North Wales expat Poppy Owen says she fears debris from defensive missiles more than the explosions as Iranian attacks hit UAE

Approximately 250,000 British citizens reside in Dubai – a varied population of business professionals, social media influencers, and pensioners. So far, many seem fairly calm despite fierce aerial bombardment from Iranian drones and missiles, which has witnessed tonnes of high explosive fired at locations throughout the Gulf following US and Israeli military actions.

Welsh-born expat Poppy Owen, who for the past three years has lived in the upmarket Damac Hills neighbourhood , situated close to the UAE’s Minhad Airbase, confesses that her body “just went into pure fear and anxiety” during the peak of the weekend’s strikes. In a recent video recorded near her Dubai residence, Poppy reveals that the near-continuous explosions she heard were “too close for comfort.”

Originally hailing from North Wales, Poppy maintains her faith in the wealthy emirate’s extensive missile defence capabilities. A considerable amount of the protective weaponry safeguarding Dubai from approaching drones and missiles is deployed from Minhad Airbase – and it’s this close distance that troubles her most.

“It’s not the explosions that were something to be worried about,” she explains. “It was more the debris that when the explosions happened, it was the debris falling down onto buildings and things and places, that was the thing that we should be scared of most.”

She recounts how she has frequently guided her two young children into their bathroom, a place where they would be safe from shattered glass.

To keep her daughters calm, Poppy has attempted to convince them that the regular explosions and flashes in the sky are part of an extraordinary fireworks display.

Poppy shares: “They were reassured that it was just fireworks and nothing to worry about whereas my body just went into pure fear and anxiety because this is too close for comfort. It’s like ‘How can it be that loud? It must be somewhere quite close.’”.

“It was probably happening every 10 minutes or so. We live next to an airbase in Damac Hills – that’s no secret – and what’s happening is that they are firing missiles from the air base next to us, out towards the attacks coming in.”

Thus far, Dubai’s defensive measures seem to be effective. Whilst most incoming drones and missiles have reportedly been intercepted, some of the UAE’s most iconic structures have suffered damage – including the Fairmont The Palm hotel in the upscale Palm Jumeirah development and the Burj Al Arab.

Dubai International Airport has also allegedly been hit by a drone, as well as Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport, where one fatality has been reported.

Yasser Elsheshtawy, a professor of architecture at Columbia University who resided in Dubai for two decades, expressed to the BBC that despite only a handful of Iranian strikes being successful, the city’s meticulously crafted image has sustained lasting damage.

He stated: “When you begin to see plumes of smoke rising in the city and sounds of explosion in some of the most exclusive places, that shatters that image of Dubai as this haven of security and safety.”

The scholar further noted that even minor structural harm to iconic buildings could lead to broader reputational implications.

“It will suffer for years to come,” he declared.

Poppy says that aside from an urgent grocery run, she and her family have been living under circumstances akin to the Covid-19 lockdown.

“We were just indoors because that’s what we got told to do. We got told by the government to stay indoors and close our windows, and then all day really it was just hearing the missiles and stuff like that being shot out.

“We were just waiting for the bang, and then any bangs that were happening and shaking the villa doors, at that point we were like, ‘Right, we need to get into the bathroom and just protect the children.’”.

She mentions that information has been scarce, limited to official government announcements and the sound of defensive missiles being launched.

While she and her husband have discussed the idea of leaving the country, they have chosen to stay put for the time being.

“To be honest, the best thing you can do is just stay indoors in the comfort of your own home with all your essentials and ride it out.”

In response, the school has allocated part of its budget towards further staff training and equipment for allergies. “It’s a small amount to have them there and make sure everyone is safe,” said Houghton, who meets in-person with parents of children with allergies to ensure a personalised medical plan is in place.

The Homestead Kitchen, set in an 18th-century stone-built farmhouse at Prudom House, has quickly established itself as a destination restaurant in its own right.

The Homestead Kitchen (Image: TRIPADVISOR)

Opened in November 2021 by chef-owner Peter Neville and his partner Cecily Fearnley, the couple have transformed the rural property into a relaxed fine-dining restaurant, family home and self-contained holiday cottage.

The Homestead Kitchen holds an impressive 4.8-star rating from 157 reviews.

Diners frequently describe the experience as “first class”, “just fabulous from start to end” and “one of the best” meals they have had in North Yorkshire.

