A 27-year-old woman from Eastbourne has revealed how swapping the 'cold and miserable' UK for the sun-drenched shores of Dubai transformed her life, leading to a higher income and her own business.
Escaping the UK Rut
Chloe Bennett, originally from East Sussex, felt stuck in a rut with her life in Britain. After a difficult break-up and family troubles, her routine consisted of a standard 9-5 tech sales job and weekends where the highlight was browsing shops like Home Bargains. She described feeling profoundly bored and unhappy.
A holiday to visit a friend in Dubai in December 2023 proved to be the catalyst for change. Instantly smitten with the year-round sunshine and vibrant atmosphere, she made the bold decision to hand in her notice and relocate without having a job or a flat secured.
Building a New Life in the Emirates
The initial move was not without its challenges. Chloe struggled to find work for months, discovering that many roles in the UAE were commission-based rather than salaried. Undeterred, she moved anyway, initially sharing a room with someone she found on a rental app to save money.
Her persistence paid off. After frequently posting about her relocation on TikTok, a recruiter offered her a position at a property firm. While this job paid less than her UK salary, Chloe was instantly happier thanks to the climate and the plethora of activities, from wakeboarding to visiting the zoo.
In a major career leap, she launched her own social media management business, Socials with Chloe, in April 2025. Her entrepreneurial gamble was a success; she now earns 20% more than she did in the UK, allowing her to live comfortably despite Dubai's reputation for high costs.
Dubai vs UK: The Pros and Cons
Chloe passionately advocates for the opportunities in Dubai, stating, 'I feel like you can do anything you wanted. If you want to start your own company or launch a clothing line, you can do it, people are so supportive.'
However, the transition hasn't been without its sacrifices. The biggest downside is being away from her family, especially her younger brother. She also admits to missing certain aspects of British cuisine, notably claiming that McDonald's chicken nuggets in Dubai 'taste so different'.
On the cost of living, Chloe notes that after a TikTok post about Waitrose prices in the UAE, many Brits commented that prices are now comparable between the two countries. She has also found that with incredibly cheap and fast food delivery options, getting takeaways can be more economical than a weekly shop.
Now a dog owner who spends her weekends at a dog beach, Chloe cannot imagine returning to the UK, though she acknowledges long-term considerations like private schooling. For now, her life in the sun, filled with opportunity and adventure, is one she does not want to trade.
