Rio and Kate Ferdinand ‘Frightened’ as Family Shelters in Dubai Amid Iranian Missile Strikes
Rio Ferdinand has revealed that he and his family were left “frightened” after being forced to take shelter in their Dubai home during the ongoing Iranian missile attacks targeting the city.
Missiles began striking Dubai on Saturday, following Iran’s vow to escalate retaliation after the killing of its supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The attacks came in response to the USA launching “major combat operations” against Iran’s uranium enrichment facilities.
With four million residents in Dubai, social media quickly filled with updates of the unfolding attacks. Kate Ferdinand, Rio’s wife, reassured fans that the family was safe, despite having to spend the night in their basement.
Since moving to Dubai last year, Rio, 47, and Kate, 34, have been living there with their children – Shae, two, Cree, five – and Rio’s daughter Tia, 14.
During a recent episode of his podcast, Rio Ferdinand Presents, the former Manchester United star shared insights into the tense situation.
“Firstly, I’m in great condition this morning as the whole family did a workout. A bit like in Covid, we’re doing things together we wouldn’t normally do,” he said.
He described the experience as “frightening,” hearing missiles, planes, and explosions overhead. “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. You want to remain calm and keep everyone as calm as possible,” he added.
Rio admitted it had been “a bit of a scary situation” but also reassured that he felt “very secure and looked after,” describing his studio as a temporary bunker.
The couple followed safety advice by spending the first night in the basement with duvets, making the most of the space.
Kate Ferdinand also shared her perspective on Instagram, apologizing for her initial silence. “I just haven’t been able to find the words. We are safe,” she wrote. “The government is doing an amazing job keeping it that way, and despite my nerves, I feel we are in very safe hands. Last night was very scary, but we are hoping for a calmer evening tonight.”
She added with a touch of humor: “Cree and Shae loved it as they couldn’t believe we all got a sleepover in the basement.”
