Expats flee Dubai by Ferrari amid Iranian attacks

Wealthy expatriates are fleeing Dubai via lengthy road journeys to neighboring Oman and Saudi Arabia, with some opting for five-hour drives in luxury vehicles or enduring 10- to 11-hour trips to Riyadh. Bookings for private jets have surged by 55 percent, commanding premium prices as demand outstrips available aircraft. The situation has led to queues at petrol stations as some residents depart by car.

Commercial flights have been significantly disrupted, with over 11,000 cancellations affecting approximately one million people due to airspace closures over the Gulf. Major airlines, including Emirates and Qatar Airways, have announced a gradual resumption of services. The UK's Foreign Office is considering an evacuation plan for its estimated 100,000 registered citizens in the region, with some British nationals having already returned on limited flights.

Recounts from passengers describe terrifying experiences, including explosions, sirens, and being directed to shelter during missile strikes at airports. These events have caused widespread anxiety among the estimated 300,000 British citizens in the affected Gulf countries. While authorities are developing contingency plans, including potential land evacuations, the immediate focus remains on ensuring citizens' safety and facilitating their return home.