Rio and Kate Ferdinand 'Scared' After Being Trapped in Dubai During Missile Attacks
Former Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand and his wife Kate have opened up about their terrifying experience being caught in Dubai during recent Iranian missile strikes, describing the situation as "frightening" and "scary." The couple, who relocated to the United Arab Emirates last year with their young children, found themselves sheltering in their basement as explosions rocked the city.
Missile Strikes Target Dubai
The attacks began on Saturday after Iran vowed to escalate retaliation following the killing of its supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran has long threatened regional war if attacked, and made good on that promise after the United States initiated "major combat operations" to destroy Iranian uranium enrichment facilities. Dubai, with its population of four million residents, became a primary target, prompting widespread alarm and social media updates from those trapped in the city.
Family Forced to Shelter in Basement
During the latest episode of his football podcast, Rio Ferdinand Presents, the 47-year-old retired footballer admitted it had been "a bit of a different week" for his family. "It's frightening when you hear missiles, planes and fighter jets going above us, and you're hearing big bombs," Ferdinand explained. "What that is we don't know as we don't know the details of what they are."
The father of five described the challenge of explaining the situation to his children while trying to remain calm. "It's telling your kids what it is and helping them navigate through this moment, which is important especially as the dad of the house," he said. "You want to try and remain calm and keep everybody as calm as possible."
Kate Ferdinand's Social Media Updates
Kate Ferdinand, 34, who rose to fame on The Only Way is Essex, shared a series of updates on social media over the weekend following what she described as a "very scary night." On her Instagram Story, she apologized for her initial silence, thanking fans for their concerned messages.
"I just haven't been able to find the words. We are safe," she began. "The government are doing an amazing job of keeping it that way and despite my nerves I feel we are in very safe hands. We are hoping for a calmer evening tonight, last night was very scary."
She added that their children Cree, five, and Shae, two, "loved it as they couldn't believe we all got a sleepover in the basement." The family was advised to shelter in their basement on the first night of attacks, sleeping with duvets and making the best of the situation.
Recent Move to Dubai
The Ferdinand family relocated to Dubai last year, moving into a £6.5 million mansion in the luxurious gated community of Al Barari. They made the move with their young children, though Rio's sons from his previous marriage to late wife Rebecca - Lorenz, 19, and Tate, 17 - remained in the UK to pursue their football careers.
Kate previously admitted on her Blended podcast that she found it difficult returning to Dubai after spending Christmas in London. "I feel like we've opened our eyes to a different world," she said. "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."
Despite her homesickness, Kate acknowledged the benefits for their family. "I think it's an amazing place to live, I think it's amazing for the children. The children are thriving and happy and living a life of just outside freedom," she said.
International Response and Travel Disruption
Since the initial strikes, UK flights to the Middle East have been cancelled, while airports in Dubai and Doha have halted all services until further notice. On Saturday, the UK Foreign Office warned British citizens in Dubai that they should "immediately shelter in place."
Prime Minister Keir Starmer issued a joint statement with the leaders of France and Germany, calling on Iran to "refrain from indiscriminate military strikes." The statement emphasized the need for de-escalation in the region.
Other British Experiences in Dubai
The Ferdinands are not the only British citizens affected by the attacks. Several reports have emerged of other UK nationals caught in the crossfire, including:
- A British family who described their "holiday hell" after fleeing one conflict only to find themselves in another
- Vicky Pattison, who was evacuated underground at a Dubai hotel and later said she was "mindful of privilege"
- A British man whose Dubai flat was hit by a drone, with witnesses describing his reaction as "very English"
Rio Ferdinand concluded his podcast remarks by noting the surreal nature of their experience. "I've got to be honest guys; it's been a bit of a scary situation but at the same time weirdly enough I've felt very secure and looked after," he said. "My studio has become my bunker."
