Former Reality Star Captures Terrifying Dubai Missile Strikes
Mikey Pembroke, a former contestant on the seventh season of Married At First Sight, has shared alarming footage of missile strikes raining down near his apartment in Dubai. The 34-year-old Sydney-based personality, who relocated to the region last year to work in high-end real estate, posted a video to Instagram Stories on Sunday describing the chaotic scene.
"I've Just Heard About 20 Explosions"
In the video, Pembroke confirmed that Dubai had been hit, stating, "All right guys, so I can confirm that Dubai has been hit. I've just heard about 20 explosions above my apartment building." He specifically mentioned that The Palm, an exclusive area of Dubai, was targeted, with missiles being intercepted overhead. Pembroke shared additional footage showing nearby buildings on fire and recounted seeing a missile flying "literally next to me," highlighting the immediate danger.
Background and Recent Move to Dubai
Pembroke, who was paired with Natasha Spencer on the reality dating series in 2020, has openly discussed his past struggles with alcohol before turning his life around. He moved to Dubai in 2023, praising the city in a November statement for its "spectacular" investment opportunities and quality of life. His new home, however, became a frontline in a broader conflict as Iranian attacks retaliated against US air strikes.
Olympic Champion Stephanie Rice Also Affected
Also caught in the turmoil is Stephanie Rice, the three-time Olympic gold medallist who moved to Dubai in November 2023. Rice issued an urgent plea on Instagram after the city's iconic Burj Al-Arab hotel was reportedly hit by an Iranian suicide drone, leaving the building ablaze. She wrote, "Please help me in praying for all my friends, loved ones and people in the UAE that they would be protected and feel a tangible sense of God's peace in this scary situation." Her post included a statement from the Australian embassy confirming missile attacks from Iran and one civilian casualty.
Widespread Attacks Across the Region
The attacks extended beyond Dubai, with the Palm Jumeirah hotel also struck by a suicide drone, injuring four people and prompting the evacuation of Dubai International Airport. Witnesses reported ambulances rushing to the scene. Suicide drones additionally targeted residential skyscrapers in Bahrain, while missiles launched from Iran hit US bases in Qatar, Kuwait, and Abu Dhabi. Dubai authorities attributed the fire at the Burj Al-Arab to debris from an intercepted drone, underscoring the severity of the situation.
This incident marks a stark contrast to Pembroke's earlier enthusiasm for Dubai's innovation and daily wonders, now overshadowed by the realities of geopolitical conflict affecting expatriates and residents alike.
