Kate Ferdinand and Luisa Zissman have shared chilling personal accounts of how they sheltered overnight in the basements of their Dubai homes with their children after missile strikes hit the city on Saturday night.
The former TOWIE star, 34, and ex-Apprentice finalist, 38, are among a growing list of celebrities and influencers living in Dubai who have spoken out after the city was caught up in widespread Iranian retaliation strikes across the Middle East, following US airstrikes.
Kate, who relocated to the UAE last August with husband Rio Ferdinand, 47, and their children Shae, two, Cree, five, and Rio’s daughter Tia, 14, described the experience as a “very scary night.”
‘We Slept in the Basement’
Taking to Instagram on Sunday, Kate broke her silence to reassure fans that her family was safe after an evening of fear and uncertainty.
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.”
Kate praised the UAE authorities for their response, adding:
“The government are doing an amazing job of keeping it that way and despite my nerves I feel we are in very safe hands.”
She admitted the night had been terrifying but shared a tender moment amid the chaos:
“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.”
Rio’s older sons Lorenz, 19, and Tate, 17, did not move to Dubai with the family due to their football careers in the UK — a separation Kate has previously described as emotionally challenging.
A Move That Hasn’t Been Easy
Kate has spoken openly about struggling at times since relocating, particularly after spending Christmas in London.
On her Blended podcast, she admitted:
“I love London, I love the UK. I do feel happy in Dubai, but I’m missing a part of me.”
She added that the move has helped Rio become more present with family life since stepping back from his pundit role with TNT Sports, but acknowledged the emotional toll of being away from her older children. 
Luisa Zissman: ‘So Surreal and Scary’
Meanwhile, Luisa Zissman described how she was forced to flee a park with her children after hearing multiple explosions nearby.
Luisa, who is mother to Dixie, 16, Indigo, 10, and Clementine, nine, said she heard four explosions while out with her children and immediately retreated to their basement.
Sharing a picture of one her children baking, she said: ‘Home baked bread rolls. Keeping the kids entertained and indoors’
Luisa’s post was commented on by Kate who left a string of red hearts underneath Luisa’s post. Luisa’s close friend Sam Faiers also shared a similar message
Sharing updates on social media, she wrote:
“We got itchy feet and went to take them to the park — literally as we stepped out the door we heard two massive explosions that shook the house. We retreated and then heard another two.”
“Now it’s movie time in the basement. So surreal and scary.”
Luisa later posted images of her children baking as she tried to keep them calm and occupied indoors, adding:
“Keeping the kids entertained and inside. I do have faith that UAE defence will keep us all safe.”
Kate responded to Luisa’s posts with a string of red hearts, while their close friend Sam Faiers also shared supportive messages. 
Celebrities Speak Out as Fear Spreads
F1 heiress Petra Ecclestone described the night as “one of the scariest of my life,” explaining the difficulty of reassuring her young children amid the explosions. 
She said:
“We came to Dubai to feel safe. We were settling in — and then this happened. It’s been a shocking turn of events.”
Petra’s husband Sam Palmer also spoke out, describing the moment emergency alerts sounded across phones warning of incoming missiles, while praising UAE defence systems for intercepting threats.
Numerous other celebrities living in or visiting Dubai — including Arabella Chi, Sammy Root, Kady McDermott, Hofit Golan, Taylor Ward, and Amber Turner — shared updates describing fear, confusion, and gratitude for safety.
Airports Closed as Attacks Continue
Authorities have confirmed that both Dubai airports are currently closed, with flights suspended amid ongoing safety concerns. Residents and tourists have been urged not to attempt travel.
Iran has reportedly launched hundreds of missiles and suicide drones across the region following confirmation that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in joint US-Israeli strikes — a development that has escalated tensions dramatically.
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
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
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 (pictured Dubai International Airport)
Dubai’s iconic sail-shaped Burj Al Arab was ablaze following Iranian attacks
Explosions have been heard across Dubai for a second consecutive day, including strikes near iconic landmarks, sending shockwaves through a city long considered a safe haven for international residents.
‘An Eye-Opening Experience’
Despite the fear, many of those affected have emphasized unity and resilience.
As Kate wrote:
“This whole experience is very eye-opening. I am praying for anyone affected. Lots of love to everyone.”
For now, families remain sheltered indoors, waiting and watching — hoping the worst has passed.
Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/
