From Police Response Officer to Dubai Fitness Entrepreneur: A Life-Changing Move
A former British police officer has dramatically transformed her life by leaving the force and relocating to Dubai with her partner, where they have tripled their income through online fitness coaching. Amber Travis, aged 24 from Bath, Somerset, alongside her partner Tommy Mitchell, 29, made the bold decision to emigrate after a transformative business investment and a desire for greater freedom.
A Two-Week Holiday That Changed Everything
The couple's journey began with a two-week vacation to Dubai in January 2024, during which they "fell in love" with the city. Both were already working as online fitness coaches alongside their full-time jobs—Amber as a police response officer and Tommy as a receptionist. They found it remarkably easy to work remotely from Dubai, planting the seed for a potential relocation.
Strategic Business Investment and Rapid Growth
In March 2025, the pair invested £12,000 into a business mentorship program in Dubai, aimed at expanding their client base. The results were swift and substantial. By June 2025, their clientele had quadrupled, prompting Tommy to leave his receptionist role and Amber to resign from the police force, where she had served since July 2020 at age 18.
"It was a massive decision leaving the police," Amber admitted. "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." She described her five years in the police as "amazing" but "really hard," involving long shifts and significant responsibilities, though she took pride in saving lives and protecting the public.
The Emigration Process and Financial Implications
In November 2025, the couple finalized their decision to move permanently. They rented out their three-bedroom UK home and flew to Dubai in December with their King Charles Spaniel, Ruby. The total cost of the move was estimated at around £20,000, covering various expenses.
Financial Breakdown of the Relocation:
- Rent and bills in the UK: £2,000 per month
- Rent for a one-bed apartment in Dubai: £2,600 per month, plus £200 for bills
- Agency fees and deposit: £5,000 to £7,000 per year
- Business setup fees: £5,000
- Visa costs: £1,000 each
Despite these higher living costs, the financial rewards have been significant. Tommy explained that in the UK, he charged £70 per hour for personal training, keeping only about £40 after tax. In Dubai, he charges £100 per hour and retains more of his earnings due to favorable tax conditions. The broader client pool for online coaching has further boosted their income.
Enhanced Safety and Quality of Life
Amber highlighted the stark contrast in safety between Dubai and the UK, noting her unique perspective as a former police officer. "The level of crime and the difference in safety in Dubai is such a high contrast to the UK," she said. "Everyday in the UK there was probably something around every person crime-wise, whereas here there is honestly nothing. I have no worry at all any part of the day that anything is going to happen."
This sense of security allows them to work in cafes and restaurants without fear, even leaving laptops and phones unattended briefly. The pleasant weather and abundant leisure activities, such as beach visits every weekend, contribute to a vastly improved work-life balance.
Settling In and Future Prospects
Tommy reported that they are "just about" settling into life in Dubai, with the mentorship investment yielding a quadruple increase in online business within six months. This growth has enabled more travel and holidays throughout 2025, including participation in bodybuilding competitions. "It was a crazy year, zero to 100," he remarked.
Initially working grueling hours from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., the couple has since adjusted to enjoy their downtime more fully. "Another of the pros for us in Dubai is the better work-life balance," Amber noted. "People work hard, but there are so many nice things to do in your downtime, and we have that time now."
Challenges and Personal Reflections
The move has not been without its challenges. The couple misses their family and friends in the UK, maintaining weekly FaceTime calls to stay connected. Tommy expressed nostalgia for walks in the fields with their dog, contrasting it with Dubai's beaches. "I wouldn't swap fresh air for good weather though," he added, acknowledging the trade-offs.
Their experience contrasts with that of celebrity Kate Ferdinand, who has publicly struggled with missing family after her own move to Dubai. Amber and Tommy, however, emphasize the opportunities and freedom their relocation has afforded, viewing it as a calculated risk that has paid off handsomely in both professional and personal terms.
