Kate Ferdinand opens up on plans to live in Dubai long term following her move to UAE with husband Rio and their family – after admitting to struggling with missing her stepsons

by

Kate Ferdinand has shared what she thinks about potentially living in Dubai for the long haul, ever since she and her family moved to the United Arab Emirates in August.

Kate Wright, 34, known from the reality show TOWIE, and her husband, footballer Rio Ferdinand, 46, have traded their home in southeast London for a sunny escape to the desert. This move comes eight years after they first met in the city.

According to the Daily Mail, the couple recently purchased a home in the upscale, private community of Al Barari. The luxury property was listed for 32.5 million dirhams (around £6.55 million) in April.

Kate has expressed her happiness with her family’s move to Dubai, but she’s also acknowledged that their time there might not be permanent. She recently shared, ‘I really don’t know what’s going to happen in the future.’

On Thursday, she shared on Instagram that she would be responding to fan questions, explaining she’d been extremely busy lately.

When a fan asked Kate if she and her family planned to stay in Dubai for the long term, she honestly shared her complicated feelings about it.

She said she wasn’t quite sure about things at first, but she’s so glad they decided to move. After three months, the kids seem really happy and settled, and she feels like they’re building a wonderful life.

I miss many things about England, but I’d also miss things about my current life if I left. Basically, I don’t know what the future will bring.

She responded to a question about her Arabic studies, sharing the four phrases she’s learned over the last three months.

Kate says Cree and Tia are learning something at school and have been teaching her. Both she and Rio have expressed interest in taking lessons, but they haven’t had time lately.

Right now, I only know a few phrases in another language: ‘Hello,’ ‘Thank you,’ ‘Let’s go,’ and ‘My love.’ It’s not much, and I’ve been having trouble remembering things lately. Is this just a normal part of being a busy mom in my thirties, or is anyone else experiencing this?

This question-and-answer session happened shortly after she shared that she was going through a very difficult emotional time, explaining that she was finding it hard to be separated from her stepchildren.

Kate and Rio share two young children: four-year-old Cree and two-year-old Shae. Kate is also a stepmother to Rio’s three teenage children – Lorenz, 19, Tate, 17, and Tia, 14 – from his previous marriage. Sadly, Rio’s first wife, Rebecca Ellison, passed away in 2015.

The family’s three youngest children currently live in the UAE, but their older sons, Lorenz and Tate, are staying in England to continue their training with the Brighton & Hove Albion football club.

Kate and Rio were incredibly touched when Tate unexpectedly flew in to see them earlier this week.

She posted a sweet video on Monday showing her and Rio’s happy surprise when their teenage child arrived home in the UAE.

She shared a sweet memory and confessed how much she misses her stepsons, adding with a laugh that she enjoys surprising people.

Honestly, finding out Tate put so much work into surprising us just means the world to me. I’ve genuinely had the most amazing couple of days, but now that he’s gone, I’m totally heartbroken and all over the place emotionally.

We’re really enjoying our time in Dubai. It’s wonderful to see the kids so happy, healthy, and safe – we feel so grateful.

I really miss Lorenz and Tate. It’s difficult to explain how much, and I’m eagerly anticipating the day we can all be together again.

Recently, Rio discussed how the UK’s tax system might be driving more people to leave the country.

As a long-time follower of the Chancellor, I was really interested to see her 2024 Budget. It included a significant plan to raise around £40 billion through taxes – primarily targeting businesses and the highest earners. It felt like a bold step towards funding key priorities, and I’m eager to see how it plays out.

Appearing on LBC Radio, the Manchester United player talked about taxes, arguing that the wealthiest 1% of people don’t actually help the rest of the population.

The millionaire explained that people wouldn’t object to paying taxes if essential services, like healthcare, were running smoothly and effectively.

When things are difficult and the country is struggling, I often wonder if our taxes are actually being used to help the people who live here.

‘And that’s the big question that needs answering. I think a lot of us know the answer to that.’

Rio didn’t specifically say why he and his family moved to the United Arab Emirates, but he mentioned the move has given him more quality time with them.

He added that he’s been spending more quality time with his family, which has been really positive for him.

I’m proud to be English, but I’m excited about starting a new adventure and a fresh phase in my life.

Rio explained his recent appearance on The National wasn’t due to one specific thing. He’d attended the Global Soccer Awards around Christmas, which was his first time properly attending in seven or eight years – he used to be a regular attendee before that.

I got to know a different side of the place by spending time with a couple of Kate’s friends who lived there. I also run a business called Football Escapes in the area.

Dubai offers a lifestyle where families feel valued and enjoy a happy, energetic environment for their children. People are drawn to the safety, pleasant weather, and the opportunity for a fresh start.

Read More

2025-11-20 20:14