Nestled against the rolling backdrop of the North York Moors National Park, the restaurant draws inspiration directly from its surroundings.

The North York Moors and their produce sit at the heart of the menu.

Moorland roe deer, Whitby crab and ingredients harvested from the flourishing on-site kitchen garden feature prominently in dishes that diners say are hearty and packed with flavour.

“We pride ourselves on having built a flourishing kitchen garden, growing organic vegetables, fruits and herbs,” says Peter Neville.

The Homestead Kitchen (Image: TRIPADVISOR)

“In our small orchard, we are encouraging the meadow to re-wild, using the flowers in the restaurant. Our sustainability mission is always changing and developing.”

The menu follows the seasons, shaped by what is growing in the garden, sourced from trusted local suppliers, or even donated by residents with a surplus of homegrown produce.

Diners can choose from a fixed-price lunch menu, an à la carte selection or, for special occasions, a tasting menu.

Recent reviews mention squid ink doughnuts, homemade bread with kipper butter, beautifully cooked meat dishes, vegetarian options and what one guest described as “the best fish pie ever”, followed by strawberries and sorbet.

The restaurant’s décor and views across the moors add to the sense of occasion.

On sunny days, guests can sit outside, while in winter the farmhouse setting offers a cosy retreat from frosty moorland walks.

Service is another recurring highlight in reviews, with staff described as friendly, knowledgeable and attentive.

One visitor who said they had spent decades dining in London’s top restaurants said the end-to-end experience was among the best they had enjoyed in years.

The Homestead Kitchen caters for a range of dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options, and offers free off-street parking for visitors.

Open for lunch and dinner from Wednesday to Sunday (with Sunday lunch served from noon), it has also earned recognition from the Michelin Guide for its “good cooking”, further cementing its reputation as a “must-visit for food lovers exploring the North York Moors”.

Rory McIlroy said that a “generous” offer to LIV players should not be dismissed, adding that the DP World Tour can only do “so much to accommodate these guys”

Rory McIlroy believes it was unfortunate that Jon Rahm declined the “generous” offer put forward by the DP World Tour, which would have cleared any obstacle to the Spaniard’s Ryder Cup eligibility.

Eight LIV players, including Tyrrell Hatton – a champion alongside McIlroy and Rahm in Rome and New York – accepted the conditions which required them to settle all outstanding fines, withdraw their appeals and pledge to participate in additional tour events.

Rahm turned down the proposal, alleging the DP World Tour was “extorting” players, and will persist with his appeal against the reported £2million-plus penalties he has accumulated from competing in rival tournaments.

“If you asked any DP World Tour member about the deal that they have cut with the LIV guys, I think they would all say that it was pretty generous,” said McIlroy.

“It’s a much softer deal than what Brooks (Koepka) took to come back and play on the PGA Tour.

“There’s a reason that eight of the nine took it because they probably think the same thing and one guy thinks a little differently and that’s a shame. He’s obviously well within his rights to think that way.

“The European (DP World) Tour can only do so much to accommodate these guys.”

Should Rahm’s appeal prove unsuccessful, he would remain liable for the fines, plus additional penalties accumulated as he continues to compete in LIV events without official authorisation. However, if he continues to resist payment, his DP World Tour membership could be jeopardised, potentially affecting his ability to participate in next year’s Ryder Cup at Adare Manor.

Here, Luke Donald will attempt to become the first captain to secure three consecutive victories.

“If you want to play on the Ryder Cup you have to be a member of the DP World Tour. You have to abide by the rules and regulations,” McIlroy further explained, stating that being asked to play two events in addition to the four required for membership “isn’t a heavy lift”.

“Look, the Ryder Cup is bigger than any one person. It’s bigger than all of us. We come and go. Players pass through the system.

“I think we should all be grateful that we have a platform like the Ryder Cup that we can play on and that we can showcase our skills and be a part of something that’s obviously way bigger than ourselves.

“At the end of the day it’s about the team and no one player is bigger than the team.”

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Zoja Skubis, who is the youngest Polish woman to summit Manaslu (8,163 m) and Mount Everest (8,849 m) at just 19 years old, also gets her own Barbie doll, as does Stephanie Gilmore, an Australian professional surfer who is the first woman to achieve eight World Surf League (WSL) World Championship Titles.

