Former England international footballer Jonjo Shelvey has stated he will not return to what he describes as a "going downhill" Britain, asserting that life in Dubai feels significantly safer for his children. The 33-year-old ex-Liverpool and Newcastle United midfielder relocated to the United Arab Emirates last September and expresses no regrets about leaving the UK behind.
A New Life in the Middle East
Shelvey, who earned six caps for England between 2012 and 2015, moved to UAE second-tier side Arabian Falcons along with his pop star wife Daisy Evans and their three children. Reflecting on their new life, Shelvey highlighted the sense of security he experiences in Dubai. "You go to the mall out here and my two eldest girls they'll go off and have a wander round the shops and I've got no worries," he said. "Whereas back home, I could never let that happen."
Concerns Over UK Safety
Born in Romford, east London, Shelvey began his professional career at Charlton Athletic before high-profile moves to clubs including Liverpool, Newcastle United, Swansea City, and Nottingham Forest. He now voices strong concerns about safety in Britain. "You look at the news every day from back home and there's someone getting stabbed," Shelvey explained. "There's kids getting their phones taken, their watches taken, and, like, why would I want to bring my children up in that environment?"
He elaborated on daily freedoms in Dubai, noting that his 11-year-old daughter can safely scoot to a nearby Starbucks alone—something he would never permit in the UK. "I just think the UK is going one way. It's gone downhill," Shelvey stated. "When I was a kid growing up, it was a fantastic place to live. You could go out and play and everything was fine. There was never any trouble. But now it's just every time you read, someone's getting stabbed and things like that. And I don't want to bring my children up in that environment."
Career and Family Priorities
Shelvey was persuaded to move to the UAE by a call from Arabian Falcons coach Harry Agombar, a former teammate from Arsenal's youth academy. Following stints at Turkish clubs Çaykur Rizespor and Eyüpspor in 2023, and a brief return to England with Burnley in early 2024, Shelvey has sold his UK home and plans to stay in Dubai. He is eager to extend his one-year contract with Arabian Falcons while pursuing a Uefa A coaching licence and coaching at Dubai's Ellevate Football Academy four evenings a week.
Shelvey emphasized that financial gain was not his motivation, countering claims he moved for money. "I've since seen a few things like, he's gone there for money. I'm thinking, what money? There's no money in the UAE Second Division League," he told the BBC. "The ballpark of the standard wage here is £2,000 a month for a footballer. In terms of what I've earned throughout my career, that's nothing. My brother earns more working in a hotel in London, so it was never about coming here for the money."
Broader Trend of British Migration to Dubai
Shelvey's move aligns with a growing trend of sports stars and high-net-worth individuals relocating to Dubai. In recent months, figures like Rio Ferdinand and Ronnie O'Sullivan have joined a list of British names residing in the UAE, following international stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Roger Federer. Observers cite tax-free living, enhanced personal security, and year-round sunshine as key attractions, alongside Dubai's "Golden Visa" scheme offering residency for up to ten years.
Estimates indicate around 240,000 UK expats live in Dubai, drawn by approximately 5,000 British firms operating there. John Mason International Movers reported a 420% rise in relocation enquiries from Britain to Dubai over five years to 2024. Notably, Olympic boxer Amir Khan also moved to Dubai after a gunpoint robbery in the UK left him feeling unsafe.
Mixed Experiences and Cost Comparisons
Despite the influx, some expats report challenges. Kate Ferdinand, who moved to Dubai with husband Rio, expressed missing family in the UK, highlighting emotional struggles. Others describe Dubai as "soulless" or cite pressures from long work hours and rising living costs.
Cost-of-living comparisons reveal contrasts: a three-course meal for two averages £80 in London versus £57 in Dubai, but imported beer is cheaper in London (£5.25 vs. £10.93 in Dubai). Basic utilities for an 85 sq metre apartment cost £236.75 in London compared to £183.23 in Dubai, while internet access is more expensive in Dubai (£80.97 vs. £31.53 in London).
Shelvey remains resolute in his decision, concluding: "I'm happy and content. I'm just at the stage now where I want to enjoy football. It's about waking up, enjoying what I do and spending time with my family. If I'm honest, I don't want my children growing up in England any more."
