TV stars, athletes and influencers currently residing in Dubai have shared personal updates after the city was hit with a series of Iranian retaliation strikes.
The strikes have claimed the lives of at least three people in the United Arab Emirates, while a further 58 have been injured.
It’s claimed that approximately 25,000 Australian expats live and work in the UAE – among them being Olympian Stephanie Rice – while It’s also a fan favourite among British influencers, with many ditching the cold in favour of the wealthy tax-free oasis.
Others who moved Dubai include the likes of Hollywood star Lindsay Lohan, 39, and English footballing great Rio Ferdinand and his wife Kate.
Many of those who are now stranded in the Middle East have shared updates on social media, while some have simply sent prayers amid the devastation.
Watch the videos above.
Rio Ferdinand and wife Kate
Footballer Rio Ferdinand and wife Kate moved to Dubai last year from the UK.
This week, amid the strikes, she shared a lengthy statement with fans sharing an update.
In her post, she revealed the family slept in the basement amid the terrifying strikes but assured fans they’re safe.
”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,” she wrote in her post.
“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 then revealed their family slept in a basement.
“Although, Cree and Shae loved it as they couldn’t believe we all got a sleepover in the basement.
“Thank you for all of your prayers, this whole experience is very eye opening and I am praying for anyone affected. Lots of love to everyone <3.”
Stephanie Rice and husband
Australian Olympic swimmer Stephanie Rice, 37, lives in Dubai with her pastor partner Mark Lassey. He even proposed to her there at the luxury resort The Atlantis the Royal Resort, near the fountains.
She shared an emotional message following the attacks on her social media, writing on top of a message from the Australian Embassy: “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 peace in this scary situation.”
“First and foremost we continue to pray safety, protection and supernatural peace over you and your families located in our region,” Lassey shared in his own message with Kingdom City Dubai, following the strikes.
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Lindsay Lohan and Kuwaiti financier husband Bader Shammas
Hollywood star Lindsay Lohan, known for films including Mean Girls, is based in Dubai with her family.
She shared a message with her millions of followers on Instagram, calling for peace in the region.
“Praying for peace. Stay safe everyone. God bless us all,” she wrote in her Instagram stories, alongside the evil eye and a prayer emoji.
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The actress has previously spoken about her move to Dubai and how good it was for her family.
“Moving here was a fresh start,” she told Emirates Woman.
“You hear more about real current events rather than celebrity gossip, which I really appreciate.”
In the UAE it is illegal to photograph someone, even in public, without their consent.
Jamelia
British songstress Jamelia lives in Dubai with her daughters.
Taking to her Instagram Story, she wrote: “I understand how this looks from the outside, but we do feel safe and well informed.
“The internet can be a scary place at times like this but I can assure you our reality is far from fear and upset.”
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