeh.
Others took a more nuanced view.
Musa Tamba suggested the president was simply being hyperbolic:
“One thing about the president is that he uses figures of speech in most of his speeches. We all know Brufut can’t be like Dubai, but the comparison was meant to show how beautiful Brufut has become.”
“He uses these literary devices, people misconstrue them, and then he gains public attention.”
However, Manding Ceesay described the remarks as heartbreaking, arguing that they distract from the daily struggles ordinary Gambians face.
“Food prices are unbearably high. Cement is too expensive for ordinary people to build a home. Hospitals lack equipment, and our youths have no jobs, no opportunities, and no hope.”
He called on Gambians to hold leaders accountable and demand better governance, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
“Silence will not change anything. Change comes from awareness, unity, and action.”
Conclusion
While President Barrow’s remarks were intended, according to supporters, to highlight infrastructure progress in Brufut, the comparison to Dubai has exposed deeper public frustrations about governance, economic hardship, and political communication.
For many Gambians, the controversy underscores a widening gap between political rhetoric and lived realities, one that continues to fuel public debate across the country.
