Shaken Kate Ferdinand reveals she slept in her Dubai basement with her children during missile strikes as she reassures fans they are safe: ‘Last night was very scary’

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Kate Ferdinand shared that she and her children spent Saturday night sleeping in the basement of their Dubai home due to missile strikes in the city.

Following US airstrikes and subsequent Iranian retaliation across the Middle East, many celebrities and influencers living in Dubai – including former TOWIE star, 34 – have expressed their concerns after becoming caught up in the unrest.

Life has been a whirlwind since my husband Rio and I decided to relocate to the UAE last August! It was a big move for all of us, including our little ones – Shae, who was two at the time, five-year-old Cree, and Rio’s teenage daughter, Tia. We’ve been loving settling into a new chapter here with the whole family.

On Sunday, Kate used Instagram to let fans know she and her family were safe after experiencing a frightening night. She shared an update on their location and reassured everyone they were okay.

I wanted to thank you all for your messages and apologize for not responding sooner. I’ve been struggling to find the right words, and didn’t want to worry anyone. Thankfully, we are all safe.

The government is doing a fantastic job maintaining this situation, and even though I’m a little anxious, I feel confident we’re well-protected.

Oh my gosh, I’m just praying tonight is a little less intense! Last night was absolutely wild, but honestly? Cree and Shae were in heaven. They seriously couldn’t believe we all actually had a sleepover… in the basement! It was chaotic, but they were so thrilled, and seeing them happy makes it all worth it, even if I need a lie-down afterwards!

I’m so grateful for all your prayers during this difficult time. It’s been a really insightful experience, and I’m keeping everyone affected in my thoughts. Sending lots of love to you all.

Rio Ferdinand’s sons, Lorenz, 19, and Tate, 17, stayed in the UK to focus on their football and didn’t join the family when they moved to Dubai last year.

The influencer had previously shared that she was struggling to adjust after returning, especially missing the comforts of home and a relaxing Christmas she spent in London.

In a recent episode of her podcast, Blended, she shared that experiencing life outside the UK has broadened her perspective. While she enjoys living in Dubai and feels content there, she still feels a strong connection to London and the UK, and misses a piece of herself when she’s away.

Kate explained that stepping down from his job as a sports commentator last year has allowed Rio to focus more on spending time with his family.

She loves living there, saying it’s a wonderful place for both her and her children. They’re doing really well, happy and able to enjoy a lot of outdoor freedom.

Rio is really happy here, and I’m having a good time too, but I’m also feeling homesick and a bit down. I especially miss my sons and it’s been hard being away from them.

As a mom, I always prioritize what’s best for everyone. While I’m happily settled with my younger kids, my older boys are pursuing their dreams with their football careers, and honestly, that’s exactly where they should be. If they weren’t following their passions, they’d absolutely be right here with us, but I’m so proud they’re doing what they want.

It’s really tough, because our family has always been incredibly close and supported each other through everything, so this change is a big one for us.

Luisa Zissman said she’s been finding ways to keep her kids busy inside after they had to leave the park because of loud explosions.

On Sunday in Dubai, Luisa and her three children – Dixie, 16, Indigo, 10, and Clementine, 9 – were out when they heard four explosions. They quickly went back to their basement for safety.

She described the situation as both unreal and frightening, and expressed her trust that the UAE’s defense forces would protect everyone nearby.

She posted a photo of one of her children baking bread rolls, explaining that it was a fun way to keep them busy and entertained inside.

We were really feeling restless and decided to head to the park, but the moment we were about to walk out the door, the house shook from two huge explosions! We quickly went back inside, and then heard two more. So, plans changed – we’re having a movie night in the basement now.

‘So surreal and scary. I do faith that UAE defence will keep us all safe.’

Kate responded to Luisa’s post with a series of red heart emojis. Luisa’s friend, Sam Faiers, left a similar comment.

She first told her followers she had to leave the park, and then shared how her family was spending time at home.

Hi everyone, we’re doing okay. We’ve been stuck inside all day because of some strange noises. To pass the time, we made some homemade buns – Indigo actually did most of the baking! They’re really soft and delicious.

She’s currently enjoying making homemade burgers, which is one of her favorite things to cook. Everyone’s doing alright, and we’re staying home, hoping this situation will be over quickly.

Many celebrities living in Dubai have expressed fear and shared updates after becoming caught in ongoing air attacks that have lasted for two days.

Honestly, these past nights have been the most terrifying of my life. We’ve all been so frightened, huddled inside while hearing these relentless bangs above us. It’s been incredibly unsettling with the strikes continuing all over the UAE, and it’s hard to describe just how scared everyone feels.

They told their followers they are currently safe because air defenses are stopping most of the incoming missiles and drones, but described how frightening it was to hear explosions throughout the night.

Luisa, who moved from the UK to Dubai with her family and horses last year to avoid the cold weather and increasing crime rates, was among the first celebrities to share information about what’s currently happening.

Luisa shared a photo of herself outside and posted a message saying she was getting a lot of questions about Dubai and hearing loud noises. She urged everyone in the UAE to stay safe.

F1 heiress Petra Ecclestone shared on her Instagram story that she experienced one of the scariest and worst nights of her life.

We’ve been dealing with some difficult personal issues lately, and coming to Dubai felt like a fresh start where we could finally feel secure. We were just starting to get settled when this unexpected thing happened, so it’s been a real shock.

Thankfully, we’re all safe. It was a difficult night, but I hope everyone else is doing okay and we can all get through this together. I just wanted to express my gratitude.

