Rio Ferdinand, the former Manchester United and England defender, described a return to “Covid-like” conditions for his family as they sheltered during recent missile strikes in Dubai, according to a broadcast on his podcast, Rio Ferdinand Presents. The family, who relocated to the United Arab Emirates last August, experienced a period of lockdown as a result of escalating regional tensions.
Ferdinand detailed the psychological impact of the situation, explaining how the events disrupted their daily routines. “Been a different week for me, not going to lie,” he stated. “Firstly, I’m in great condition this morning as the whole family did a workout. A bit like in Covid, the whole family is doing things we wouldn’t usually be doing together.”
The former footballer emphasized the responsibility he felt towards his children, including Tia, Cree, and Shae, during the period of unrest. “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 try and remain calm,” Ferdinand said. He described the experience as “frightening when you hear missiles, planes and fighter jets… and you’re hearing big bombs.”
Ferdinand and his wife, Kate, moved to Dubai last year, joining a number of high-profile individuals who have chosen to reside in the UAE. Previous relocations to the city include former boxer Amir Khan and actress Lindsey Lohan, drawn by Dubai’s reputation as a secure location. However, the recent escalation of conflict in the Middle East, involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, has challenged that perception of safety, transforming their home into a shelter, according to reports.
The situation in Dubai follows a period of heightened alert in the region, prompted by Iran’s missile strikes in response to recent attacks. The strikes prompted a temporary grounding of flights and raised concerns about the safety of international travelers, including those attending events such as the Formula One Australian Grand Prix, where staff were reportedly seeking alternative travel arrangements.