Celebrities in Dubai Seek Shelter as Missile Strikes Hit City
Kate Ferdinand has revealed that she and her children slept in the basement of their Dubai home as missile strikes targeted the city on Saturday night. The former TOWIE star, aged 34, is among numerous celebrities and influencers residing in Dubai who have expressed their fears after being caught in widespread Iranian revenge attacks across the Middle East following US airstrikes.
Family Safety and Social Media Updates
Kate and her husband Rio Ferdinand, 47, relocated to the United Arab Emirates in August last year with their children Shae, two, Cree, five, and Rio's daughter Tia, 14. On Sunday, Kate took to Instagram to update fans, reassuring them of their safety after what she described as a very scary night. She wrote, Thank you for all of your messages and sorry for the silence, I haven't wanted to worry you all I just haven't been able to find the words. We are safe.
She praised the government's efforts, stating, The government are doing an amazing job of keeping it that way and despite my nerves I feel we are in very safe hands. Kate added that while the experience was frightening, her younger children found excitement in the basement sleepover. We are hoping for a calmer evening tonight, last night was very scary. Although Cree and Shae loved it as they couldn't believe we all got a sleepover in the basement, she shared.
Other Celebrities Share Their Ordeals
Luisa Zissman also reported retreating to her basement after hearing four massive explosions while at a park with her children. She described the situation as surreal and scary and expressed faith in UAE defence systems. Sharing activities to keep her children entertained indoors, she posted, Home baked bread rolls. Keeping the kids entertained and indoors.
F1 heiress Petra Ecclestone called it one of the most scary, worst nights actually of my life, highlighting the challenge of explaining events to her young children. Her husband, Sam Palmer, acknowledged the military's role in intercepting missiles, noting, All you can hear is loud, loud noises of the missiles being intercepted, it seems, by the defense team doing an amazing job.
Widespread Impact and Travel Disruptions
Reality personality Arabella Chi shared that her brother is now stranded in Dubai due to flight cancellations, while Love Island alum Sammy Root lamented his poorly-timed visit, writing, First ever day in Dubai, get me out of Dubai immediately. Kady McDermott, who recently moved to Dubai, thanked followers for their concern and urged everyone to stay indoors.
TOWIE star Amber Turner, currently in the UK, assured fans her loved ones in Dubai are safe. Meanwhile, explosions have been reported in multiple regional states, with Iran launching hundreds of missiles and drones. Dubai International Airport sustained minor damage, and flights have been suspended, with authorities advising against travel.
Background and Broader Context
The attacks follow the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with Tehran vowing intense retaliation. Iranian suicide drones have struck landmarks like the Burj Al Arab and Palm Jumeirah, causing panic among tourists and residents. The UAE's Ministry of Defence reported intercepting most incoming threats, though some missiles and drones caused injuries and property damage.
Kate Ferdinand previously discussed the family's adjustment to life in Dubai, noting that while the children are thriving, she misses the UK and her older stepsons, Lorenz and Tate, who remained in Britain for their football careers. She said on her Blended podcast, I feel like we've opened our eyes to a different world. But I love London, I love the UK. I love so many things about the UK. I do feel happy in Dubai, but I'm just missing a part of me.
As the situation unfolds, celebrities continue to share updates, emphasizing community support and safety precautions during this turbulent period in the Middle East.