More than 130,000 Brits have registered their presence in the Middle East, trapped overseas as the war between Iran and the US and Israel continues to escalate.

Airspace over nine countries in the Middle East remains closed (or partially closed), affecting some of the busiest airports in the world, including Dubai International Airport and Hamad International Airport (Doha, Qatar).

More than 20 major airlines have been forced to cancel hundreds of flights worldwide as a result, impacting Brits travelling abroad.

Airspace closures in place in the Middle East

The Airspace closures currently in place across the Middle East (at the time of writing), according to Flightradar24 , are:

Total closure

• Iran
• Iraq
• Qatar
• Bahrain
• Kuwait
• Syria
• Israel

Partial closure

• Saudi Arabia (area bordering Iraq and the Persian Gulf)
• United Arab Emirates

Airlines affected by the Middle East conflict

Direct

The main airlines offering direct flights between the UK and the Middle East, affected by the ongoing conflict, are:

• British Airways
• Virgin Atlantic
• Emirates
• Etihad Airways
• Qatar Airways
• Turkish Airlines
• Pegasus Airlines
• Wizz Air / Wizz Air UK
• Lufthansa Group (Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian Airlines)
• Air France
• KLM
• Norwegian
• ITA Airways

Update: Qatar Airways flight operations remain temporarily suspended due to the closure of Qatari airspace.

Qatar Airways will resume operations once the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority announces the safe reopening of Qatari airspace. A further update will be provided on 06…

— Qatar Airways (@qatarairways) March 4, 2026

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Connections

The airlines affected that are more likely to impact Brits who have connecting flights travelling from the Middle East include:

• Air India
• IndiGo
• Air Arabia
• LOT Polish Airlines
• Cathay Pacific
• Air Astana
• Aegean Airlines
• Azerbaijan Airlines

Other regional airlines carrying Brits around the Middle East have also been impacted.

When will flights resume in the Middle East?

All flights with the following major airlines remain suspended (at the time of writing):

• Qatar Airways (update on March 6)
• Wizz Air (update on March 7)
• Pegasus Airlines
• Lufthansa (update on March 6 and 8)
• KLM (update on March 5)
• Air France (update March 5)

Other airlines have resumed “some” flights from the Middle East:

Virgin Atlantic

Virgin Atlantic said it has begun operating some flights in the Middle East “following our latest assessments and in line with guidance from international aviation authorities”.

Its website adds: “Any decision to resume services is made only after thorough risk reviews and careful consideration of the latest intelligence available to us.

“While we intend to operate some flights as planned, the situation remains dynamic.

“We continue to monitor developments closely and will make further changes at short notice if required to ensure the ongoing safety and security of our customers and crew.

“We have also rerouted some of our flights. As a result, some of our services are operating on adjusted routings and may experience slightly longer flight times.”

British Airways

British Airways (BA) is currently unable to operate flights from several destinations, including Abu Dhabi, Amman, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai and Tel Aviv.

An update for our customers – 03 March pic.twitter.com/RbHubSoIvT

— British Airways (@British_Airways) March 3, 2026

However, airspace over Oman is now open, and BA said it is working with the relevant authorities to schedule a flight from Muscat to London, departing at 02:30 local time on March 5.

Anyone currently in Oman wishing to travel on this flight is urged to contact BA +44 203 467 3854.

Emirates

All scheduled Emirates flights to and from Dubai remain suspended until 11.59pm on March 4 (UAE time), due to airspace closures across the region.

However, Emirates said it continues to operate a “limited number” of passenger repatriation and freighter flights (on March 3 and 4).

Emirates said: “We are accommodating customers with earlier bookings as a priority on these limited flights.

“Please do not go to the airport unless you have been notified directly by Emirates or hold a confirmed booking for these flights.”

It added: “Emirates continues to monitor the situation, and we will develop our operational schedule accordingly.

Etihad

All Etihad Airways’ scheduled commercial flights to and from Abu Dhabi remain suspended until Thursday, March 5.

However, the airline may run some repositioning, cargo, and repatriation flights in coordination with UAE authorities, and “subject to strict operational and safety approvals”.

The Etihad website adds: “Guests should not travel to the airport unless they have been contacted directly by Etihad and advised to do so.”

