At African Expats Magazine, we’re passionate about sharing the stories of Africans and people of African descent who are forging new paths abroad. In this new feature, we meet Ralph, a London-born professional who, along with his wife and young son, made the bold decision to leave behind a comfortable life in the UK to start anew in Dubai.
What led them to make such a major life change? What cultural differences have they embraced, and what challenges have they overcome? Ralph’s reflections offer an honest look at how stepping outside your comfort zone can unlock new perspectives and opportunities, for you and for the next generation.
“once you reach a certain level of success in the UK, you’re suddenly paying more for it in terms of taxes and your overall standard of living. That’s what’s known as the 60% tax trap.”
By Ralph
You mentioned feeling like there was a “ceiling” in the UK — could you describe the moment you realized it was time to make a real change for your family?
The “ceiling” I described was this sense that once you reach a certain level of success in the UK, you’re suddenly paying more for it in terms of taxes and your overall standard of living. That’s what’s known as the 60% tax trap.
I graduated a few years after the 2008 financial crisis, so I was lucky to secure a professional role during a tough time. For a while, I experienced steady growth and progress in my career, but the Brexit vote in June 2016 felt like a real turning point for the country’s growth potential.
That said, the ceiling wasn’t our only catalyst for change. There were a few pivotal experiences within the span of a year that sparked our decision.
First, I served jury duty on a local murder case where both the victim and the assailants were teenagers. Then, not long after, I was pushing our toddler in his pram down the high street of a leafy suburb when we witnessed a teenager chasing another with a knife in broad daylight, only a few yards ahead. Finally, we let go of an unhealthy attachment to our “forever home”, the idea of clinging to that precious space had become an anchor that stopped us from pursuing new opportunities.
What were the biggest surprises — good or challenging — that you and your family faced when settling into life in Dubai?
The biggest financial shock was how much is spent on accommodation and that you often have to pay the rent for the year up front. We didn’t hear about this until right before we arrived, so it was a big cash-flow challenge that we thankfully managed to overcome.
Finding a place to live was also tricky. We dealt with fake property listings and countless agents and middlemen, all while racing against the deadline of our temporary accommodation running out.
On the brighter side, the social environment in Dubai has been incredibly refreshing. Strangers here are more open and willing to greet you or start a conversation. Coming from London, where everyone’s on guard, it took me a while to drop my own guard!
The warm attitude toward kids has been phenomenal. Strangers are quick to smile and engage with our son, sometimes even offering him little treats or taking a moment to entertain him. Public baby-changing facilities are spotless, and there’s no hesitation about fathers using them.
One unexpected surprise? Feeling cold in Dubai! Everyone thinks of Dubai as scorching hot, but in the winter months, mornings and evenings can get genuinely chilly. We’re glad we kept some of our warm clothes!
How has your son’s transition been, and what differences have you noticed in raising a child here compared to the UK?
Our son was 16 months old when we moved, and he’s always been very outgoing. It took just a few weeks for him to adapt to this new environment.
One of the biggest differences has been the nursery provision here. Most of the nurseries we’ve seen are purpose-built, with large classrooms, indoor gym halls, swimming pools, and dedicated play and construction rooms, a big contrast to the converted townhouses in the UK.
The diversity has also been amazing. His friends are from every corner of the world, speaking multiple languages from such a young age. And because everyone here is an expat of some kind, he’s less likely to feel like an outsider.
Another huge plus: consistent outdoor time and water play! He loves being outside, and that’s been much easier to achieve here. We’ve also had our second child in Dubai and found the hospital experience to be fantastic, no overcrowding and more attentive, dedicated care for mothers.
What advice would you give to other Black families considering a move to Dubai but feeling hesitant about leaving their “comfortable life” behind?
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with living a comfortable life — it’s a huge achievement! But if you’ve always had that itch to move and comfort has been holding you back, remember that personal growth really only happens when you step outside your comfort zone.
I did a lot of research on what a comfortable life in Dubai could look like, and it became clear that we’d gain some valuable time back to focus on what matters. Less laundry, more park visits with my son. Less cleaning, more walks with my wife.
There’s a bigger African and Caribbean community here than you might expect : foods, hair products, cultural events, you name it.
Dubai is a truly cosmopolitan city. Even more so than London, where I was born and raised. You never feel like an outsider because everyone’s here for the same reason: opportunity and growth. Professionally, there’s a lot of value in sharing your unique perspective, and it’s exciting to be part of such a fast-growing region.
Now that you’ve been here for six months, how would you say Dubai has changed your vision for your family’s future?
Success feels normal here. You’re surrounded by people who are doing big things, and that’s been incredibly motivating. We see more opportunities to invest here and build assets across borders to help secure our family’s future.
We want our kids to grow up in this safe, education-focused environment to become well-rounded global citizens ready for the ever-evolving world. Dubai’s location also makes it easy for us to stay connected to our heritage in East and West Africa, as well as in the Caribbean (Barbados).
You said you want to share your journey — what are some topics or experiences you’re most excited to explore and document in your next videos?
I’m really excited to share our experience raising “international kids”. it’s something we’re learning on the go, and I think it’s valuable for other families considering the same move. Navigating their cultural identity in the Dubai bubble is something I’m passionate about and eager to explore.
We’re also planning to travel more around the region — places like Oman and Saudi Arabia that we probably wouldn’t have considered visiting from further afield. Plus, I’m starting to share my insights on working here and how to approach business and entrepreneurship in the region.
I truly believe that everyone’s story matters, even the quiet ones. I’d love to share the stories of people around me who are living and working abroad to show that no matter who you are, you’ve never met an ordinary person.
Follow Ralph on his YouTube channel: @RalphOrena
