Australian cricket great Brett Lee described Dubai as “one of the safest places in the world” for women and children after relocating his family to the United Arab Emirates, only weeks before Iranian missile and drone strikes damaged several locations across the city.
The 49-year-old former fast bowler confirmed in late February that he had permanently moved to Dubai, purchasing property and relocating his family to the Gulf nation.
Last week, Iranian missile and drone strikes struck parts of Dubai, causing damage to key sites including Dubai International Airport, the Burj Al Arab, and a hotel on Palm Jumeirah.
Debris from an intercepted drone sparked a fire at the Burj Al Arab, while four people were injured at Palm Jumeirah.
At Dubai International Airport, a concourse sustained damage and four staff members were hurt, while flights were temporarily suspended as airlines redirected routes.
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According to the UAE, Iran launched 137 missiles and 209 drones, most of which were intercepted. Bahrain’s international airport also reported material damage.
Lee Explains Decision to Move to Dubai
The attacks occurred just weeks after Lee publicly confirmed that he had moved to Dubai with his family and bought property in the emirate. Speaking about the move, the former Australian pacer said safety played a central role in the decision.
“It happened pretty quickly in the end. I’ve been coming back and forth for the last 20 years, but mainly it’s been a stepping stone to get to somewhere else,” Lee said.
“In February last year, I came over and I just embraced the place. I loved it, and I went and had a chat with my wife and the kids. Fast forward to June I’m over here full time. I’ve been here for about eight months.”
Lee, who claimed 718 international wickets during his career, also detailed the factors that influenced the relocation.
“What captured the essence of me moving over was a number of things, [mainly] safety. This is one of the safest places in the world, especially for females and certainly for kids.”
“This was purely a decision that was made on opportunity, lifestyle and safety. Look, Australia will always be home. I’m a very proud Australian and I love where I’ve come from. But this is next level. This is incredible.”
Family And Lifestyle Adjustment
Lee said his family had adjusted smoothly to life in Dubai. His wife Lana and their three children, aged six, 10 and 19, have settled well since the move.
“Well, [family] to me is the most important thing. The one thing I’m proud to say is that the family have absolutely enjoyed every single moment of it,” he said.
“My wife loves the area, loves the place, so do my three children [aged six, 10 and 19]. The two younger ones are at school and they’ve taken to it like duck to water.”
“It’s been a seamless transition, which you don’t really often see. The fact that at the school there are 200 different nationalities … they’re not just learning about school, learning about life and learning about cultures.”
Business Opportunities In The UAE
The former fast bowler also cited business prospects as another key factor behind the relocation. Lee currently serves as the global ambassador for Danube Properties and is linked with the investment firm Yolo.
“From a professional and business point of view, it is astronomical what you can achieve here,” Lee said.
“The thing around the world is there’s a lot of red tape when you’re looking at setting up different opportunities. The thing with Dubai and UAE is a couple of factors. The first thing – it feels like the country wants you to succeed.”
Regional Conflict Escalates
The strikes in Dubai came amid a wider escalation of conflict in the region following US and Israeli attacks on Iran. President Donald Trump warned there will “likely be more” US casualties after three American service members were killed and five seriously wounded.
Israel has intensified operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon after the group launched rockets and drones in support of Iran, leading to evacuation orders for more than 50 Lebanese villages.
Iranian missiles have also struck Israel, killing at least nine people in Beit Shemesh, while Iran said more than 150 people were killed in a strike on a girls’ school.
The conflict has also affected the Gulf region, with Iran targeting airports, ports and energy routes. Attacks near the Strait of Hormuz have disrupted shipping, while global oil prices have surged and airline shares have fallen. Airspace closures remain in place across parts of the region as governments respond to the escalating crisis.
