Brit 'in good spirits' amid Dubai missile attacks

A British businessman in Dubai has said he is "in good spirits", despite the threat of missile strikes amid the conflict in the Middle East.

Max Wyatt, who has lived in the United Arab Emirates city for seven years, said he had seen or heard a number of explosions in recent days as Iranian missiles were intercepted overhead.

It was one of the locations targeted by Iran in response to US and Israel strikes on Saturday, which killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Wyatt, originally from Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, said the attacks on Dubai were "concerning" but he was not frightened.

"I'm in good spirits. I know some people feel differently but I guess it's just how you look at it," he told BBC Radio Stoke.

The travel company owner said he was walking along the city's marina a couple of days ago when he heard the "first few bangs" of missiles being intercepted.

Wyatt also said he saw explosions when he was in his high-rise apartment with a friend.

"I heard a bang," he said. "It didn't shake the building but it was quite loud and you could see the smoke in the sky."

Dubai International Airport (DXB), Jebel Ali Port and two luxury hotels in the city were damaged as a result of the Iranian strikes in recent days.

While Wyatt described the experience as "insane", he said he had faith the government and military would protect the citizens.

Wyatt said there had been a "weird energy" about Dubai in the wake of the attacks, with many roads quieter than usual and some people already panic buying.

"It feels like being back in Covid times - the way people are acting and the vibe," he said. "I can sort of understand it when people have family and kids.

"But the government and the military are always reassuring us that it's going to be fine and I really do believe that. Honestly, I'm not afraid."

Despite reports of some expats fleeing Dubai and heading back to the UK, Wyatt said it had not crossed his mind and he would be staying put.

He expected the conflict to have an impact on his travel company but added: "I think everything will be all sorted soon. I'm hoping so, anyway."

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