Debbie Griffin and her partner made the decision to leave the UK due to dissatisfaction with the safety and tax system. Griffin stated, “The private school fees were the last straw.” Until September 2024, the couple had been raising their three children, aged five, 14, and 25, in Northamptonshire. However, the announcement of a 20 percent VAT increase on private schools in July prompted them to take action.

Having enjoyed several family vacations in Dubai, Griffin, 46, initially hesitated to relocate due to concerns about her daughter’s education. She explained, “We had a nice house in England,” but rising bills made it difficult to save money. Griffin and her husband operate several accounting businesses, but the impending fee hike was expected to add £5 000 to their annual expenses. “We’re not rich. We’re just normal people,” she emphasized, noting how the financial burden was especially challenging for middle-income families.

Private school affordability became a pivotal issue for Griffin. Her eldest daughter struggled at a local state school and left without any GCSEs, facing anxiety and possible undiagnosed autism. Griffin recalled, “We said straight away that we would save to send her to private school so she would have more support.” She hoped to do the same for her youngest son, but the fee changes created uncertainty about that goal.

Conversations about moving to the UAE centered on the financial freedom they would gain, especially since the UAE does not impose income tax. The couple decided to apply for school places in Dubai after Labour announced a potential VAT increase on private school fees if they won the election. Griffin recounted, “We said, let’s apply for some Dubai school places and see what happens.” Their daughter secured a place on June 30, and the family relocated by August 16.

In Dubai, the Griffins pay £17 000 annually for their daughter’s education, which is £8,000 less than what they would pay in the UK. They now reside in a spacious villa in a suburban area, complete with a green garden and a community pool. They estimate that they will save £75 000 over the year due to lower school fees and the absence of tax.

The trend of UK residents moving to the UAE is on the rise, with 30 000 new arrivals in 2021, followed by 35 000 in 2022 and 40 000 in 2023. Many of these newcomers are private school parents. Samantha, a London resident, noted that eight families from her daughter’s private secondary school have either moved or are planning to move to Dubai, citing the VAT increase as a significant factor.

Dubai’s private schools are experiencing a surge in applications, with Kieran McLaughlin, headteacher of Durham School Dubai, reporting a 15 percent increase in applicants from the UK in the past year. According to MSN, he pointed out, “Families are not happy with the quality of life in the UK. They move because they know the opportunities their children will get here are wider.”

Griffin acknowledged that initial living costs in Dubai can be high, especially with upfront rent payments. However, she believes that after a year, the absence of income tax will help them rebuild their savings. Despite initial challenges in making friends due to the transient nature of the country, Griffin’s family is adjusting.

Her daughter is thriving in her new school environment, performing better academically than at her previous UK institution. Griffin remarked, “She’s actually doing a lot better than she was at her UK private school.” The new school also provided free tutoring outside of regular hours, which Griffin noted was not an option at their former school.

Griffin’s daily routine resembles her life in the UK as she works from home. While some expatriates indulge in the lavish lifestyle Dubai offers, she describes her family as living a quieter life. Although they have not yet experienced a financial windfall, Griffin anticipates a positive shift as they continue to adapt to their new situation.

The family enjoys local outings, such as trips to the nearby beach and mall, with plans for a holiday in the Maldives. Griffin appreciates the safety in Dubai, stating, “The kids out here go to the park from a young age alone. It’s a very friendly place. They’re safe.”

While Griffin misses her family and the greenery of England, she believes the experience is worthwhile. “Still,” she said, “it’s definitely a good experience.” Once her children finish their private education, the couple plans to return to the UK.