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Former Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand has described a terrifying situation for his family in Dubai, where they are sheltering in their basement amid ongoing missile and drone strikes on the city.
In a widely shared video clip and podcast update, Ferdinand recounted hearing missiles, fighter jets overhead, and "big bombs" exploding nearby, calling the experience frightening and scary as he tries to stay calm for his wife Kate and their young children.
Ferdinand describes 'frightening' missile strikes and 'big Bombs' as family shelters in Dubai basement amid Middle East tensions
While appearing on his show, Rio Ferdinand Presents, Ferdinand said:
“Firstly, I’m in great condition this morning as the whole family did a workout.”
Ferdinand added:
“A bit like in Covid, the whole family is doing things we wouldn’t usually be doing together.”
The 47-year-old also said:
“It’s frightening when you hear missiles, planes and fighter jets – I don’t know what it is – going above us, and you’re hearing big bombs, and what that is we don’t know as we don’t know the details of what they are.”
The former player stated that the situation there is “scary” while he tries to take care of his family and stay calm at the same time. Following the Middle East conflict, Dubai authorities have enforced partial airspace closures, indoor lockdowns, and clear public communications to manage the crisis.
Ferdinand praised the UAE government's handling and transparency, comparing the restrictions to the 2020 COVID lockdowns, while noting his children initially treated the basement stay like a sleepover before the reality set in.
The former Red Devils' wife, Kate, has shared similar updates on social media, highlighting homeschooling and family bonding under duress. The celebrity couple, who relocated to Dubai in 2025 for a safer lifestyle, now face uncertainty as the regional tensions persist, with Ferdinand emphasizing the emotional toll of protecting his family while navigating the unknown sounds of war overhead.
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