Luisa Zissman, Petra Ecclestone, and Love Island stars post about ‘scariest, worst nights of our lives’ as they’re caught up in Iranian missile strikes in Dubai
A host of celebrities who have moved to Dubai have shared terrified updates after getting caught up in Iranian missile strikes on the famous Palm Jumeirah.
Luisa Zissman, Petra Ecclestone and Love Island star Arabella Chi are among a group of stars who have shared their fears, after being stuck in widespread revenge attacks across the Middle East following US airstrikes.
Branding it the ‘scariest, worst nights of our lives’, many spoke of how scared they were hearing the constant bangs overhead, while sheltering in their homes as the strikes rage on across the UAE.
While reassuring their followers that they are currently ‘safe’ as the air defence systems intercept the vast majority of incoming missiles and drones, they implored how scary it was to listen to the explosions all night long.
Luisa Zissman, who announced in December last year she was relocating from the UK to Dubai with her family and horses to escape the British weather and rising crime, led the celebs updating fans about the current circumstances.
Alongside a selfie of her taken outside, Luisa wrote: ‘Lots of messages re Dubai. Lots of bangs we are hearing. Stay safe fellow UAE gang.’
Taking her to Instagram story to talk about the developing situation, F1 heiress Petra Ecclestone, said: ‘It was one of the most scary, worst nights actually of my life.
‘I feel like us and the family have been through a lot recently for personal reasons. We came to Dubai to feel safe, and we finally felt like we were settling in, and now this has happened. So it’s really kind of been a shocking turn of events.
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Luisa Zissman (pictured), Petra Ecclestone and Love Island star Arabella Chi are among a group of stars who have shared their fears, after being stuck in widespread revenge attacks across the Middle East following US airstrikes
Taking her to Instagram story to talk about the developing situation, F1 heiress Petra Ecclestone, said: ‘It was one of the most scary, worst nights actually of my life’
‘But thank God we are safe. It was just really, yeah, not a great night. I hope everyone is staying safe and we shall all get through this. I just want to say thank you so much.’
Petra went on to say she doesn’t know how to explain what is happening to her young children, Lavinia, James, Andrew and Minnie, who are living with her in Dubai.
She said: ‘I don’t have the answers to certain things, and that was terrible — just being asked what’s going to happen next, whether it’s going to stop, and hearing the bangs in the night.
‘I think just trying to protect them and tell them that they’re going to be okay. But then as a mum, obviously you don’t have all the answers. So yeah, that was tough.
‘I can’t even imagine other people in history who have gone through wars and had to live through it day to day, like my dad, and this just being normal life. And then kids having to go to school with that sort of anxiety and worry. It was quite an eye-opening experience last night.’
Iran has so far launched hundreds of missiles and suicide drones at Dubai as it continues its onslaught across the Middle East after the assassination of its Supreme Leader.
Smoke was rising from Dubai International Airport this morning and blasts heard in a number of regional states, with Iran vowing to unleash its ‘most intense offensive operation in history’.
Tehran is launching revenge strikes after confirming Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had been killed by joint US-Israeli strikes, along with four of his family members and at least two high level military leaders.
Yesterday, Iranian suicide drones hit landmark hotels the Burj Al Arab and Palm Jumeirah in Dubai, sparking panic among tourists.
Explosions were again this morning echoing across the city, which has become a haven for wealthy British expats, as it suffers renewed attacks.
Petra’s husband Sam Palmer also used his platform to discuss the strikes, telling his followers that the military were doing a great job of defending the area.
He said: ‘Thanks very much for the lovely messages. We are all safe, although something that hate of mine is when people say, stay safe, like as if it’s an option. What do you think you can do, run around with a target on your back?
‘I’ve got to say, it was a bit alarming when we had all the phones went off at 12:30 last night, and it had the message from the government, take shelter, the missiles incoming, et cetera. All you can hear is loud, loud noises of the missiles being intercepted, it seems, by the defense team doing an amazing job. So keep it up, lads. You’re keeping everyone safe.
Petra’s husband Sam Palmer also used his platform to discuss the strikes, telling his followers that the military were doing a great job of defending the area
Reality personality Arabella has explained that her brother who was visiting her is now stuck in Dubai until the situation is resolved
Reality personality Arabella has explained that her brother who was visiting her is now stuck in Dubai until the situation is resolved
‘I know it looks worse on the news, but yeah, it is scary. The kids are scared. We’re scared. I’ve never been in a missile attack before. Hopefully it’s all over very, very soon. But thank you for your lovely, lovely messages.
‘It’s nice to know you care. Maybe it’s because I make you laugh. Anyway, stay safe. Text someone today, stay safe, because then they have to delete that message out of the thousands. Stay safe. Thanks.’
Both airports in Dubai are currently closed and flights are suspended due to safety concerns, authorities have told residents and tourists not to attempt to travel.
