While Dubai is famed for its year-round sunshine, glamorous lifestyle, and significant tax advantages, one British expat has revealed there are still a couple of things from home she genuinely misses.
From Bury to the Desert Metropolis
Camilla Rhuda made the life-changing move from her hometown of Bury in Greater Manchester to the United Arab Emirates around eight years ago. After completing a degree in media and performing arts, she felt unsure of her next steps in the UK's competitive job market.
"I needed money, I wanted to move out, and thought about what was next," Camilla explained via Zoom from her Dubai flat. Inspired by a friend from home who posted about her life in the Emirates, Camilla decided to pursue teaching, gaining her PGCE and securing a position in a British curriculum school in Dubai after just four months of teaching in the UK.
The Allure of a Tax-Free Existence
One of the most significant draws for Brits, according to 2025 research by Ignite SEO which highlighted the UAE as a top relocation destination, is the financial benefit. With no personal income tax, residents keep their entire salary.
"My favourite part is how I've been able to make and save so much money and steer my life," Camilla said. "You get fast-tracked into it because it's tax free... The biggest difference between home and here is I noticed I had money to travel and do things." This financial freedom allowed her to embark on a multi-country Asian tour during her first Christmas break.
Her life in Dubai also led to love; she met her American husband, Jim, a DJ, just months after arriving in 2017. Together, they have embraced the city's profoundly international character, with its population comprised largely of expats from over 200 countries. Camilla, whose mother is Filipino, particularly values this diversity and the sense of community it fosters.
The Two Things Money Can't Buy in Dubai
Despite the obvious perks, Camilla admits to occasional pangs of homesickness, centred on two main aspects of British life.
Firstly, she misses the casual accessibility and spontaneity of life back home. "Things I miss are the culture of driving to your mates or Tesco, or going for walks," she said. "The accessibility of stuff is definitely different here." She notes that popping round to a friend's house or a quick trip to the supermarket is less common, with many residents opting for online deliveries.
Secondly, she longs for affordable retail options. While praising the high quality of food and amenities in Dubai, she points out the steep cost. "I do miss shops like Aldi or Lidl where it's affordable and good quality," Camilla confessed, with her husband noting that the average price of a pint is around £10.
Adapting to Desert Life and Building a Community
Adapting to Dubai's extreme climate, where summer temperatures routinely exceed 40°C, has been a challenge. "I don't know how I coped before... the heat is brutal," she admitted, though ubiquitous air conditioning makes it manageable. She has also witnessed the city's social norms evolve, finding it more relaxed regarding clothing than when she first arrived, though she remains cautious about online speech due to strict cybercrime laws.
Since becoming a mother in October 2024, Camilla has built a substantial online following—123k on Instagram and nearly 40k on TikTok—by sharing authentic, unfiltered glimpses of her life. She credits her relatability and honest confessions, including discussions about experiencing miscarriage, for fostering a strong community.
Reflecting on her nearly decade-long journey, Camilla wholeheartedly recommends Dubai to other Brits considering a move abroad. "It is so easy for expats to come here... it literally greets you with open arms," she said. "Anything is possible here. You really can make something of your life."
However, with wanderlust still calling, she and her family are contemplating another move, though she acknowledges that relocating to the UK or the US would be far more complex than her initial leap to Dubai in 2017.
