Football and cricket legends are among the famous faces trapped in Dubai after Iranian missile attacks targeted the Gulf city, hitting airports and hotels. The strikes, launched on Saturday in retaliation for the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, also targeted locations in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait.
Dubai International Airport, the world's busiest by passenger traffic, was hit, along with the Fairmont Hotel on Palm Jumeirah and the Burj Al Arab. The United Arab Emirates closed its airspace, stranding many travellers, including high-profile sports stars.
Liverpool legend Graeme Souness posted a video from Abu Dhabi Airport, showing his cancelled flight and describing loud explosions. England cricketer Jonny Bairstow appealed for help on Instagram, tagging Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and the British Embassy. Tennis star Daniil Medvedev, who won the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship on Saturday, is also among those affected.
Petra Ecclestone, daughter of Formula One magnate Bernie Ecclestone, called the situation 'shocking' and said she endured 'one of the most scary, worst nights of my life'. Former I'm A Celebrity star Vicky Pattison also reported being stuck in Dubai after her flight to Sydney was cancelled.
