Former Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand has announced he is relocating his family to Dubai, citing better work-life balance, security, and education for his children. Speaking to The National, Ferdinand said: 'Lifestyle, safety, weather and just a new life. I wanted a new chapter.' He also noted that the education system in Dubai 'felt different, felt better for my kids.'
Dubai has seen a surge in British emigration, with 40,000 Brits moving there in 2023, up from 35,000 in 2022 and 30,000 in 2021, according to The Telegraph. The city offers no income tax, better weather, and comparatively affordable property. However, it is the 15th most expensive place to live globally, while London ranks eighth.
Despite the appeal, some Brits have returned home, citing rising costs and poor work-life balance. Natalie Goodall, who moved to Dubai at 18 for a golf coaching role, described working 80-hour weeks. She told the Mirror: 'The business model out there – there is no work-life balance. I was coming home after 12-hour days at 9pm and could barely hold a conversation.'
Goodall initially enjoyed Dubai's glamour and weather but eventually found the lifestyle unsustainable. She said: 'It's a very glamorous place and I can see moving there is a trend – but everywhere has its downfalls.' Her experience contrasts with Ferdinand's positive outlook on the emirate.