Petra Ecclestone admits she’s struggling to explain the current situation to her four young children – Lavinia, James, Andrew, and Minnie – who are with her in Dubai.

She admitted she didn’t know what the future held, which was upsetting. Being constantly asked about what would happen next, and being kept awake by noises at night, was particularly difficult.

I mostly focused on reassuring my children that everything would be alright. But as a parent, it’s hard because you don’t always know what to say or how to fix things, so it was a really difficult time.

It’s hard to fathom what people throughout history, like my dad who lived through war, must have experienced daily. And it’s upsetting to think about kids having to deal with that level of stress and fear while just trying to go to school. Last night really made me realize how much they go through.

Following the death of its Supreme Leader, Iran has been relentlessly attacking targets across the Middle East, including launching hundreds of missiles and drones at Dubai.

On Sunday morning, smoke was seen and explosions heard near Dubai International Airport. This occurred as Iran threatened to launch its largest-ever military offensive.

Following confirmation that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in a joint US-Israeli operation – along with four of his family members and at least two senior military leaders – Tehran has begun retaliatory strikes.

Over the weekend, Iranian drones loaded with explosives targeted famous Dubai hotels, including the Burj Al Arab and Palm Jumeirah, causing widespread fear among visitors.

It happened again today – those awful explosions! It just breaks my heart to see it, especially knowing so many Brits have made their lives there. It’s become such a beautiful city, a real escape for people, and now… these attacks keep happening. I just worry constantly about everyone there, honestly. It’s terrifying.

Petra’s husband, Sam Palmer, also spoke about the strikes, praising the military’s efforts to protect the area.

He expressed his gratitude for the kind messages, adding that everyone was safe. He jokingly complained about the phrase “stay safe,” pointing out that safety isn’t a choice and questioning what people expect you to do when facing danger – actively seek it out?

It was quite frightening when all our phones went off at 12:30 last night with a government alert warning of incoming missiles. We could hear loud explosions, which seemed to be our defense team intercepting them and doing a fantastic job. We really appreciate their efforts in keeping everyone safe.

It seems much worse on the news, but it is genuinely frightening. My children and I are all scared – I’ve never experienced a missile attack like this before. We’re hoping it ends quickly, and I really appreciate all the kind messages we’ve received.

It’s good to hear from you and know you’re thinking of me. I’m glad if I can make you smile. Please take care of yourself. I encourage you to reach out to someone today – even a quick text can make a difference, and it’ll stand out amongst all their other messages. Seriously, stay safe, and thank you.

Dubai’s airports are currently shut down and all flights have been stopped because of safety issues. Officials are advising residents and visitors not to try to travel at this time.

Arabella Chi, known from reality TV, says her brother is currently unable to leave Dubai because of the ongoing situation there, and will remain until it’s sorted out.

She expressed her gratitude, saying she wanted to thank everyone who had reached out with messages. She explained that their support meant a great deal to her.

Things are really frightening right now. The last 24 hours have been unlike anything I’ve ever gone through. Thankfully, we’re all safe, and that’s what matters most. You can still hear explosions while I’m speaking. We’re staying home together, and my brother and his wife are with us too. They were scheduled to fly back to the UK today, but I expect their flights will be cancelled.

It really makes you think about what’s important. It’s genuinely scary – I know I’ve said that a lot, but it’s true. When you don’t know what’s happening and can hear things close to home, it’s hard not to be frightened. Last night, we actually saw them nearby, and it was terrifying.

Gigi is still so young that she doesn’t realize what’s happening, and honestly, that’s a good thing. I have friends whose kids do understand, and I feel so bad for them right now.

If you’re also in Dubai, let’s all support each other and look out for one another right now. We’re doing everything we can to stay safe and are mostly staying home together.

I’m truly grateful for all the kind messages and support I’ve received. It means the world to me, and I appreciate everyone who has reached out.

Sammy Root, known from Love Island, shared that his trip to Dubai got off to a rough start – he arrived in the UAE on the very same day strikes began.

Sammy jokingly lamented his first day in Dubai, tweeting, ‘Get me out of here!’ after realizing it wasn’t for him.

Kady McDermott, who has moved to Dubai, announced she’ll be living there with her partner, Henry Simmons, starting in late 2025. She also recently shared her thoughts on the ongoing strikes.

I’m so grateful for all the messages checking in on me – it really means a lot. It’s been a frightening time here in the UAE, seeing missiles in the sky. The government is doing a fantastic job protecting everyone by intercepting them. Please, everyone stay indoors and stay safe during this scary situation.

Shortly after arriving at her hotel, 40-year-old Israeli socialite Hofit Golan shared a video showing rockets and explosions hitting the building, capturing the start of the attacks.

Hofit shared an update this morning, explaining that her building’s alarm went off at 6:30 am, but she wasn’t sure what to do or where to go.

She posted pictures of scattered debris and asked people to remain inside, saying, ‘Please stay indoors and be safe.’

Taylor Ward, living in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia with her husband, footballer Riyad Mahrez, was on vacation in Abu Dhabi when travel disruptions unexpectedly ended her trip.

She shared on her social media that they were enjoying a wonderful staycation in Abu Dhabi, but unfortunately had to end it sooner than planned.

Amber Turner, known from the reality show TOWIE, moved to Dubai in 2023. However, she let her followers know she was back in the UK and safe while attending the BRIT Awards when air strikes occurred.

She posted that she’s safe in the UK, and all her family and friends are also safe. She’s currently thinking of and praying for the UAE, as she’s seen some very upsetting videos over the last twelve hours and hopes everyone affected is okay.

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2026-03-01 20:51