British expats in Dubai are reconsidering their lives in the emirate after Iranian missiles struck the Palm Jumeirah, shattering the city's image as a safe haven. The attack, part of escalating tensions following US-Israel strikes on Iran, hit the Fairmont hotel and prompted over 160,000 Britons to register with the UK Foreign Office.
Emma, a 41-year-old Londoner, was at a beach club when missiles were intercepted overhead. 'We saw the smoke and just thought — yeah, we'll go,' she said. She later registered with the Foreign Office, joining a surge of Brits seeking assistance. The strikes led to airspace closures, cancelling over 32,000 flights and stranding an estimated 300,000 British nationals.
Rob, who moved from London three years ago, said he and his partner want to leave but are stuck. 'The airspace isn't open. Exit via Oman is maybe the only option but even then flights are backed up for weeks.' His company advised him to stay put, though private jet charters to Muscat cost upwards of £80,000.
Peter Ferrigno, tax partner at Henley & Partners, said some clients panicked and wanted to flee, while others accepted they had nowhere to go. Neil Quilliam of Chatham House noted that Dubai had 'never taken hits like this before,' warning that the attack would challenge the willingness of businesses and expats to return.
Dubai, home to 240,000 Brits, has long marketed itself as a safe, tax-free paradise. But the missile strikes have exposed its vulnerability, with many now questioning the 'false sense of security' that once attracted them.
