Summarize and humanize this content to 2000 words in 6 paragraphs in EnglishFor some, Dubai may seem a golden paradise – full of plush beaches, Gucci-filled malls and Lamborghini-racing elites.Recent years have seen an exodus of Britons swapping their native land for life overseas in the affluent United Arab Emirates’ most populous city.Olympic silver medal-winning boxer Amir Khan recently revealed he was heading to Dubai after a terrifying gunpoint robbery left him feeling too scared to stay in the UK.Aside from feeling safer, Britons have also told of being lured by across by the warm climate, tax-free income and high-end restaurants, property and shops.But for many Brits, enticed abroad by dreams of grandeur, they soon found that the famed skyline was not the utopia they had once thought it to be.Dragged home by fears of job insecurity, exhausted by the work-life balance and bored by the soulless cities, one even moved to Luton rather than stay in the desert-encircled district.More than 240,000 UK expats are now estimated to live in Dubai, with many attracted to the city by the 5,000 British companies now operating in the UAE.There has been a 420 per cent rise in the five years to 2024 in enquiries from UK nationals wanting to relocate to the country, according to John Mason International Movers – with a 45 per cent surge in the 12 months to last March alone.And now there are also increasingly journeys in the opposite direction, with expats in Dubai revealing online their decisions and reasons to head back towards Britain – after deciding cons can outweigh the pros.YouTube influencer and relocation advisor Sarika Dubey told MailOnline how friends had been tempted from the UK to Dubai – while her sister made the choice to move there from India. Sinead Clifford shared with her TikTok followers a video about departing the UAE city Luton-based YouTuber Sarika Dubey opted for the UK in contrast to her Dubai-based sister Dubai is the most populous city in the United Arab Emirates and offers a tax-free lifestyleYet Mrs Dubey opted instead to settle in Britain, now living in Luton where she works in IT for a travel firm while sharing on the side online videos talking to people about their migration moves.She highlighted feelings people have about lacking job security in Dubai, with ‘permanent settlement’ permission to remain long-term in the region being difficult to achieve for those arriving from elsewhere.And there are also concerns that, despite the attractions of going untaxed, the ‘work-life’ balance can leave people actually feeling worse off overall. People who had headed out to Dubai for a new life have also been sharing their experiences on TikTok, with many videos about then leaving the UAE prompting thousands of views and comments.British influencer Izabelle Reid opened up on how she had been based in Dubai while working for the airline Emirates – only to decide on a move back to the UK after 16 months.She told her 31,600 followers how the financial benefits had initially seemed a spur.She said: ‘I just viewed Emirates as an ability to save and travel with it being tax-free of course – that’s an amazing perk. ‘I had the best time, I visited places I never thought I’d get to see. I also made friends for life there. All in all I had a great experience but I never wanted to do it long term.’I always wanted to travel and this great opportunity came about – anyone getting out of you home town and you get that opportunity, then grab it.’The reasons I left? Personally, Dubai for me is not my favourite place in the world and I’m not really in a rush to go back.’I was travelling to all these amazing places such as Brazil, I think there’s such a big expressive culture and I feed off that energy and I feel excited – so when I was going back to Dubai, I felt there was an energy missing.’I felt a bit soulless. I was experiencing really high highs and, coming back from the whirlwind of it all, and feeling tired and homesick.’I miss my family. My sister got married in September. Everything fell into place at the right time.’Izabelle, who told of taking up a new marketing role with a fashion firm, added: ‘I’m very excited for this new chapter.’Another TikToker departing from the region has been Sinead Clifford, originally from Ireland, who told her 131,000 followers: ‘I’m leaving Dubai after two and a half years.’It’s my decision to go but it’s still obviously going to be bittersweet because I’ve built a life here.’When I came to Dubai I said I always going to be here but like anyone who moves to Dubai knows it’s very hard to leave after a year. ‘But I’m ready for something new and a new chapter.’It’s always been my dream to live in different cities across the world. I haven’t been home since last July so I’m definitely feeling like I need a trip home – I can’t wait to see family. I’m really emotional.’I’m really excited. I am trying to pack up my life at the moment, and sell stuff. I’m really excited for a new chapter.’Disadvantages of life in Dubai compared to the UK have been outlined in a social media video by former Londoner and finance worker Lámidé Elizabeth.She told her 32,000 followers on TikTok: ‘It’s been seven months since I moved to Dubai from London and while there are loads of pros of living here, here are some reasons you might not like living in Dubai.’Firstly, if you are a nature lover, if you love long walks in the park or just long walks in general, you like greenery, you like getting your 10,000 steps a day, you might actually hate living in Dubai.’The roads are definitely not built for walking. When I first came I tried to walk to places that were quite nearby and oftentimes the pavement would just stop and you’ll just basically be on the dual carriageways.