Reality personality Arabella has explained that her brother who was visiting her is now stuck in Dubai until the situation is resolved.
Sharing her own take, she said: ‘I just want to say thank you so much to everyone who has messaged us. It honestly means more than you know.
‘It’s such a scary time out here at the moment. The past 24 hours have been something I’ve never experienced in my life. We are safe — that’s the main thing. I don’t know if you can hear it, but the bangs are still going off as I’m recording this. We’re staying at home, all together. My brother and sister-in-law are here too. They were actually supposed to fly back to the UK today, but I’m sure those flights will be cancelled.
‘It really puts so much into perspective. It’s frightening — and I know I keep saying that — but it is. When it’s the unknown, and you can hear everything from your house, it’s impossible not to feel scared. Last night we could actually see them not far from where we live, and it was petrifying.
‘Gigi is at an age where she doesn’t understand what’s going on, which is such a blessing. I know so many friends whose children do understand, and my heart goes out to them.
‘To anyone else in Dubai who follows me, all we can really do is support each other and be there for one another during this time. We’re taking every precaution we can and just staying inside together.
‘But truly — thank you to everyone who has reached out. The messages, the love, the support… it doesn’t go unnoticed. It means everything.’
Love Island alum Sammy Root reflected on his poorly-timed visit to Dubai as he revealed it was his first day in the UAE when the strikes began
Kady McDermott, who moved to Dubai, confirming her relocation in late 2025 to live with her on-again-off-again partner, Henry Simmons, also posted about the strikes
Love Island alum Sammy Root reflected on his poorly-timed visit to Dubai as he revealed it was his first day in the UAE when the strikes began.
Sharing the unfortunate nature of his situation, Sammy wrote: ‘First ever day in Dubai, get me out of Dubai immediately.’
Kady McDermott, who moved to Dubai, confirming her relocation in late 2025 to live with her on-again-off-again partner, Henry Simmons, also posted about the strikes.
She said: ‘Thank you for all of the messages asking about my safety it means a lot, scary times to be in the UAE and seeing missiles flown above your head. The UAE government are doing an amazing job at keeping everyone safe by intercepting the missiles. Everyone stay inside and stay safe through this scary time.
On the first day of the attacks, Israeli socialite Hofit Golan, 40, posted footage from her hotel balcony of rockets and explosions hitting the hotel hours after arriving.
Sharing further updates this morning, Hofit revealed that her building’s alarm was sounding at 6.30am but she had no idea where to go.
She also shared visuals of debris littered across the floor, as she urged: ‘Please stay indoors. Please stay safe everyone.’
Taylor Ward, who lives in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, with her footballer husband Riyad Mahrez, was holidaying in Abu Dhabi before it got cut short by the strikes.
Posting on her Story, she wrote: ‘We were having the most beautiful staycation in Abu Dhabi, before it sadly got cut short!’
TOWIE star Amber Turner relocated to Dubai in 2023, but she assured fans she was safe in the UK attending the BRITs at the time of the air strikes.
She wrote: ‘To everyone who has messaged me I am safe in the UK! My loved ones are all safe too. Praying for the UAE right now. I’ve seen some heartbreaking videos in the last 12 hours & hope everyone effected is OK.’
Sharing further updates this morning, Hofit revealed that her building’s alarm was sounding at 6.30am but she had no idea where to go
Taylor Ward, who lives in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, with her footballer husband Riyad Mahrez, was holidaying in Abu Dhabi before it got cut short by the strikes
TOWIE star Amber Turner relocated to Dubai in 2023, but she assured fans she was safe in the UK attending the BRITs at the time of the air strikes
Explosions have been heard for a second day in Qatar, Israel, Bahrain, Kuwait and Iraq, and in Oman for the first time, though most missiles and drones have been downed by air defences.
Iran also launched two missiles towards Cyprus, which hosts British military bases, Defence Secretary John Healey revealed this morning.
Iran claims to have struck 27 US bases in the region, but has also hit a range of other sites including residential tower blocks and luxury hotels.
Yesterday, Iranian suicide drones hit landmark hotels the Burj Al Arab and Palm Jumeirah in Dubai, sparking panic among tourists, and a number of blasts were heard again this morning – with all flights to and from the airport grounded.
The Dubai Media Office confirmed that debris from drones intercepted by air defences had fallen onto two homes in the city, injuring two people, and also sparked a fire at the major Jebel Ali port.
Dramatic footage showed an interception near the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, and a fire broke out at the iconic sail-shaped Burj Al Arab hotel.
Further videos overnight showed debris strewn around a smoke-filled terminal at Dubai Airport, which has been evacuated after four members of staff were injured.
A post on X read: ‘Dubai Airports confirms that a concourse at Dubai International (DXB) sustained minor damage in an incident, which was quickly contained.’
