BBC star Luisa Zissman has sparked debate after claiming Dubai is safer than the UK, despite recent missile strikes in the region. The former Apprentice contestant took to Instagram to defend her decision to live in Dubai, criticising reactions from people in the UK.
Zissman reposted a video condemning those who mocked influencers in Dubai during the conflict, writing: "The English people living in England reactions and comments to us Brits living in Dubai has reminded me exactly why I left England to move here. It's really sad what's currently happening in Dubai, but trust me the UK is a worse state."
The comments come after the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran, prompting Iranian retaliation across the Middle East, including in the UAE. Zissman earlier shared that she was keeping her children indoors after hearing explosions near her home. She said: "We retreated and then heard another two. So now movie time in the basement. It's so surreal and scary but I have faith that UAE defence will keep us all safe."
The British Embassy has advised against all but essential travel to the UAE and urged Brits to "shelter in place". Despite the warnings, some British expats, including influencer Arabella Chi, have continued to post images of normal life, such as swimming pool outings and date nights.
Meanwhile, the UK has joined strikes on Iran and sent additional fighter jets to Qatar. Defence Secretary John Healey did not rule out British forces being drawn into a wider conflict, telling the Mirror: "It is the nature of conflict that you never know what might develop."
