'I lived in paradise nation Rio Ferdinand is moving to - I had to get out'

Rio Ferdinand surprised many of his fans by announcing he would leave the UK and move his family for the sunnier climes of a popular tourist hotspot. The ex-England and Manchester United defender said he will relocate to the sunny paradise of Dubai with his wife Kate and their two children, who are still in education.

Among the reasons Rio gave for wanting to uproot their lives were a better work-life balance, security for his family and a superior education for his children compared to what they received back in Britain. He told the Emirati newspaper The National: "Lifestyle, safety, weather and just a new life. I wanted a new chapter. We spent time with a couple of Kate's friends who lived there and I just saw a different side to it. I also have a business out there, Football Escapes.

"I thought about moving, then we went back again in February for a little look at the schools just in case and it just pricked my mind to think about it. That was almost like a big kicker for me because the education system felt different, felt better for my kids."

The most recent data showed that 30,000 Brits emigrated to Dubai in 2021, 35,000 in 2022 and 40,000 in 2023, according to The Telegraph. At first glance, the reasons for people such as Rio fleeing to the United Arab Emirates' most populous city seem compelling – better weather, no income tax and property is affordable (well, for some).

Dubai is the 15th most expensive place to live in the world, according to consulting powerhouse Mercer's annual Cost of Living Ranking. By comparison, London is seven places higher in eighth, beaten only by the likes of Hong Kong, Singapore and New York City.

However, in recent years, many Brits have bucked that trend and decided to return home. Some of them have blamed the rising cost of living and, contrary to the ex-England star's claim, the lack of a decent work-life balance.

One such person was Natalie Goodall, who said she worked punishing 80-hour working weeks and insisted the glitzy city provides no way to switch off from work. The 32 year old was offered a golf coaching role in Dubai aged 18 after completing work placements at a golf academy there.

She grabbed the chance, initially staying with a friend and then various family members before finding her own apartment in Damac Hills, reports the Mirror. However, the Dubai lifestyle became unbearable as the city's "business model" didn't allow for "work-life balance".

"I never saw myself leaving Dubai," she said. "I was working at one of the best golf schools in the world. And the city was absolutely stunning. On my day off I went down to the beach and when you let your hair down you could have a bloody good time.

"But afterwards you'd look at your bank balance and think 'Oh c**p'. But the business model out there – there is no work-life balance.

"I was coming home to my partner after 12-hour days, at 9pm, and I could barely hold a conversation because I'd be so tired. In my last year I told him 'I can't do this' – you know when your time is up. It's a very glamorous place and I can see moving there is a trend - but everywhere has its downfalls."

Natalie had first jetted off to Dubai aged 18 for various work placements with a golf academy. By 21, she had landed a permanent assistant coaching position while pursuing her PGA (Professional Golfers' Association) qualification to become a certified instructor.

At first, she bunked with a school friend before her mum and dad moved out when her father, who worked in the oil industry, got a job transfer – leading her to live with them. After two years, she started renting her own apartment with her parents' financial support, as she struggled to scrape together the deposit.

Natalie spent her single day off each week, which fell on Mondays, either unwinding by the seaside or exploring the stunning attractions of Dubai to make the most of her time in such a splendid environment.

"It was amazing," she said. "The weather was like being in Spain even in winter. I got to see the Opera House, lots of concerts and stayed for my birthday in the Burj Al Arab hotel, which was so cool. The golf courses were unbelievable too and the food and service was amazing."

At that point, she was earning roughly £25,000 to £30,000 per year. However, the high cost of living in Dubai meant she couldn't fully indulge in the luxurious lifestyle many envision. She admitted: "It was not sustainable. I was just making money to survive – in the service industry you were worked very hard. I was working six days a week and I couldn't afford to reduce my hours."

After meeting her fellow expat boyfriend Will Coan, 34, in 2017, they moved in together, but Natalie began to feel overwhelmed. She explained: "You can feel yourself, your work and time management aren't as good, your diet goes out the window.

"I never saw myself leaving Dubai, but it's not sustainable - as I got older, I started to think, 'How the bloody hell will I have a life here?' It's not on an individual person – it's just the business model out there."

In September 2019, she moved from Dubai back to the UK and found work in Guernsey, having gained the required golf qualifications to become a coach. Nine months later, Will, who had been working in food manufacturing, finished his contract and also returned to the UK.

Now contentedly based in West Parley in Dorset, Natalie confessed she would contemplate going back to Dubai, where her parents continue to live, only for a break – and if she was offered "a huge number" for a salary.

She said: "I think there are people moving because they've been on holiday there and say 'screw it, I'll live here'. It's like a trend - in the same way Ellen DeGeneres moved to The Cotswolds.

"In Dubai, it is a glamorous place, but it can be unglamorous in certain situations. You have to look at the opportunities and weigh up if it's right for you. If you go with high expectations, you might be disappointed."