The UAE’s Ministry of Defence said that, as of late last night, 137 ballistic missiles had been launched by Iran towards the Emirates, of which 132 had been destroyed by air defences and five fell into the Persian Gulf.
It said it had also been targeted by 209 suicide drones of which 195 were intercepted and 14 got through – with some hitting the territory.
The Crowne Plaza hotel in Bahrain was also smouldering this morning, with its owners reporting it had suffered an ‘incident’, but that all guests and staff were safe.
It came as Bahrain’s air defenses responded overnight to ‘hostile Iranian missile attacks’, intercepting at least 45 missiles and nine drones, state media reported Sunday.
An oil tanker was attack off the coast of Musandam in Oman, according to the country’s maritime security center, injuring four people and forcing the entire 20-strong crew to evacuate.
This morning’s continued bombardment around the Middle East comes as Iran confirmed the death of the Ayatollah after hours of denial, even after Donald Trump announced he was gone.
Khamenei, 86, was killed in the airstrike after Israeli jets dropped 30 bombs on the Supreme Leader’s compound.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump were reportedly shown an image of Khamenei’s body after it was recovered from his compound.
His death comes after nearly 37 years as the Islamic Republic’s leader – wreaking havoc for the regime, and destabilizing the Gulf in the aftermath.
As well as Khamenei’s four family members, two high-level military leaders – Rear Adm. Ali Shamkhani, and commander of the IRGC Maj. Gen. Mohammad Pakpour – were also obliterated in the strikes on Saturday morning.
Meanwhile, Israel announced it had also carried out a fresh wave of strikes on Iran and struck the ‘heart’ of the capital.
Smoke rises from Dubai International Airport this morning
Dubai’s iconic sail-shaped Burj Al Arab was ablaze following Iranian attacks
A statement from the IDF said: ‘For the first time since the start of Operation “Roaring Lion”.
‘The IDF is striking targets that belong to the Iranian terror regime in the heart of Tehran.
‘Over the past day, the Israeli Air force conducted large-scale strikes in order to establish aerial superiority and to pave the path to Tehran.’
Overnight, Trump promised to strike Iran ‘with a force that has never been seen before,’ after boasts from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) about the number of American air bases attacked.
The president posed on Truth Social: ‘Iran just stated that they are going to hit very hard today, harder than they have ever hit before. THEY BETTER NOT DO THAT, HOWEVER, BECAUSE IF THEY DO, WE WILL HIT THEM WITH A FORCE THAT HAS NEVER BEEN SEEN BEFORE!’
The internet has started gloating at terrified influencers who relocated to the UAE in search of a glamorous, tax-free lifestyle but are now caught up in a war zone after Iranian drones and missiles rained down on Dubai.
Plumes of thick black smoke billowed into the night sky on Saturday after the five-star Fairmont hotel on Palm Jumeirah was set ablaze, with at least four people injured as UK tourists hid in basements while missiles streaked overhead.
The Burj Khalifa – the world’s tallest building and feared target – was evacuated as panic spread through the city, home to more than 240,000 Britons.
Missiles were seen tearing across the skyline late into the night, with footage capturing the terrifying speed of the weapons as they sliced through the air before smashing into buildings.
Among those caught up in the chaos were model Hofit Golan and influencer Will Bailey who both hit out at their disappointment over what was meant to be the ‘safest city in the world’.
And socialite Petra Ecclestone who described it as ‘one of the worst, most scary nights of my life’.
But as influencers shared their fear, many online showed little sympathy with one user sneering: ‘Don’t all the lovely influencers move to Dubai because it’s so safe. I’ve never been hit by an Iranian missile on my way to Asda.’
Another wrote: ‘I don’t feel bad for any influencers or content creators that are currently stuck in Dubai. We told you to stop going there.’
A third added: ‘Suddenly Dubai isn’t a flex anymore for the wannabe Instagram influencers.’
Influencer Will Bailey took to Instagram to detail how he was getting no sleep with the attack going on outside
Laura Anderson wrote on Instagram about her fears and concerns over what was going on overnight
Socialite Petra Ecclestone described the horror of the night as explosions echoed across the city
‘Ercan and I were due to fly to Sydney this evening. But like many others our flight was cancelled and we are now effectively stuck in Dubai’, she wrote.
‘We’re receiving a lot of messages from people asking if we’re ok which we are. We are currently in our hotel and have been assured we’re safe.
‘We are aware that the situation that is unfolding is scary and I’m also aware that there’s a lot of videos circulating on social media which are understandably concerning.
‘I’m not sure what else to say, other than we’re doing our best to stay calm, not feed any unconfirmed narratives and we’re thinking of everyone who is feeling unsettled and unsafe right now’.
Socialite Petra Ecclestone described the horror of the night as explosions echoed across the city.
