Former Apprentice contestant Luisa Zissman has sparked conversation by declaring she is now in her "refugee era" following her return to the United Kingdom from Dubai. The 38-year-old businesswoman and influencer shared her frustrations with followers via social media, highlighting her displacement from her adopted home in the United Arab Emirates.
Social Media Outburst from London
Luisa Zissman posted a video to her Instagram stories from London's Chinatown, near Global Studios, where she expressed anxiety about potential theft. "Obviously I am no longer in Dubai," she stated in the clip. "I was due back for work anyway, so I came back with the kids. They're on school holidays now, and I just wanted to bring them back with me." She then glanced around nervously, adding, "I'm really paranoid someone is going to steal my phone."
Journey Details and Emotional Response
Elaborating on her travel, Zissman noted the ease of her departure from the region. "It was actually fine leaving; it was very, very easy. We went through Oman, took us about 15 minutes to get through the border, then flew out from Muscat to Heathrow." Despite the smooth logistics, her emotional tone shifted as she described her current state. "Back with Team Luanna for the next two days, and I'm very excited to see my crew, and I'm very f***ing cold and it's very grey," she remarked, contrasting the UK's climate with Dubai's warmer environment.
Context of Safety and Regional Tensions
This return comes against a backdrop of heightened security concerns in the Middle East. The UK Foreign Office has temporarily withdrawn dependents of British Embassy staff from the UAE as a precautionary measure amid rising tensions, though embassies in Abu Dhabi and Dubai continue normal operations. Zissman, however, has been a vocal supporter of the UAE government, previously declaring it the "safest country in the world" last week, despite ongoing missile strikes and drone attacks in the region.
Background on Relocation and Family
Luisa Zissman moved to Dubai months ago with her husband, Andrew Collins, who had already relocated for work, citing safety concerns in the UK as a primary reason. She brought two of her three children with her, while her eldest daughter remained in the UK to complete her studies at boarding school. In recent weeks, she has updated fans on her life in Dubai, sharing normalised activities like walking her dog and shopping at Zara, aiming to reassure followers about daily life there despite the geopolitical unrest.
Her declaration of a "refugee era" has drawn attention to the personal impacts of global instability, even for high-profile individuals. As she navigates her temporary return for work, Zissman's experiences reflect broader discussions about safety, displacement, and the challenges of maintaining a transnational lifestyle in uncertain times.
