‘I quit the UK for Dubai and it helped me cure a serious health issue’

Over the past five years, the number of British nationals moving to Dubai has significantly increased and it’s no surprise why. This surge is attributed to factors such as Dubai’s tax-free income policy, growing job opportunities, and a high standard of living to name a few options.

With such desirable factors on offer, it’s no wonder that approximately 240,000 Brits now call the place home – which is more than double the number in 2010, according to the Middle East Monitor.

One of the many Brits who has decided to relocate to Dubai, in search of a better life, is 29-year-old estate agent Nikki Cowell.

Alongside the tax benefits and abundant sunshine, she says personal safety was also a key factor for her.

She told The Times: “As a woman, that was the most important thing. I was attacked in Manchester late at night when I was 18, and it gave me PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). I had issues when it came to going out after dark.”

Nikki was encouraged to make the move by her sister, who had lived out there for many years before her.

She explained: “My sister moved out here seven years ago and said, ‘It’s extremely safe. You won’t have the same anxiety that you have in the UK.’

“I relocated after selling my house. Now I go for a run with my headphones in at 2am. I have zero anxiety here.”

While both the UK and Dubai have their own legal systems and challenges, Dubai is generally considered safer, with lower crime rates, which is largely attributed to stringent law enforcement, strict penalties, and strong emphasis on public safety.

Official government statistics confirm that the UK experiences higher crime levels, particularly in areas such as theft, fraud, and violent crime.

As well as many civilians making the move, various celebrities have also promoted the glittering metropolis of the UAE.

Last month, Rio and Kate Ferdinand became the latest celebrity couple to start a new chapter overseas.

Announcing the move, the 34-year-old took to her Instagram account to share a variety of photos of her and her family loving their new life.

In one snap, Kate and Rio looked out onto the famous Burj Khalifa building alongside some of their children.

Captioning the post, she wrote: “A new chapter, a fresh start — because if we don’t try, we’ll never know.

“Ahhh! We’ve talked about this for so long, and now it’s finally real… we’re here, we are making a new home in the place we met!”

She added: “Missing some of our specials already & a bit scared, excited & nervous – but more than anything, ready for fresh starts and new beginnings.”

In the comments section, This Morning’s Rochelle Humes revealed she will be returning to Dubai for a visit in October.

Another wrote: “I left the UK 9 years ago for the ME and best decision I ever made.”

Love Island star Laura Anderson added: “The best decision you’ll ever make, I’m very jealous I miss it so much.”