More than 240,000 Brits live in Dubai, but others are now considering moving to an alternative city in the United Arab Emirates according to a UK entrepreneur in the Persian Gulf
Alan Johnson Social News Reporter
16:27, 25 Feb 2026
A British expat has identified an up and coming alternative to Dubai(Image: typhoonski via Getty Images)
It’s estimated that more than 240,000 Brits have relocated to Dubai, making them one of the largest expat communities currently living in the United Arab Emirates. Drawn by benefits such as year-round sunshine, tax-free salaries and a buzzing lifestyle, many have no intention of returning from the Persian Gulf.
However, as the destination grows increasingly popular with influencers, some claim Dubai is rapidly becoming “soulless” and are seeking to escape the “Dubai Depression”, as it has been dubbed by international residents. According to one British entrepreneur in the region, Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) is quickly emerging as the new hotspot.
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Dubbed the ‘nature Emirate’, it features 42 miles of coastline along the spectacular Arabian Gulf and while it provides many of the advantages of Dubai, it avoids its congestion and excessive tourism – for now at least.
“The British are moving directly to Ras Al Khaimah,” Ben Moss disclosed. “It used to be that they’d move to Dubai first and spend a year or two there then potentially move to Ras Al Khaimah.”
Now, however, the businessman maintains that when speaking to people back home, they tell him they’re more keen on relocating to the appealing alternative.
“You know you’re doing something right when you’re attracting the British,” he commended the destination. “That’s because the British are fantastic people who you want in your city. Rak’s definitely doing something right to attract them directly.”
In a follow-up video, Ben shared one of the main reasons he’s settled with life in Ras Al Khaimah. “You can just pop down to the beach and go for a nice swim,” he revealed. “The water is beautiful here.”
When it comes to the best spots to reside in Ras Al Khaimah, Ben highlighted Mina Al Arab, Al Hamra and Al Marjan island. “These are where all the fun and action is happening,” he gushed.
Ben disclosed he’s currently living in the Deira Corniche, roughly 30 minutes away. “You have this amazing mountain backdrop and it’s a very affordable place to live,” Ben boasted of the area.
“However, if you’re an expat you are definitely going to want to get as close to that casino as possible and Mina Al Arab is proving to be super cool.”
Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism website proudly states: “With a rich heritage spanning over 7,000 years, the city offers one of the UAE’s most authentic historical and cultural experiences.
“Visitors can explore its long-standing traditions, diverse cultural sites, and archaeological wonders that reflect its ancient past. This Emirate is not only a symbol of Arabian history but also a welcoming destination that encourages cultural awareness and understanding.”
It goes on to say: “Ras al Khaimah is celebrated for its breathtaking natural landscapes, which include pristine beaches, lush mangrove forests, vast terracotta desert dunes, and the rugged Hajar mountains.”
“Home to Jebel Jais, the UAE’s tallest mountain, this Emirate provides spectacular highland scenery and fresher conditions, approximately 10 degrees cooler than at sea level. Renowned for its open and hospitable character, Ras Al Khaimah also features a wide array of attractions, from upmarket resorts and boutique accommodation to genuine Emirati cultural encounters.”
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Where can you go if you want a lovely coastal alternative? My suggestion would be one of my favourite, underrated spots in Wales.
I visited an under-rated seaside town that’s far less-crowded than its famous neighbour(Image: Portia Jones)
As many of us will well know, popular UK seaside destinations can be very crowded during half-terms and summer holidays as the masses descend for a break by the sea. But where can you go if you want a lovely coastal alternative?
I’ve got a suggestion and it’s one of my favourite spots — and hugely under-rated. Once synonymous with heavy industry and commercial docks, Milford Haven is now making waves as an exciting destination for tourism. Dominating the estuary, this historic harbour town in south-west Wales has had a striking transformation thanks to a multi-million-pound regeneration project that has turned its waterfront into a bustling hub of food, fun and on-the-water living.
