British Couple Triples Income After Relocating from Bath to Dubai
A former British police officer and her partner have dramatically increased their earnings by moving from Bath to Dubai, claiming their income has tripled within a year while enjoying a safer environment and better work-life balance.
From Police Work to Fitness Coaching in the Emirates
Amber Travis, 24, who served as a response officer for five years beginning at age 18, and Tommy Mitchell, 29, made the life-changing decision to relocate permanently to Dubai in November 2025. The couple, who previously worked as online fitness coaches alongside their full-time jobs in the UK, found they could easily operate their business remotely from the Middle Eastern city.
"To have more freedom, a better way of life and more opportunities meant we could be anywhere in the world doing our job and it's now led us to Dubai," explained Amber, originally from Bath, Somerset.
Significant Investment Yields Rapid Returns
The couple's transition began with a £12,000 investment in a business mentorship program in March 2025, which they credit with helping quadruple their client base within just six months. By June 2025, both had left their UK jobs—Tommy as a receptionist and Amber from the police force—to focus entirely on their expanding fitness coaching business.
"It was a massive decision leaving the police and I had lots of questions from friends and family asking if it was the right thing to do. But in life you have to take risks," Amber reflected on her career change.
Enhanced Safety and Quality of Life
One of the most significant benefits the couple cites is the improved safety in Dubai compared to the UK. Amber, drawing from her police experience, noted the stark contrast in crime levels between the two locations.
"The level of crime and the difference in safety in Dubai is such a high contrast to the UK," she stated. "I have no worry at all any part of the day that anything is going to happen. We work in cafes and restaurants now and then and you can leave your laptop and phone in place whilst you go to the toilet."
Financial Considerations and Living Costs
Despite the income increase, the couple acknowledges that living in Dubai comes with substantially higher expenses. Their monthly outgoings have risen from approximately £2,000 for mortgage and bills in the UK to £2,800 for rent and utilities in their one-bedroom Dubai flat.
The total relocation cost reached an estimated £20,000, including business setup fees of £5,000, visa costs of £1,000 each, and annual agency fees and deposits ranging between £5,000 and £7,000.
However, Tommy highlighted the tax advantages: "With personal training, for example, back at home, I was charging £70 per hour and probably only seeing £40 of that after tax. Here, I charge £100 and get to keep more of it."
Adjusting to Expatriate Life
The couple, who brought their King Charles spaniel Ruby with them, admit to working intensely during their initial weeks in Dubai—sometimes from 5am until 11pm—but emphasize they relocated primarily to enjoy life more fully.
"Another of the pros for us in Dubai is the better work-life balance," Amber noted. "People work hard and it's hard working hours but there are so many nice things to do in your downtime and we have that time now."
While appreciating Dubai's beaches and consistent weather, Tommy confessed to missing certain aspects of British life: "I do actually miss walking over the fields with the dog, as nice as the beaches here are. I wouldn't swap fresh air for good weather though."
The couple maintains weekly FaceTime calls with family and friends back in the UK to stay connected despite the distance.
