Apprentice Star Luisa Zissman Maintains Dubai Safety Claim During Missile Attacks
Former The Apprentice contestant Luisa Zissman has controversially asserted that Dubai remains safer than the United Kingdom, even as she shelters in her basement during ongoing Iranian missile strikes across the Middle East. The mother-of-three relocated to Dubai last December, expressing her desire to walk alone at night safely, but now finds herself amidst regional conflict.
Sheltering During Strikes
Zissman, 38, described hearing "two massive bangs" that shook her house, prompting her family to retreat to their basement for movie time. She shared a selfie on social media with the caption: "Lots of messages re Dubai. Lots of bangs we are hearing. Stay safe fellow UAE gang." When questioned whether she still believes Dubai is safer than the UK, she responded emphatically "Yes!" with heart-eye emojis.
She posted images of baking with her children to keep them entertained indoors, explaining: "We got itchy feet and went to take them to the park and literally as we went to step foot out the door we heard two massive bangs that shook the house, we retreated and then heard another two. So now movie time in the basement. So surreal and scary. I do have faith that UAE defence will keep us all safe."
Regional Conflict Escalates
The attacks follow the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, 86, who was killed along with four family members and two high-level military leaders in joint US-Israeli airstrikes. Iran has launched hundreds of missiles and suicide drones at Dubai in retaliation, targeting landmarks including the Burj Al Arab and Palm Jumeirah hotels.
Dubai International Airport has seen smoke rising, with both airports currently closed and flights suspended. Authorities have advised residents and tourists against travel, leaving thousands of British holidaymakers stranded in the UAE. The Iranian regime has vowed to unleash its "most intense offensive operation in history".
Mixed Reactions and Expat Life
Other Dubai residents echoed Zissman's safety claims in comments, with one stating: "Safer here than the UK!" and another adding: "After the inevitable dip UAE will come back stronger if you can wait it out." However, some questioned the assertion, with a commenter noting: "Went down to the pub today, loudest noise I heard was a car exhaust, kids and their add ons."
Zissman is among numerous British TV personalities and influencers who have moved to Dubai for its tax-free income and luxury lifestyle. Married to Irish businessman Andrew Collins, with whom she has two children, she also has a daughter from her previous marriage. The couple previously lived in a £7.5 million Hertfordshire mansion before their relocation.
Collins, who prefers a low profile despite his wife's public persona, made the Sunday Times Rich List in 2017 with an estimated net worth of £54 million from various online businesses, insurance, and energy ventures.
Broader Implications
The conflict has significantly destabilized the Gulf region, with explosions echoing across Dubai and panic among tourists. The situation remains fluid as Iranian revenge strikes continue following Khamenei's death after nearly 37 years of leadership. The ongoing attacks have raised serious safety concerns while testing the resilience of Dubai's expatriate community during this unprecedented crisis.