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‘In some months it’s just way too hot to walk outside for more than a couple of minutes.’I also miss that fresh air feeling that you get when you open the doors or open the windows, because here when you step outside it literally just feels like you’re stepping into a sauna.’In general, if desert conditions don’t suit you, then Dubai might not be the place for you.’She also criticised public transport there, saying: ‘As a Londoner who is used to pretty good public transport systems, and who took public transport quite frequently, Dubai public transportation is not as well developed, it doesn’t go into all the areas.’And oftentimes it’s quite packed as well so a lot of people actually rely on taxis to get to most places or they’re opting for a car.’I don’t like driving and I can admit I take taxis practically every day and that can be quite pricey.’Living costs in Dubai have risen 124 per cent since 2020, according to estate agents Knight Frank.Some British expats are said to have been priced out as property is bought up by wealthy Russians after Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Former Londoner and finance worker Lámidé Elizabeth posted a video to her 32,000 followers on TikTok outlining what she sees as some of the disadvantages of living in DubaiMailOnline analysed the cost-of-living across factors such as eating out, transport and clothing to compare London against the UAE city – which is seven hours by plane with prices from £284 for one-way flights and £361 for a round trip.Data from the crowdsourced database Numbeo suggests a three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant is £80 in London compared to £57 in Dubai.But an imported 330ml beer is half the price in London, at an average of £5.25 compared to £10.93 in Dubai; while a cappuccino is £3.74 in London against £4.67 in Dubai.A McDonalds meal is roughly the same, at £8 in London compared to £7.65 in Dubai.An average basic utility bill for electricity, heating, cooling, water and garbage for an 85 sq metre apartment in London is £236.75 or £183.23 in Dubai.However, internet access is significantly more in the UAE, with a minimum 60 mbps connection with unlimited data costing £80.97 in Dubai or £31.53 in London.And while moving from Britain to Dubai has been a growing trend, it has also been claimed in recent months that UK expats are being priced out by Russians.Since 2022, Russian nationals have bought up £4.8billion-worth of properties in Dubai that are either existing or being developed, according to economists with the EU Tax Observatory and Norway’s Centre for Tax Research. Dubai is seen as attractive thanks to factors such as tax-free income and high-end restaurants Sarika Dubey told of why she wanted to live in the UK rather than the UAE Dark side of Dubai: All the strict rules tourists must follow – or risk jail By Esther Marshall Dubai is renowned for its glitz and glamour, but holidaymakers must also be aware of it’s ultra-strict laws. Here are rules Britons must follow there: PhotographyThe UK Government explains on its UAE travel advice page that it’s illegal to take photos of some government buildings and military installations as well as to photograph people without their permission in the UAE.Simon Hood, executive director at shipping company John Mason International , tells MailOnline: ‘Over there, snapping a quick photo of someone without their permission, is a serious no-go and can land you in trouble – even if it’s just in the background. It’s not just about courtesy – it’s the law.’Virtual private networks (VPNs)Mr Hood explains: ‘There’s a big issue with VPNs. In the UK, plenty of people use them to access restricted sites or simply for security, but in Dubai, using a VPN to bypass blocks is illegal.’Many travellers forget they’ve got these running on their devices and inadvertently find themselves breaking the law.’Social mediaThe UK Government explains: ‘It is illegal to post material, including videos and photographs, online that is critical of the government, companies or individuals, or which relates to incidents in the UAE.’Think you could get away with it? Think again. An Irish man, for example, is facing ‘several years’ in a Dubai jail for sending a ninja emoji to an acquaintance who is alleged to have stolen his belongings.Mr Hood adds: ‘Sharing anything that could be seen as defamatory, offensive, or invasive – like posting photos of strangers or sharing videos of an accident – is not only frowned upon but can also lead to hefty fines or worse.’Poppy seedsPoppy seeds, even in bakery products, are on the UAE’s list of ‘controlled substances’, warns the US Government . That’s because they can be contaminated with opiates.Some medication – including codeine’Medication can be tricky,’ explains Mr Hood, adding: ‘Common UK medications, like codeine, are controlled substances. If you’re carrying them without a prescription or proper documentation, you could find yourself in hot water.’Sexual relationshipsWhile a consensual relationship outside marriage, including extra-marital relationships, between a man and woman over the age of 18 is generally legal in Dubai, the UK Government warns that there are exceptions. In an extra-marital relationship, if the other person’s spouse or parent files a complaint, both people involved in the relationship can get a prison sentence of six months or more.If a person aged 18 has a relationship with someone 17 or under, they will be prosecuted for a sexual relationship with a minor. If both people are under 18, they will be prosecuted but punishment is unlikely to involve a prison sentence.Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in the UAE and same-sex marriages are not recognised.Showing affection in publicShowing affection in public, such as kissing, is frowned upon. Tourists could be arrested for doing so, warns the UK Government.Banned itemsMr Hood explains: ‘Items like drones, e-cigarettes, or hoverboards often need special permits. And some things you wouldn’t think twice about at home – like books with themes of magic or witchcraft (Harry Potter comes to mind) – can attract extra scrutiny at customs.’I remember one case where a client insisted on packing their own shipment and used UK red-top newspapers to wrap everything. Customs flagged the shipment because of the provocative images and headlines on the paper, which delayed everything by weeks and led to extra costs.’SwearingThe UK Government explains: ‘It is illegal to swear and make rude gestures, including online, as they are considered obscene acts. You could be jailed or deported.’AlcoholIt is illegal to drink or be under the influence of alcohol in a public place in the UAE, warns the UK Government.Tourists can buy and drink alcohol at licensed hotels, restaurants and bars but a licence is required to consume alcohol in a private residence.Illegal drugsThe UK Government warns that there is ‘zero tolerance’ for drug-related offences in the UAE.Possession of a small amount of illegal drugs can lead to a three-month prison sentence, while a drug trafficking offence could lead to the death penalty.CBD products’Herbal highs’ and products containing cannabidiol (CBD) are illegal in the UAE. Even skincare products or e-cigarettes containing CBD oil could land someone with criminal charges, explains the UK Government.Driving etiquette’Offensive gestures and bad language directed at other drivers can lead to fines, a jail sentence and possibly deportation,’ warns the UK Government.Cross-dressingThe UK Government explains that cross-dressing is illegal in the UAE. It adds that ‘women should cover shoulders and knees, and underwear should not be visible’ – and swimwear should only be worn on beaches or at swimming pools.Ramadan rulesWorld Nomads Insurance explains: ‘During the holy month of Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking is forbidden between sunrise and sunset, and non-Muslims are expected to follow this principle in public as well.’Mr Hood adds: ‘Even away from this this time of year, it is illegal to eat and drink on public transport.’ The UAE is also known for its ultra-strict laws, with an 18-year-old British man recently sentenced to one year in a Dubai jail for having a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old girl.Marcus Fakana, of Tottenham, north London, was with his parents in the UAE from the end of August when a ‘holiday romance blossomed’ with another Londoner, who has since turned 18, the campaign group Detained in Dubai previously said.After returning to the UK and seeing pictures and chats, the girl’s mother reported the relationship to Dubai police, who then arrested Mr Fakana at his hotel, it is alleged.UK consular officials are said to be in regular contact with Mr Fakana, his family and his legal team, but the Government is not able to interfere in the judicial system.Luton-based Sarika Dubey’s video interviews have included a recent chat with Osama Siddiqui about his decision to leave Dubai, having moved there for his native Pakistan, for the UK instead – setting up a new home in Hitchin, Hertfordshire.He told her in the interview shared on YouTube by her 331,000-follower ‘Your Knowledge Buddy’ account, how he lived in Dubai for six years but felt ‘something was missing’.The video clip is titled, ‘The Dark Side of Dubai Nobody Talks About: Why people are leaving Dubai (UAE)’. He said: ‘When I saw the market crashing, people losing their jobs who had been working there for a long time – that was something that triggered something in me, ‘What is next?”I had already changed job twice in six years, which is not a very good sign. One was because of Covid, the second was because the company was downsizing.’I wanted to move here – that was when I decided. Job security was the highest priority.’The feeling in Dubai was, this is not something permanent for us – we can’t really live there for a very long time, there’ll be the future when we’ll have to move somewhere else. That was very important for me.’Mrs Dubey has now said to MailOnline: ‘The United Arab Emirates doesn’t provide a permanent settlement, however many years you’ve been in residence.’As long as you’ve got a job you can continue working there, but you can’t settle.’And the work-life balance is not