Former TOWIE star Kate Ferdinand has officially begun her Christmas celebrations in Dubai, sharing glimpses of her festive preparations with fans on Instagram. The 34-year-old showcased her incredible figure in red Christmas pyjamas while announcing the start of the holiday season from her luxurious new home in the United Arab Emirates.
Desert Christmas Extravaganza
Despite the scorching desert temperatures, Kate has fully embraced the Christmas spirit, transforming her £6.5 million gated property in the exclusive Al Barari community into a winter wonderland. The TV personality has decorated her home with elaborate berry wreaths, ribbon garlands, and personalised decorations for every family member.
The festive display includes two wreaths with red ribbons adorning the double doorway, while matching garland wraps elegantly around the staircase bannister inside. Kate appeared in high spirits as she posed alongside both Father Christmas and Grinch models, proving that Christmas cheer knows no geographical boundaries.
Family Life in the Sun
Kate and her footballer husband Rio Ferdinand, 46, made the life-changing decision to swap south-east London for the sun-soaked desert earlier this year, eight years after first meeting in the city. The couple shares two young children - four-year-old Cree and two-year-old Shae - while Kate also serves as stepmother to Rio's three teenage children from his previous marriage to Rebecca Ellison, who tragically passed away in 2015.
The blended family includes Lorenz, 19, Tate, 17, and Tia, 14, creating a dynamic household that has adapted to their new surroundings with remarkable ease. Their luxury property, listed for 32.5 million dirhams (£6,550,310) as of April this year, provides a stunning backdrop for their new chapter abroad.
Emotional Family Dynamics
While the family has settled well into their new life, Kate recently opened up about the emotional challenges of being separated from her stepsons. Eldest sons Lorenz and Tate have remained in England as they're on the books at Brighton & Hove Albion, creating a geographical divide that has proven difficult for the close-knit family.
Earlier this week, Kate shared a heartwarming video capturing the moment Tate surprised them with a visit to their UAE home. In an emotional Instagram caption, she confessed: 'I've had the best two days, and now that he's left I'm on a complete emotional spiral. We're having the most amazing time in Dubai... But wow, I miss Lorenz and Tate so much.'
Despite these challenges, Kate remains positive about their decision, noting that after three months in Dubai, 'the kids seem really happy & settled and it's a beautiful life for them.'
Future Uncertainties
In a recent Instagram Q&A session, Kate addressed questions about their long-term plans in Dubai, revealing mixed feelings about their future. When asked if she sees her family staying in Dubai permanently, she responded candidly: 'I'm really not sure. We took the leap by moving here and thought we would try something new & I'm so glad we did.'
She acknowledged the bittersweet nature of their expat experience, explaining: 'There's lots of things I miss about England but there are also lots of things I'd miss about here if I wasn't here. So in short, I have no idea what the future holds.'
The family continues to embrace their new lifestyle while maintaining their Christmas traditions, proving that festive spirit can flourish even in the most unexpected locations. As they navigate their first holiday season in the Middle East, the Ferdinands demonstrate that family - not geography - remains at the heart of Christmas celebrations.
