Lindsay Lohan, Vicky Pattison and other celebrities have spoken out about being in Dubai during ongoing Iranian strikes, as tourists take refuge in basements while stuck in the country. Iran hit the United Arab Emirates and its neighbours on Saturday (28 February) in retaliation to a US and Israeli attack that killed Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The strikes on the UAE resulted in one death and several injuries after Dubai International Airport was targeted, while a five-star hotel in Palm Jumeirah caught fire when a projectile struck the area. Among the tourists taking refuge are British and American celebrities holidaying in the country, with many taking to social media to speak out about the crisis.
Freaky Friday actor Lindsay Lohan, who lives in Dubai with her husband Bader Shammas and their son Luai, announced on Sunday (1 March) that she was “praying for peace”. “Stay safe everyone,” she wrote on Instagram. “God bless us all.” Fellow resident Kate Ferdinand, married to ex-footballer Rio Ferdinand, revealed their family was safe after sleeping in the basement of their home. “We are hoping for calmer evening tonight, last night was very scary,” she said.
Strictly Come Dancing star Vicky Pattison, holidaying with her husband Ercan Ramadan, was forced to stay after her flight to Sydney was cancelled. “We are currently in our hotel and have been assured we’re safe,” she wrote. Former Apprentice star Luisa Zissman said her home was shaken by “massive bangs”, forcing her family to retreat to the basement. Love Island winner Sammy Root wrote: “First ever day in Dubai, get me out of Dubai immediately.”
Many British tourists have been left terrified by the attacks, with couple Alison, 71, and Gul Woodward among those affected. The UAE government has been praised for its efforts to keep residents safe by intercepting missiles.
