Vicky Pattison, has shared an update as she continues to shelter in place in Dubai with her husband, Ercan Ramadan, as the area is targeted by Iranian missiles.
The city in the UAE has been heavily affected by the ongoing airstrikes from Iran targeting sites across Bahrain, Abu Dhabi, Iraq, and Israel in response to the USA starting ‘major combat operations’ to destroy Iran’s uranium enrichment facilities.
The airstrikes on the region follow Iran’s vow to step up its retaliation for the killing of its supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Yesterday, the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority announced that the country’s airspace had been temporarily closed as the situation escalated, including debris falling on Dubai’s iconic Palm Jumeirah.
Strictly star Vicky, who was holidaying in Dubai when the conflict erupted, posted on Instagram: ‘Just wanted to give you guys a little update, as we are understandably still receiving a lot of concerned messages.
‘We’re sorry that we haven’t been more proactive across social media but honestly, we’ve been limiting our time spent on here due to a growing amount of misinformation that feels really counterproductive to staying calm.
‘I understand this is a really uncertain situation and everyone deals with it in different ways but we’re trying to stay hopeful and measured, and this feels like the best way for us to do that.’
She continued, explaining that she is ‘not an expert on geopolitical matters or international affairs’ but that she believes the global media has exaggerated reports of ‘bombing’ in Dubai.
She wrote: ‘Currently, what we’ve been advised through government channels is that they are intercepting missiles competently and efficiently, and what has subsequently caused damage and tragically harm is falling debris.’
She went on to say that the couple is ‘adhering to all advice from our hotel and the proper official resources’ and hope they can get home soon, despite also revealing that two nights ago they were evacuated to the hotel’s underground parking garage, a measure she said was ‘more precautionary than anything else.’
She concluded by counting her blessings, writing: ‘Ultimately, we are in one of the safest countries in the world, in a 5 star hotel and we don’t want to add to the rising panic and chaos by stating anything other than rational fact or at the very least what we have been advised is true.
‘And we’re being incredibly mindful of our privilege in this situation. There are many people in world right now in far more dangerous and heartbreaking circumstances.
‘Our thoughts and prayers, as yours should be, are with anyone feeling unsettled and unsafe as the world sadly becomes an increasingly fractious and hostile one.’
The post comes after Vicky previously explained that her ‘flight was cancelled and now we’re effectively stuck in Dubai,’ and confirmed that they were ‘ok’.
The ex-Geordie Shore star continued: ‘We are currently in our hotel and have been assured we’re safe.
‘We are aware that the situation unfolding is scary and I’m also aware that there’s a lot of videos circulating on social media which are understandably concerning.
‘I’m not sure what else to say, other than we’re doing our best to stay calm, not feed any unconfirmed narratives and we’re thinking of everyone who is feeling unsettled and unsafe right now.’
Additionally, after Vicky posted an Instagram of herself in the pool, someone commented: ‘Posting it as the city is being bombed!?’ to which Vicky replied: ‘no. Obviously not. We are neither ignorant or insensitive. This was posted hours before when no one envisioned what would unfold.’
Vicky is one of several UK celebrities currently in the UAE city, with Kate and Rio Ferdinand sharing a statement from their home in Dubai after a series of Iranian missiles were shot down over the country, closing the airspace.
Taking to her Instagram Story yesterday, Kate apologised for her initial silence on the matter, 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 ‘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 & I am praying for anyone affected,’ she concluded.
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