British Expats Turn Back on Dubai Dream Over 'Plastic' Lifestyle and Security Concerns
A young British couple who relocated to Dubai with high hopes for their business and family future are now making plans to leave the city, describing it as feeling "plastic and not real" with recent missile strikes proving to be the final catalyst for their departure.
From Dubai Villa to Ghanaian Village: A Family's Changing Priorities
Jason Kwao, 29, and his wife Sumekka Selliah-Kwao, 28, originally from Croydon, moved to the Dubailand area of Dubai in December 2023. Their intention was to establish their business and raise their young children, Sofia Amari, 5, and Amias, 1, in a warmer climate with promising economic opportunities.
The family initially enjoyed what many would consider an idyllic lifestyle, residing in a three-bedroom villa complete with a swimming pool and proximity to sandy beaches. Jason, an entrepreneur, and Sumekka co-founded their company, Intermast, in January 2024, investing all their savings into the venture which reportedly grew to be worth £1 million within just a year.
However, beneath the surface of this apparent success story, discontent was brewing. Jason began to notice what he describes as a pervasive focus on transactions, business, and financial gain over genuine human connection and community values.
The Cracks Begin to Show: Personal Tragedy and Geopolitical Tensions
The couple's perspective shifted dramatically following two significant events. First, the tragic death of Jason's 30-year-old brother, Joshua Kwao, prompted a period of deep reflection. Second, the outbreak of regional conflict, including missile strikes near Dubai, introduced a palpable sense of insecurity.
"When the missile strikes started, we could hear a few loud bangs, and there was 'a quiet tension' in the city," Jason recounted. This combination of personal loss and geopolitical instability forced the family to reassess their priorities and long-term plans.
They have since placed their belongings in storage and returned temporarily to Croydon in the UK, primarily to arrange Joshua's funeral. While there, they have been contemplating a permanent move away from Dubai, with Ghana emerging as their preferred destination.
Seeking Authenticity: From Transactional Hub to Community Focus
Jason has been vocal about his growing disillusionment with the social fabric of Dubai. He expressed concern that the city's culture, which he perceives as overly focused on money and business transactions, does not align with the values he wishes to instil in his children.
"Dubai is a great place but it doesn't have some of the morals and values that I want to instil in my children," he stated. "There is a lot of focus on business, money and 'what can you do for me?' - that's not how I want to raise my children."
After extensive travels through Tanzania, Ghana, The Netherlands, Switzerland, and the UK, the family returned to Dubai in early February 2026. The contrast felt stark. "We realised how different it felt," Jason said, describing the city as feeling "almost plastic and not real" and more like "a business hub where you make money but not lifelong friends."
A New Chapter in Ghana: The Search for 'The Village'
The couple's week-long holiday in Ghana proved transformative. They were captivated by the sense of community and different approach to life they encountered. "In Africa, you see people with nothing who can still be happy and celebrate life, rather than it all being about work," Jason observed.
This experience has led them to seriously consider making Ghana their permanent home. "It takes a village to raise a child and we're looking for that village," Jason explained, highlighting their desire for a more community-oriented environment that emphasises relationships over riches.
While Sumekka reportedly still holds affection for Dubai, Jason has made his position clear. "Sumekka loves Dubai still, but I told her I wanted to move," he said. The family now finds itself at a crossroads, weighing their substantial business success in Dubai against their yearning for a more authentic, values-driven lifestyle elsewhere.
Their story reflects a growing sentiment among some expatriates who, despite achieving material success in global hubs like Dubai, are questioning whether the trade-offs in terms of community, values, and sometimes security, are worth the financial rewards.
