Britons are moving en masse to Dubai: what attracts them to the Emirati pearl.

According to The Sun: Dubai attracts thousands of Britons each year, and now Rio Ferdinand and his wife Kate are joining them.

The former footballer and his family are moving from Bromley in Kent to this desert city.

This move comes nine years after the couple first met in the city, having been introduced by mutual friends.

They will fit right into the new environment, as currently 85% of Dubai's population, which numbers 3.5 million, consists of expats attracted by low taxes and year-round sunshine.

But what is life really like for those who decided to trade the UK for Dubai? Sun Travel spoke to four Britons who have already taken this step.

“Our evenings have become more family-focused”

Claire Gleave, 46, her husband, and three sons recently moved from the picturesque village of Broadway in the Cotswolds to Dubai.

The family is now adapting to their new life, where Claire's husband runs his own business, while Claire works on her activewear brand for pregnant women, Natal Active.

The family plans to stay in Dubai for two years before returning to the UK. In just a week, they have already felt a change in lifestyle.

“We always wanted to live abroad – we had a goal to do something different.”

Claire noted that their boys (10, 12, and 14 years old) quickly adapted to school and embraced the move positively.

She also added: “Expats in Dubai have to send their children to private schools and pay fees upfront. But they still follow the English curriculum, taking their GCSEs and A-Level exams, with lessons conducted in English. The main difference is learning Arabic, which is very beneficial.”

Not only has education become more beneficial for the children, but the lifestyle has also improved.

“The benefits of living in this city for teenagers are impressive, as safety is felt everywhere.”

Claire also spoke about family evenings and leisure time: “We already had an evening playing padel on the court and swam together in the lake. Our evenings are now more focused on family.”

“We want adventure – we are a very sporty family, and Dubai is the perfect place for an active lifestyle.”

However, Claire will miss some aspects of the UK.

“The hills,” she admitted. “Dubai is so flat – in the city center and even on the outskirts.”

“And I'm going to miss the grass, as there is so much artificial turf here, as well as the characteristic wildness of Britain.”

“Dubai is always a step ahead of the UK”

April J, 30, a mother of three children, aged 1, 2, and 5 at the time of the move, moved to Dubai about a year ago.

The family from Hertfordshire decided to move for several reasons, including Dubai's tax-free status and its reputation as a safe place.

“We didn't feel at home anywhere in the UK, London became more dangerous, and I didn't want to raise my children in such an environment.”

April and her partner moved to the UAE without waiting for job offers. Now April works as a content creator, regularly posting about life in Dubai on Instagram '@xo_aprilxo', while her partner works in real estate.

During the first six months, her five-year-old child received homeschooling: “In this city, the conditions for homeschooling are excellent – you can take time off to go to the beach, for example.”

“The schools are also impressive once she managed to get in. They are always a step ahead of the UK – they truly care about children's well-being and happiness.”

April adds that her child gets breaks every 40 minutes, goes on many trips to the beach and desert, with a strong emphasis on healthy living and a variety of sports.

“But the most noticeable factors were the convenience and cost of living in Dubai for Britons.”

She explained: “I would say it is roughly on par with London. Although you don't need to pay taxes in Dubai, you still need money for your children's education and health insurance.”

“But, unlike the UK, where taxes are determined by the government, you can choose the provider for services like insurance – so if you want to spend less, you have that right.”

When it comes to the convenience of life, Dubai truly impresses.

April noted: “You can get fuel delivered right to your door for less than a pint of milk in a British shop, and you're only 15 minutes away from whatever you might need.”

“And if you're going out as a family, restaurants have something for all children – soft play areas, play zones, and nanny services.”

“Dubai does everything to help you be a great mom.”

“Social life [in Dubai] is cheaper for a girl than in any other European city”

Marketer Shannon Maguire, 26, who splits her time between London and Dubai, claims that social life in the desert city is unparalleled.

“There are ladies' days when you don't have to pay for entry to bars and clubs and you get free drinks.”

She also noted that many things can be returned. For example, you can reserve a table at a beach club for 800 dirhams (around £161), but half of that amount can be used for drinks.

Not only going out – staying home is cheaper too.

“You can get very cheap takeaway food, for example, sushi and gyoza, delivered for £4.”

Shannon pointed out that practically everything you need can be delivered to your door through the Careem app – even lipstick for a night out in less than 11 minutes.

“Dubai has many more facets than most people think”

Mabel Golden, 27, has lived in Dubai for seven years, having moved from Manchester to work in a fast fashion agency.

She has lived in many places in the city and has witnessed its growth as a popular destination for expats, documenting it all on her YouTube channel.

“It is completely different from what it was when I first moved here – now it is much more comparable to European cities.”

Although prices have increased with its popularity – Mabel used to live in prestigious Dubai Marina, but has now been forced to leave – she believes life here is still unique.

She said: “Rent is similar to London, but, for example, £800 got me a two-bedroom apartment in a building with a gym and pool when I first moved in.”

However, the real advantage of living in Dubai is the social life.

“Since everyone here is new, there are many Facebook groups to meet people, and I actively engaged with them.”

“I always feel safe returning home from parties, especially since whistling at women is prohibited.”

Despite occasionally negative reactions when she tells people in the UK that she lives in Dubai, Mabel adds: “There are so many facets to Dubai, including a real creative side – it’s not just a tax-free and shiny reputation.”

Currently, 85% of Dubai's population comprises expats.