Israeli Influencer Hofit Golan Maintains Dubai is Secure Following Iranian Missile Strikes
Socialite and influencer Hofit Golan has publicly asserted that Dubai "still feels like a very safe place" on Sunday, merely hours after an Iranian missile struck the nearby Palm Jumeirah hotel. The attack left her terrified and forced to seek refuge in a bath for protection.
Celebrities and Influencers Express Fear Amid Regional Conflict
The 40-year-old Israeli personality is among numerous celebrities and influencers residing in Dubai who have shared their anxieties. These fears emerged in the wake of widespread Iranian revenge attacks across the Middle East, which were triggered by recent US airstrikes.
Hofit took to her Instagram Stories to provide an update for her followers. She first shared a glimpse of her "quiet and calm" neighbourhood as fellow expatriates returned to the beach.
"I'm exhausted, I didn't sleep much last night, all the alarms going off and the sound effects of what is going on outside. But that said, I feel OK, I feel safe, we're safe," Hofit stated. "Everybody I have spoke to safe. I still feel like this is a very safe place, and I am very grateful to be here."
She captioned her post: "Thank you for your messages and concern. I am safe and everyone I spoke to is safe. Just very tired because got no sleep with all that's going on."
Scenes of Calm Return to The Palm
Later, filming the view from her balcony, Hofit described the scene: "The Palm is calm and still just, it is the beautiful perfect day actually, its beautiful and so calm, there's people on the beach. Just the sound of breeze and nothing else."
Kate Ferdinand's Family Seeks Shelter in Basement
Meanwhile, fellow influencer Kate Ferdinand and businesswoman Luisa Zissman have revealed they slept in the basements of their Dubai homes with their children as missile strikes hit the city.
Kate, 34, and her husband Rio Ferdinand, 47, relocated their life to the United Arab Emirates in August last year. They moved with their children, Shae, two, Cree, five, as well as Rio's daughter Tia, 14.
Kate took to Instagram on Sunday to update followers on their whereabouts and reassure fans they were safe after a "very scary night."
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. 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. 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."
Family Adjustments and Emotional Struggles
Rio's sons Lorenz, 19, and Tate, 17, did not relocate with the family when they moved to Dubai last year due to their budding football careers back home in the UK.
Kate previously admitted on her Blended podcast that she was finding it difficult being back in Dubai after spending a cosy Christmas in London, as well as missing home comforts.
"I feel like we've opened our eyes to a different world. But I love London, I love the UK. I love so many things about the UK. I do feel happy in Dubai, but I'm just missing a part of me," she said.
Kate added the move has also helped Rio be more "present" with his family, after he stepped back from his role as a pundit for TNT Sports last year.
"I think it's an amazing place to live, I think it's amazing for the children. The children are thriving and happy and living a life of just outside freedom. Rio loves it so much. I am enjoying it, but I miss home quite a lot. I get upset. I miss the big boys a lot and I'm just struggling with that," Kate explained.
"I know this decision is right for my younger children and as a family we are settled there, but the boys are following their football careers. So they're doing what they want to do otherwise they'd be with us. But it's very hard because we've been through so much as a family and we've always been together and that's a huge adjustment."