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Which airlines are offering refunds?

Most of the major airlines are offering refunds for passengers affected by cancelled flights or for those who are set to travel on an upcoming date:

• British Airways – customers travelling up to and including March 8 can request a refund
• Emirates – up to and including March 10
• Etihad Airways – up to and including March 10
• Qatar Airways – up to and including March 10
• Pegasus Airlines – up to and including March 12
• Lufthansa Group (Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian Airlines) – up to and including March 15
• KLM – up to and including March 9

Passengers with these affected airlines are also able to re-book flights for a later date.

More information can be found on the relevant airlines website.

Up to a million people in the UK are already diagnosed with heart disease with a futher 200,000 being added every year

Experts have outlined several warning signs that mean you should seek medical attention, as they could point to a potentially severe health issue. They warn that one particular symptom – feeling lightheaded or faint – suggests a vital organ isn’t functioning properly.

The British Heart Foundation states this sensation can indicate heart failure – a condition currently affecting up to a million people across the UK. NHS data reveals a further 200,000 people receive this diagnosis annually, with many cases only identified following an emergency hospital admission.

Whilst heart failure cannot be cured, various treatments exist to help control symptoms and enhance quality of life. Since certain lifestyle alterations can significantly improve your well-being, it means it is important to be diagnosed as quickly as possible, reports the Mirror.

The British Heart Foundation has outlined several key warning signs to monitor – and explained when to consult your GP. Its website states: “When your heart is not pumping blood as well as it should, it means you’re not getting enough oxygen.

“This affects how your body works, including your breathing and muscles. This causes some of the main symptoms of heart failure.”

It said signs included:

• fainting or feeling lightheaded
• feeling very tired (fatigued) or weak at rest which gets worse with movement
• shortness of breath when you’re active or resting
• swelling in your feet and ankles which can spread to your lower body

It continued: “You should see your GP as soon as you can if you experience any of these symptoms. If you are struggling to breathe or have chest pain, call 999 for immediate medical assistance.”

Causes of heart failure

Heart failure develops due to various factors, most frequently following a heart attack, cardiomyopathy – a condition affecting the heart muscle – or high blood pressure, which places excessive strain on the heart. The condition may emerge suddenly or progress gradually over months or years.

Less frequent triggers include irregular heart rhythms, anaemia, congenital cardiac conditions and heart valve disease. Consuming alcohol beyond the recommended limit – currently 14 units or fewer weekly – can also contribute to the condition.

Stages of heart failure

According to the British Heart Foundation there are 4 stages or classes of heart failure. It said: “These stages describe how serious your heart failure is.” The stages are:

• Stage 1 – you do not have symptoms during everyday activity
• Stage 2 – you feel normal when resting but physical activity causes symptoms
• Stage 3 – you feel normal when resting but a little physical activity causes symptoms
• Stage 4 – you cannot do any physical activity without symptoms and may feel uncomfortable while resting

What treatments are available

The charity said: “There is not a cure for heart failure but available treatments can help manage symptoms and improve your quality of life. Your doctor will discuss treatments with you depending on what stage they’ve diagnosed you with.”

Treatments for heart failure include:

• A medical device such as a pacemaker or ICD – a pacemaker helps control your heart rate to reduce the demand on your heart. An ICD detects and treats dangerous, irregular heartbeats
• Heart surgery – done to improve blood flow to your heart or to repair/replace a faulty valve that is putting strain on your heart
• Medicine – to protect and improve your heart function, improve your symptoms and reduce fluid build-up

Managing heart failure

The British Heart Foundation said: “Making changes to your lifestyle is another way to improve your health.” It says changes to try include:

• Keeping active
• Keeping to a healthy weight and diet
• Limiting how much alcohol you drink (less than the recommended 14 units per week)
• Stopping smoking and using other tobacco products

It adds: “Living a healthier lifestyle can be hard at first, but it’s important for your overall quality of life.” It advises reading its Eat Better booklet for tips on eating healthier.

The charity added: “There is no cure for heart failure. This can be upsetting and raise concerns about your life expectancy. If this is something you’re worried about, talk to your GP or a specialist heart failure team. They will explain what to expect during your treatment and give you the information and support you need.

“Conversations about life expectancy and death are difficult. You may need to discuss things like care, finances and Wills. Sorting these things out when you feel well enough to do so can help give you and your loved ones peace of mind.”

