Kate Ferdinand U-turns on saying she was ‘homesick and struggling’ in Dubai as she now says she’s changed her ‘mindset’ and ‘the kids are learning things they wouldn’t in the UK’

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Kate Ferdinand has changed her tune about feeling homesick and having a difficult time in Dubai. After previously expressing those feelings, she now highlights the educational benefits her children are receiving there, saying they’re learning things they wouldn’t experience in the UK. This shift comes as she’s publicly discussed a change in her overall mindset.

Kate, age 34, recently shared that she was having a difficult time adjusting to life in the Middle East, and spoke openly about her emotional struggles with the move.

In a recent episode of her podcast, Blended, Kate revealed that her children are doing very well in school since they moved.

Kate described what it’s like living in Dubai during Ramadan, explaining that her kids have shortened school days. They start at 8:45 AM and are picked up at 1:00 PM, essentially attending only half days.

I’m enjoying the change of pace and find it surprisingly relaxing. Though things get a bit hectic when the kids return around 1pm, it’s a new experience for me overall.

Honestly, being around so many different religions and cultures just changes you. It’s a really enriching experience – I feel like I’m constantly learning and growing as a person just by being exposed to it all. It’s a completely different way of life, and I love it.

My kids are exposed to experiences in Dubai they wouldn’t get in the UK. While they might learn about certain things back home, they’re actually living them here, and that’s what I appreciate most.

Kate explained she didn’t feel comfortable saying ‘Mashallah’ after her co-host, Nathalie Holmes-Lewis, used the phrase, as she was unsure of how to pronounce it correctly.

She admitted she wasn’t comfortable speaking the words, feeling she hadn’t quite mastered the pronunciation. However, she noted that Cree was learning Arabic and would be able to say them confidently, while she still felt a little hesitant.

Kate recently shared with her followers on Instagram that she’s been feeling overwhelmed and stressed. She’s now focusing on taking things slower and changing how she thinks about things.

She explained that life feels rushed, and she’s working on slowing down and being more present. It’s not always easy, but she’s making an effort to be more mindful and pause when she needs to.

Honestly, life gets hectic, doesn’t it? But I’ve been making a real effort to incorporate things like mindful breathing and mindset shifts into my routine. I’ve realized that if anything needs to change, it starts with me – it’s all about taking personal responsibility for my well-being.

I’m working on making some positive changes in my life, and it seems to be going well so far.

Kate and Rio Ferdinand relocated to Dubai with their family, including Rio’s daughter Tia, 13, from a previous marriage, and their two young children, five-year-old Cree and two-year-old Shae.

However, his two eldest sons Lorenz, 19, and Tate, 17, have stayed in the UK. 

On her podcast, she talked about celebrating Mother’s Day as a stepmom, and she and her co-hosts shared advice for listeners facing challenges in their blended families.

Kate explained that while Mother’s Day is wonderful for many, it can be difficult for stepmothers, who sometimes feel overlooked or a little sad because their role isn’t always recognized.

Dealing with loss is difficult, especially because you’re thinking about so many people. When someone dies, it changes the atmosphere and you naturally worry about everyone affected.

Since you’re both people with feelings, it’s important to have an open and honest conversation, and for both of you to clearly communicate with everyone involved.

I don’t usually talk about myself, but I’m going to make an exception. My children are old enough to understand that loving me doesn’t diminish their love for their mother.

She’ll always be a significant presence in our lives, and that feeling will never fade. You can genuinely love more than one person without diminishing your feelings for anyone. Just like a large family – if you have many siblings, your capacity to love isn’t limited; love is boundless, and you give and receive as much as you’re able.

‘I think it’s about people understanding that their mum is always going to be their mum.’  

Kate previously shared her Mother’s Day plans to travel to the UK, before recent events in the Middle East occurred. She explained that she’d be upset if her ex-partner, Rio, didn’t also acknowledge the mother of his other children – Lorenz, Tate, and Tia – on the same day. She felt it wouldn’t be right for her to be celebrated without them being recognized as well.

It’s a complicated situation, but I’m okay with it. I know my partner and children care about me, and that gives me confidence.

It doesn’t matter what others think. Even if someone isn’t showing their affection publicly, if you know they love you, that’s what truly matters. Remember you are loved, safe, and that you’re okay – and don’t worry about anyone else’s opinion.

Kate has shared that while she’s enjoying her time in the UAE, she often feels homesick and gets emotional missing her family, especially her children.

I’m confident this is the best move for my younger kids, and we’re all happy with life where we are. My older sons are pursuing their football dreams, and that’s where their priorities lie – if they weren’t focused on their careers, they’d be here with us.

It’s really difficult because our family has always been incredibly close and supported each other through everything, so this change is a big one for us to get used to.

Kate shared that she and her family feel much safer living in Dubai compared to the UK, but she surprisingly admitted she even finds herself longing for the weather back in England.

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2026-03-11 16:19