Celebrities in Dubai Terrified by Iranian Missile Strikes on Palm Jumeirah
A host of British celebrities who have relocated to Dubai have shared terrified updates after being caught up in Iranian missile strikes targeting the iconic Palm Jumeirah. Luisa Zissman, Petra Ecclestone, and Love Island star Arabella Chi are among the group of stars expressing their fears, as they found themselves trapped in widespread revenge attacks across the Middle East following recent US airstrikes.
Scariest Night of Their Lives
Branding it the 'scariest, worst nights of our lives', many described the horror of hearing constant bangs overhead while sheltering in their homes as the strikes raged on across the United Arab Emirates. While reassuring followers they are currently 'safe' due to air defence systems intercepting most incoming missiles and drones, they emphasised how terrifying it was to listen to explosions throughout the night.
Luisa Zissman, who announced her move from the UK to Dubai last December to escape British weather and rising crime, led the celebrities in updating fans. Alongside a selfie taken outside, she wrote: 'Lots of messages re Dubai. Lots of bangs we are hearing. Stay safe fellow UAE gang.'
Petra Ecclestone's Harrowing Account
F1 heiress Petra Ecclestone took to her Instagram story to discuss the developing situation, stating: 'It was one of the most scary, worst nights actually of my life. I feel like us and the family have been through a lot recently for personal reasons. We came to Dubai to feel safe, and we finally felt like we were settling in, and now this has happened. So it's really kind of been a shocking turn of events.'
She added her gratitude, saying: 'But thank God we are safe. It was just really, yeah, not a great night. I hope everyone is staying safe and we shall all get through this. I just want to say thank you so much.'
Petra also expressed difficulty in explaining the events to her young children, Lavinia, James, Andrew, and Minnie, who are living with her in Dubai. She said: 'I don't have the answers to certain things, and that was terrible — just being asked what's going to happen next, whether it's going to stop, and hearing the bangs in the night. I think just trying to protect them and tell them that they're going to be okay. But then as a mum, obviously you don't have all the answers. So yeah, that was tough.'
Background of the Attacks
Iran has launched hundreds of missiles and suicide drones at Dubai as part of its onslaught across the Middle East, following the assassination of its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, by joint US-Israeli strikes. Smoke was seen rising from Dubai International Airport this morning, with blasts heard in multiple regional states. Tehran has vowed to unleash its 'most intense offensive operation in history' in revenge.
Yesterday, Iranian suicide drones hit landmark hotels, including the Burj Al Arab and Palm Jumeirah in Dubai, sparking panic among tourists. Explosions continued to echo across the city this morning, which has become a haven for wealthy British expats.
Other Celebrity Reactions
Petra's husband, Sam Palmer, used his platform to discuss the strikes, praising the military's defence efforts. He said: 'Thanks very much for the lovely messages. We are all safe, although something that hate of mine is when people say, stay safe, like as if it's an option. What do you think you can do, run around with a target on your back? I'm mad old night here.'
He added: 'I've got to say, it was a bit alarming when we had all the phones went off at 12:30 last night, and it had the message from the government, take shelter, the missiles incoming, et cetera. All you can hear is loud, loud noises of the missiles being intercepted, it seems, by the defense team doing an amazing job. So keep it up, lads. You're keeping everyone safe.'
Reality personality Arabella Chi explained that her brother, who was visiting her, is now stuck in Dubai until the situation resolves. She shared: 'I just want to say thank you so much to everyone who has messaged us. It honestly means more than you know. It’s such a scary time out here at the moment. The past 24 hours have been something I’ve never experienced in my life. We are safe — that’s the main thing.'
She continued: 'I don’t know if you can hear it, but the bangs are still going off as I’m recording this. We’re staying at home, all together. My brother and sister-in-law are here too. They were actually supposed to fly back to the UK today, but I’m sure those flights will be cancelled.'
Travel Disruptions and Further Accounts
Both airports in Dubai are currently closed, with flights suspended due to safety concerns. Authorities have advised residents and tourists not to attempt travel.
Love Island alum Sammy Root reflected on his poorly-timed visit, revealing it was his first day in the UAE when the strikes began. He wrote: 'First ever day in Dubai, get me out of Dubai immediately'.
Kady McDermott, who moved to Dubai in late 2025 to live with her partner Henry Simmons, also posted about the strikes. She said: 'Thank you for all of the messages asking about my safety it means a lot, scary times to be in the UAE and seeing missiles flow above your head. The UAE government are doing an amazing job at keeping everyone safe by intercepting the missiles. Everyone stay inside and stay safe through this scary time.'
The celebrities' accounts highlight the widespread fear and disruption caused by the ongoing conflict, with many expressing gratitude for support while urging caution during this volatile period.
