Rio and Kate Ferdinand announced last week that they have relocated with their five children from Bromley, South East London, to Dubai, joining a growing number of British and international celebrities who have made the United Arab Emirates their home.
The former England footballer, 46, and reality television personality Kate Ferdinand, 34, said they had "upped sticks" and moved to the Gulf city. Their decision follows a pattern among public figures who cite the UAE’s climate, lifestyle and tax regime as factors in choosing to live there.
Among other high-profile residents is actress Lindsay Lohan, who confirmed in April 2020 that she had based herself in the UAE after spending several years there and has said she values the safety and privacy the city offers. The city has also drawn reality television personalities such as Amber Turner, who previously dated Dan Edgar and has documented her Dubai lifestyle online, including social brunches and fitness classes such as Barry’s Bootcamp.
Former world champion boxer Amir Khan has also moved to the UAE; he has said in interviews that he turned to the country after a gunpoint robbery in London left him feeling unsafe. Those public statements reflect a range of personal reasons celebrities have given for leaving the U.K., from security concerns to a desire for greater privacy and more favourable tax arrangements.
Dubai has marketed itself as an international hub for business and leisure, promoting luxury residences, high-end retail and an influx of foreign investment. For some celebrities, the city’s year-round sunshine and hotel-and-marina lifestyle contrast with the U.K.’s weather and dense media environment. The Emirate’s lack of income tax is also frequently cited by residents and advisers as a practical incentive for wealthy individuals considering relocation.
The Fernands’ move is part of a broader trend of entertainers, athletes and social media personalities relocating or spending extended periods in the UAE. Some move permanently; others maintain homes in multiple countries. Public reactions in Britain have ranged from scrutiny over tax practices to discussions about personal safety and privacy.
While relocation decisions are personal and varied, the pattern highlights how global mobility among high-profile figures is reshaping where celebrity life is visible and curated. Dubai’s appeal to those seeking discretion and a high-service urban environment has made it a notable destination in recent years.
Representatives for Rio and Kate Ferdinand did not immediately provide further details about their move, including whether they have purchased property or plan to split time between the UAE and the U.K. The couple have five children whose schooling and family arrangements were not disclosed in the announcement.
As more public figures choose to live in the UAE, commentators and experts in taxation, security and international residency continue to track the implications for the entertainment industry and public discourse in the U.K. and beyond.