great compared to the UK – you’re expected to work well beyond the 9-5 but with the same salary, no compensation.’Oppressive summer conditions has also been cited as a turn-off, with Mrs Dubey saying: ‘ Many people enjoy the weather but there are months when they can barely survive in the heat.’It can be as high as 50 to 60 degrees. Even carrying your lunch from home to work, it’s likely to spoil.’Her own sister has lived in Dubai for the past 10 years, extolling its benefits especially the tax-free lifestyle – but Mrs Dubey has been in Britain for the past decade instead.She said: ‘My sister started her own company, she’s been running her own business but keeps needing to renew her visa to stay over there.’My uncle’s been there for more than 50 years but still has no permanent settlement – he’s in his seventies and he’s still doing a contractual job.’People are making huge savings because they’re not having to pay tax, let alone 40 per cent over here – you can afford a driver, you can afford someone coming to clean your house daily.’It depends what your end goals are. My sister had the opportunity to come to the UK but she chose Dubai – she’s making money and saving. She doesn’t mind about slogging more.’I’ve chosen differently. I want my mental health. I like my nine-to-five job.’MailOnline told last month how, in contrast to those coming back to Britain from the UAE, doctors are spearheading an exodus from the NHS in the UK to Dubai, to enjoy tax-free bumper pay packets – while showing off their new lives on TikTok.Medics are being encouraged to join the throng taking up newly booming health roles in the United Arab Emirates, where recruits can pocket up to almost £300,000 a year.Specialist firms are touting for business as interest surges, offering advice on all the practicalities involved in making the lucrative move – which can involve starting salaries of £54,000, almost double UK equivalents between £26,000 and £30,000.The UAE now has more than 40 public hospitals, compared to just seven back in 1970, prompting an enhanced recruitment drive for new GPs above all.Online guides suggest health service employees can typically earn a starting wage of £4,400 per month, or £52,800 a year – with average earnings put at £9,000 monthly, £108,000 annually.And consultancy roles can attract pay of £23,000 each month, tallying up to as much as £276,000 per year.This amounts to even more than some advisors urging people to consider a move to the UAE who say salaries tend to be at least 20 per cent higher than equivalent offers in Britain, even before taking into account the tax-free circumstances.The NHS pay scale for consultants, for 2024-2025, ranges from a basic salary of £105,504 when starting out to £139,882 for those with at least 14 years’ experience – so the top rate in Dubai can be nearly double.Meanwhile, the average pay for employees across the health service here was £39,898 last November, according to the latest official figures – down by 0.8 per cent, or £328, compared to 12 months earlier.The NHS workforce reached 1,368,655 that month, a three per cent increase – that is, 40,053 extra people – when contrasted with November 2023.The British Medical Association’s jobs website currently advertises positions in Dubai for consultant cardiologists and consultant paediatricians.The recruitment firm sharing the ads describes the UAE as a ‘dynamic and modern country located on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula which offers a safe and family-friendly expatriate lifestyle’.It also hailed the nation’s ‘world-class shopping, dining, museums, cultural events, and a vibrant social and sporting scene’.Medical accountants Nichols & Co said: ‘The primary draw for many doctors moving to Dubai is the chance to earn a tax-free income.’In the UK, medical professionals often find that a significant portion of their salary goes toward income tax, national insurance contributions, and other deductions.’Dubai’s zero-income tax policy allows doctors to retain more of their earnings, creating opportunities for greater savings and investments.’Yet a counterpoint has also been posted on TikTok by British-based Dr Abdul, whose account has the name @lifeofaGP – as he explained why he would not want to join those moving to the Middle East.He was responding to a commenter who said: ‘Why don’t you go abroad? All my GP friends are making silly £ in Saudi.’ Amir Khan and his wife Faryal Makhdoom at Atlantis The Royal in Dubai on January 21, 2023 – the Olympic silver medal-winning boxer has told of moving to the UAE from the UK Sarika Dubey is pictured here in Britain with her husband after opting against DubaiDr Abdul told his 23,000 TikTok followers: ‘It’s not the money – it’s the fact it’s such an unequal society.’Yes, in the UK there’s a lot of poverty but people are still relatively equal and treat each other with respect, but in those countries that doesn’t happen.’You can chase money wherever you want but ultimately money’s destined for you – if you’re going to get good money, you’re going to get good money.’But it’s the happiness and what you agree with that matters the most and I don’t want to live somewhere like that.’Unless they change their ways, then really to be honest the Middle East doesn’t attract me.’MailOnline has contacted the TikTokers featured above for further comment.
