Reality television icon Gemma Collins is officially trading Essex for the sun-drenched shores of Dubai, friends of the star have exclusively revealed. The move marks a decisive fresh start for the 44-year-old, who is looking to leave a series of personal heartaches behind her in the UK.
A Glamorous New Chapter in the Desert
Insiders confirm that Gemma has already begun arranging property viewings in the exclusive Dubai Hills area, signalling her serious intent to relocate. The TOWIE legend sparked widespread speculation about the move just last week when she posted from the UAE on her Instagram, asking followers for recommendations on "lovely places to live."
A source close to the star explained, "Gemma loves Dubai, it’s her happy place. She’s drawn to the weather, the beauty, and the glamour. She’s actively exploring both property and work opportunities there. After growing tired of life in Britain, she feels this is the perfect moment for a new beginning."
Seeking Solace After Personal Struggles
The planned relocation follows a period of significant emotional turmoil for Collins. In June, she revealed she had postponed her wedding to long-term partner Rami Hawash for a second time. This decision came after Rami tragically lost his father the previous year.
The couple's relationship has been a rollercoaster spanning over a decade. They first met in 2011 and were initially engaged in 2013, only to call off the wedding a mere three weeks later. They rekindled their romance during the lockdown, leading to a second engagement in 2021, which was also cancelled. Rami proposed for a third time last year during a romantic getaway to the Maldives.
Beyond her relationship challenges, Gemma has been remarkably open about her difficult journey to motherhood. She has tragically suffered three miscarriages and was once advised to terminate a pregnancy after doctors discovered the baby was intersex. The star, who is a stepmother to Rami's seven-year-old son Tristan, has also publicly considered surrogacy and fostering.
The Comeback Queen's Next Act
Ever resilient, Gemma is now undergoing IVF treatment, a process that will be documented in her upcoming reality show, Gemma Collins: Four Weddings and a Baby, set to air next year.
"Gemma is ready for a fresh start," the insider added. "She’s endured a lot recently and wants to put all the negative energy behind her. She views the move to Dubai as the perfect opportunity to draw a line under the past and start completely afresh."
Further compounding her challenging year, Gemma's ex-boyfriend, James ‘Arg’ Argent—with whom she had an on-and-off relationship for around ten years—was handed a suspended prison sentence in May for a gender violence offence against his then-partner, former Miss Sweden Nicoline Artusson.
The source concluded, "Gemma has faced considerable heartache over the past few months and is fully prepared for a new adventure. After so much drama, she is eager to look forward, and she believes a major move is just the ticket to a happier future."
