Television personality Vicky Pattison has opened up about the harrowing experience of fleeing Dubai earlier this month as Iranian missile strikes and drone attacks created chaos in the United Arab Emirates. In a candid new interview, the 38-year-old described the ordeal as 'surreal,' revealing the frantic measures she and her partner took to secure their safety and return home to the United Kingdom.
The Chaotic Escape from Dubai
Pattison and her husband, Ercan, found themselves caught in the crossfire of escalating tensions between the US, Israel, and Iran, which sparked widespread panic across the UAE. With flights being cancelled abruptly, the couple faced mounting uncertainty about their ability to leave the region safely.
Their initial plans to fly directly back to the UK were dashed when three consecutive flights were cancelled, forcing them to consider alternative routes. They also abandoned ambitions to continue their holiday in Australia or New Zealand, prioritizing a swift and secure return to reunite with their beloved dogs, Milo and Max.
A Desperate Drive to Oman
In a desperate bid to escape the rising turmoil, Pattison and her husband embarked on an arduous 11-hour private transfer drive across the border to Oman. The journey, which cost approximately £130 per person, included a lengthy two to three-hour wait at the border crossing for document and passport checks.
Reflecting on the experience, Pattison admitted to The Sun, 'It was quite surreal at times when it all began unfolding. But in all honesty, we were safe and well looked after, which we’re grateful for.' She detailed how they mostly remained in their hotel, staying informed and awaiting guidance on available flights home, as options were severely limited.
Making the Most of an Unexpected Detour
Despite the stressful circumstances, the couple attempted to salvage some positivity from their unexpected detour. While in Oman, they explored local sights, including snorkelling with turtles and visiting the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, sharing highlights on social media.
However, Pattison emphasized that their primary focus remained on getting home. In an Instagram post, she wrote, 'Moments from Oman... Such a beautiful country and honestly, a shame that we didn't get to explore it more - our focus was getting home obviously.'
Addressing Social Media Silence and Rising Panic
Pattison also addressed her temporary silence on social media during the crisis, explaining that she and her husband did not want to contribute to the escalating panic with insensitive or hyperbolic comments. She expressed gratitude for messages of concern from followers and reassured everyone of their safety.
She acknowledged the privilege of their position, stating, 'We are extremely grateful to be making our way home and are thinking of anyone feeling fearful or unsettled, anywhere in a world that is rapidly becoming an increasingly scary place to be.'
Condemning Pet Abandonment in Dubai
In a related development, Pattison took a firm stance against expatriates in Dubai who abandoned their pets amid the missile strikes. Vets in the region reported a surge in enquiries about euthanising animals as thousands of Brits scrambled to leave, overwhelming shelters like K9 Friends Dubai.
Pattison blasted this behaviour as 'shameful' on her Instagram Stories, writing, 'Just a note... if you are abandoning your pets in Dubai – you didn't deserve that animal to begin with and I pray it finds a better home.'
Animal volunteers, such as Claire Hopkins, highlighted the severe financial pressures on shelters, with fundraising activities heavily regulated and platforms like GoFundMe banned in Dubai. Hopkins noted that airlines had reduced services and were not accepting animals, complicating relocation efforts and leading to distressing situations, including euthanasia requests for healthy pets.
Ultimately, Pattison's account sheds light on the personal toll of geopolitical conflicts, blending survival instincts with moments of resilience and advocacy for vulnerable animals caught in the chaos.
