A mother named Poppy Owens, at the age of 33, has boldly shared her transformative experience of leaving the UK, claiming it was a life-altering decision. She and her husband, Benjamin, 38, relocated to a sunny, tax-exempt destination with their two young daughters, Effie Beau, five, and Indie Summer, three. According to Poppy, this move has significantly enhanced their family’s quality of life in various ways.

Poppy, originally from North Wales, highlighted several reasons behind their decision to leave, notably the delightful weather and the financial advantages of living in another country. She asserts that although the cost of living is relatively similar to that of the UK, the tax situation allows more money to remain in their pocket. Consequently, their family enjoys a superior standard of living, free from the crippling financial constraints they experienced back home.

Reflecting on her previous life in the UK, Poppy shared that she felt like the worst version of herself. Struggling with feelings of unhappiness and negativity, she often preferred to stay indoors due to the cold climate. However, her experience in Dubai has been vastly different; she now leads a more active lifestyle, embracing outdoor activities with her family. The variety of options available for recreation has also contributed to her newfound happiness.

The couple made the significant decision to move to Dubai in December 2022, driven by various factors, including their online business and the encouragement of friends residing there. What started as a question—“Why not?”—spiraled into a life-altering leap of faith for the family. Although they were not seeking to move to Dubai explicitly, they were drawn in by the possibilities it offered, and the children’s youthful age made it a suitable time for such a big change.

While Poppy and her family are enjoying their new life, she also cautions that living in an expatriate community is not as luxurious as it may appear from the outside. Many associate Dubai with opulence, complete with flashy cars and extravagant lifestyles, but Poppy emphasizes that their reality is much more grounded. They reside in a family-oriented community that offers parks, pools, and convenience—a setup ideal for raising children. Overall, Poppy expressed gratitude for the opportunity to start anew in a place that feels like a better fit for them, despite the challenges of being away from family and friends back home.