It comes as Sir Keir Starmer confirmed yesterday (March 3) that the UK will send helicopters with counter-drone capabilities to the country, as well as warship HMS Dragon, after RAF Akrotiri was hit by a drone.

The decision was made to protect British military personnel in Cyprus, as the Middle East war between Iran and US-Israeli forces continues to spiral.

Is it safe to travel to Cyprus from the UK? Government advice in new update

Following this, as of Wednesday (March 4), the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office ( FCDO ) has not advised against travelling to all or parts of Cyprus.

But it warns that regional escalation poses “significant security risks” and has led to travel disruption.

However, the UK government shares due to the drone attack at RAF Akrotiri, British nationals in the Sovereign Base Areas should follow instructions from the Sovereign Base Areas Administration British Bases Cyprus Facebook page.

Meanwhile, British nationals in the Republic of Cyprus should follow any instructions from Cypriot local authorities.

For British nationals currently in Cyprus, the FCDO recommends:

• Reading guidance on “ how to prepare for a crisis ” with suggestions on what you might include in your emergency supplies and “what to do in a crisis”
• Sign up to FCDO Travel Advice email alerts
• Monitor local and international media for the latest information
• Sign up to local information alerts/resources and follow the instructions of the local authorities
• Keep your departure plans under review, and ensure your travel documents are up to date

# Cyprus. Information on a suspected drone impact at RAF Akrotiri. https://t.co/Ooir8gfmYr pic.twitter.com/dQBM2C0ZnC

— FCDO Travel Advice (@FCDOtravelGovUK) March 2, 2026

Is TUI still flying to Cyprus today? Full list of cancelled flights

TUI has made the decision to cancel four flights due to travel to Cyprus on Wednesday as the “safety of our customers and crew is our highest priority”.

The cancelled flights on March 4 are:

• TOM7318 from East Midlands Airport to Paphos
• TOM6312 from Cardiff Airport to Paphos
• TOM6354 from Bournemouth to Paphos
• TOM2336 from Manchester to Paphos

TUI adds: “Impacted customers will be contacted directly and offered a fee free amend with a rebooking incentive or a full refund.”

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For TUI customers currently in Cyprus, the airline says that teams are working with airline partners “to monitor the situation and make arrangements to bring you back to the UK once it is safe to do so”.

For all latest travel updates regarding the Middle East and surrounding areas, keep up to date on the FCDO website (a link to which can be found above).

Are you due to fly to Cyprus from the UK in the coming days, or are you already there? Let us know in the comments below.

From April, certain train tickets will now only be refundable up to 11.59pm on the day before they become valid for travel.

The move is in a bid to end travellers abusing refunds, which estimates costs around £40 million each year according to industry analysts.

Passengers abuse refunds by claiming on tickets that have been used but not scanned or endorsed, where a customer falsely states that they did not travel.

New refund rules coming for UK train tickets in weeks

From April 1, the tickets no longer eligible for refunds after 11.59pm the day before travel are:

• Anytime
• Off-Peak
• Day Travelcards
• Most Ranger and Rover tickets

Advance tickets and Season Tickets are not affected by the change.  

Rail bosses have also said that refunds will still be available for disrupted or cancelled services and, in certain circumstances, such as medical emergencies. 

They also said that many passengers will not be affected by the changes as most only seek refunds before travel or due to “genuine disruption”. 

Rail tickets that are purchased on or before March 31 will be refundable under the terms of the current rules.

These allow ticket holders to get refunds of up to 28 days after the day of travel, if the ticket has not been used.

How to claim a refund or compensation on train tickets

As explained on the National Rail website, you may be entitled to a full refund or compensation if your train journey is delayed or cancelled.

Refunds can be issued if you do not use your ticket due to delays or cancellations.

This can be done through the train company you purchased with, or, if you purchased from self-service vending machines at a station, this should provide information on how to refund a ticket.

Compensation may be requested if you are travelling and arrive late due to a cancelled or delayed train service.

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National Rail states that compensation may depend on:

• Which train company you travelled with
• The type of ticket you have
• The length of the delay in arriving at your destination

Compensation claims can be made online or by post using a form that you can download from a train company website or get from a staffed station.

What do you think about the new refund rules? Let us know in the comments.