The ultra-rich are paying up to $350,000 to leave the Middle East on private jets after the US and Israel targeted Iran in coordinated attacks over the weekend, escalating conflict in the region.
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Wealthy elites living in Dubai and Abu Dhabi have frantically turned to private security companies to find a way out after the US and Israel targeted Iran in coordinated attacks over the weekend, the New York Post writes.
Some are willing to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars to be flown 10 hours to Saudi Arabia, where they can charter private jets to Europe.
“Saudi Arabia is the only real option for those who want to leave the region at the moment”said Ameerh Naran, executive director of private jet brokerage Vimana Private.
Among those trying to leave the region are executives of major financial companies and wealthy vacationers.
“We have been contacted by a variety of customers, including families, individuals and businesses who want to leave the region either out of fear for their safety or for business reasons because they need to be able to travel,” said Ian McCaul, representative of the British security firm Alma Risk.
The sudden demand for evacuation routes has driven up the cost of private charters to Europe by up to $350,000, according to companies in the field.
Dubai was among the Gulf areas hit after Iran launched retaliatory strikes on Saturday.
Images have emerged of Dubai's luxury Fairmont The Palm hotel engulfed in flames after UAE forces intercepted an Iranian airstrike. Debris from the interception would have fallen near the hotel.
Meanwhile, numerous influencers posted images and videos on social media of smoke trails left by missiles in the skies over Dubai as Iranian missile and drone strikes pounded the region.
The US-Israeli strikes, dubbed “Operation Epic Fury”, were ordered after Iran refused to dismantle its nuclear program following weeks of negotiations.
President Trump has repeatedly warned Tehran that it will face consequences if it does not reach an agreement with the United States.