‘We fled one place searching for peace, and last night reminded us how fragile that feeling of safety can be. It was terrifying. But we are safe, we are together, and we are holding our kids extra close today. Grateful beyond words.’
Boxer Amir Khan hasn’t spoken out publicly yet but has posted on his story the guidance for British nationals in the UAE.
Whereas high-profile couple who moved to Dubai last year, Rio Ferdinand and Kate Ferdinand, have yet to be heard from.
Just hours before the strikes, Love Island star Arabella Chi had been playing on the beach with her daughter: ‘Dubai friends. Scary times. Stay safe,’ she wrote.
Also posting from the city was Sophia Peschisolido, who lives in Dubai with her husband and two children: ‘I never imagined I’d experience the sound of a bomb exploding. So scary. Omg.’
‘Ercan and I were due to fly to Sydney this evening. But like many others our flight was cancelled and we are now effectively stuck in Dubai’, Vicky Pattinson wrote
Boxer Amir Khan hasn’t spoken out publicly yet but has posted on his story the guidance for British nationals in the UAE
Today Will Bailey showed more missiles being intercepted over Dubai
Love Island star Laura Anderson, 36, reassured her followers that her and daughter Bonnie, two, ‘are fine’ after touching down in Dubai in the early hours of Saturday
Israeli socialite Hofit Golan (pictured) and British TV stars Vicky Pattison and Laura Anderson are among the celebrities and influencers currently caught up in the Iranian missile strikes on Dubai’s famous Palm Jumeirah
An Iranian missile hit Dubai’s famous hotel on Saturday as Tehran launches widespread revenge attacks across the Middle East following US airstrikes
She later added: ‘I just witnessed what appeared to be a missile flying over my house, it’s surreal this is actually happening. It sounds like a warzone outside. We’re scared but thankfully safe. Thank you for all the messages. We’re okay for now.’
Model Hofit Golan, 40, shared chilling footage from her hotel balcony showing rockets and explosions after arriving in Dubai just hours earlier.
Hofit recalled: ‘I heard loud explosions and I thought ‘I can’t believe it I am in the safest city in the world and I can’t believe this is happening’.
‘Of course I am frightened. It is a natural reaction. The UAE is supposed to be one of the safest places.
‘You see it (explosions) in front of your balcony. You see fireworks usually but that’s a different kind of lighting of the skies.’
Laura Anderson, 36, who landed in the early hours of Saturday with her two-year-old daughter, reassured followers: ‘Horrendous situation. Bonnie and I are fine.’
She later added: ‘Today we heard the bombs – multiple loud explosions, the house shaking – and for the first time the kids heard it too/ And honestly that’s the moment it stops being news and starts feeling real’.
As Iran’s retaliation intensified, the UAE announced it had ‘partially and temporarily’ closed its airspace as a precaution, leaving thousands of tourists stranded.
Dubai International Airport shut down amid global flight chaos, with smoke seen rising from the area this morning.
Authorities in Dubai were last night reported to be threatening residents with fines of up to £40,000 or prison for sharing videos of the strikes, severely limiting information coming out of the city.
British influencer Will Bailey, who has just landed in Dubai and was sitting poolside at the hotel, said: ‘That was metres away from us. Look at this.
‘That is the Fairmont hotel in Dubai. Oh my God, oh my God.’
He added: ‘Oh my days, over the beach club is f****** mental. Literally directly above us. That is insane. They were so loud. I have no words. In the safest city in the world. Wow.’
Missiles fired from Tehran have struck US military bases in Qatar and have also hit Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, Bahrain and Israel, as Iran vowed to unleash its ‘most intense offensive operation in history’.
The attacks follow confirmation from Tehran that Ali Khamenei had been killed in joint US-Israeli strikes alongside members of his family and senior military figures.
Laura Anderson, 36, who landed in the early hours of Saturday with her two-year-old daughter wrote on social media her fears
British influencer Will Bailey, who was close to the Fairmont hotel in Dubai, expressed his shock as the missile landed just metres away from him
UK citizens have been urged to shelter by the British embassy in Doha, while Qatar also warned residents via an alert to stay indoors and away from military bases.
The UK withdrew its diplomatic staff from Iran on Friday due to security worries, while staff in the British embassy in Tel Aviv and their dependents have been moved to another location by the Foreign Office.
The UK Government said its priority is ‘the safety of UK nationals’ in the Middle East but that it is ‘ready to protect our interests’.
A Government spokesperson said: ‘Iran must never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon and that is why we have continually supported efforts to reach a negotiated solution.
‘Our immediate priority is the safety of UK nationals in the region and we will provide them with consular assistance, available 24/7.
‘As part of our longstanding commitments to the security of our allies in the Middle East, we have a range of defensive capabilities in the region, which we have recently bolstered. We stand ready to protect our interests.
‘We do not want to see further escalation into a wider regional conflict.’
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