Fitness Influencer Flees Dubai Following Iranian Missile Strikes
Australian fitness influencer and former Aussie Rules footballer Thomas Baulch has hastily departed Dubai after the city came under attack from Iranian missiles and drones. The ex-athlete, known online as PrimeTrain, described the experience as "surreal" and "the craziest 72 hours" of his life.
Missile Attacks Interrupt Beach Day
Baulch was enjoying a day at a Dubai beach club when the attacks began. "Sitting at a beach club enjoying the sun, then hearing missiles and drones overhead, phone alarms to find shelter... that was all pretty surreal," he wrote on Instagram. Footage shared across social media showed air defence systems intercepting missiles, with debris landing in exclusive neighbourhoods of Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Suicide drones reportedly struck Dubai's iconic Burj Al-Arab and Palm Jumeirah hotels during the attacks, which were part of Iran's retaliatory strikes following US and Israel-led bombardment that commenced on February 28.
Rapid Return to Melbourne
The fitness trainer, who boasts over 177,000 Instagram followers, decided that leaving Dubai was the "safest move under the circumstances." He has since returned to Melbourne with his business partner Keenan Chapman. "Landed back in Melbourne this morning. Seriously wild when you have to pack up all your essentials and get out of a place," Baulch reflected.
He added that the experience had put everything in perspective: "Your issues, political views, f**** everything doesn't matter. I can't imagine what life would be like for those that have been living like that in countries at war for the past few years."
Recent Move to Dubai
Just months before the attacks, Baulch had enthusiastically praised his new Dubai home. In August, he posted a video from his balcony showing off the city view, declaring: "Thank you very much, Dubai, you are beautiful." His business partner Chapman had similarly expressed excitement about their new apartment, calling it "super special."
Baulch previously played football in the WAFL for East Perth, as well as in the NEAFL and VFL for Aspley and Port Melbourne before building his fitness influencer career.
Other Australian Sports Stars in Dubai
Baulch isn't the only high-profile Australian athlete affected by the situation in the Persian Gulf. Cricket legend Brett Lee had recently relocated his family to Dubai, describing it as "one of the safest places in the world" for women and children just weeks before the attacks.
Three-time Olympic gold medallist swimmer Stephanie Rice, who moved to Dubai in November 2023, issued an urgent plea on social media after the attacks: "Please help me in praying for all my friends, loved ones and people in the UAE that they would be protected."
Controversial History and Mixed Reactions
Baulch has a history of creating controversy, including a January Instagram post where he told male followers to unfollow female influencers, equating the practice to pornography usage. Critics described this as a dangerous anti-women rant promoting toxic masculinity.
Following his decision to flee Dubai, some followers wished him well while others questioned his initial move to the United Arab Emirates. One commenter remarked: "Thought it was the place to be."
Diverging Perspectives on Safety
Despite the attacks, Australian billionaire Adrian Portelli has stated he feels safer with his young family in Dubai than he did in Melbourne. "Guess what? I do feel safer here," he said, downplaying the severity of the situation: "There's a few explosions here and there, they rattle the house, but big s***. It looks worse on media and socials than what it actually is."
The contrasting experiences highlight the complex reality for expatriates in the region as geopolitical tensions continue to affect daily life in what many had considered a secure luxury destination.