It’s a lovely alternative to busy Tenby if you’re looking for a new location for a family break or a couple’s escape. At the heart of the town’s impressive revival is Milford Waterfront, a stylishly redeveloped marina that’s fast earning a name for itself – and is becoming somewhere worth travelling to in its own right.
Formed by a ria, or drowned valley, the Milford waterway is known for being one of the deepest natural harbours in the world and is still Wales’ largest fishing port and home to the local inshore fleet. Today, it’s still a fishing port but is now a mixed-use space for locals and tourists featuring berths, floating accommodation, shops and restaurants.
From a 17th-century Quaker whaling town and shipbuilding outpost to a modern marina, Milford Haven has become one of my go-to weekend break spots. Here, you’ll find independent bars, locally owned shops, gallery spaces, and an increasingly sophisticated dining scene that’s starting to rival Tenby in both quality and character.
Where to stay in Milford Haven
One of the most striking additions to Milford’s astonishing facelift is the Tŷ Milford Waterfront hotel, which opened in 2022. It’s managed and operated by the team responsible for the iconic five-star Celtic Manor Resort and forms part of The Celtic Collection’s expanding portfolio and the Tŷ Hotels family in partnership with the Port of Milford Haven.
Tŷ Milford is one of Pembrokeshire’s largest hotels, with 100 bedrooms and a gorgeous glass-fronted restaurant, and it’s my favourite place to stay in the area.
Since opening, the hotel has garnered positive reviews and was crowned Hotel of the Year at the Visit Pembrokeshire – Trade Croeso Awards in 2024. Ensure our latest news and sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings
Despite its four-star status and stylish interiors, it’s surprisingly affordable with advance purchase rooms starting from £104. You can also bag great deals on sites like Booking.com and Holiday Cottages.
The Dulse restaurant and bar is a real highlight, serving some of the best seafood in Pembrokeshire. This stylish restaurant is named after Pembrokeshire’s edible, versatile seaweed, which grows abundantly along the rocky coastline. Definitely order the Tenby Harbwr Beer Battered Haddock, it’s divine.
I would also highly recommend the Luxury Glamping Cabins on the marina, where you can stay on the water from £80 per cabin.
Things to do in the town
Step outside your accommodation and you’ll find plenty to do here. The boat-filled marina offers plenty of bars, independent shops, and cafes to explore. History and heritage are also thoughtfully displayed through walking trails and the volunteer-run Milford Haven Museum. The museum tells the story of Milford Haven and its proud maritime heritage.
Inside, you can explore exhibits and collections that cover the Nantucket Quaker Whalers, the fishing industry, and the nautical town’s crucial role in meeting the world’s energy demands.
Wander further along the waterfront, and you’ll find boutique shopping, cafes, seafood restaurants, and even a chocolate shop.
The port also hosts a busy calendar of events, including its popular summer campaign, which features a fish festival, a beer festival, and a street food festival. Children’s activities and seasonal events, such as fireworks displays and Santa visits, also take place throughout the year.
Where to eat and drink in Milford Haven
Some of the foodie offerings in the marina include artisan chocolates from Dilly’s Chocolates, ice cream from Scoop Parlour and sweets from Scott’s. For lush seafood, try the seared scallops, prawns or pan-fried hake fillet at Martha’s Vineyard, a family-run bar and restaurant with glorious views over the Milford Haven Waterway.
There are several cafes along the Waterfront that serve breakfast and lunch, including the Spinnaker Café, Foam and the traditional Crow’s Nest Café, where you can get a proper fry-up or bacon bap.
Further along the waterfront, you’ll find dinner and drinks at quayside restaurant Coco’s, housed in the Grade II-listed ‘Sail Loft’ building. Pembrokeshire produce features where possible on their menu, and local tipples are also available at this upscale venue.
Activities around the town
Looking for something more active? At Milford Beach Activity Centre, you can experience stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking from the Hot Water Slip and explore the historic Milford Haven Waterway shorelines.
This local business operates out of a blue shipping container overlooking Milford Beach and offers guided tours, stand-up paddleboard rentals, and kayak hire.
Go on a guided tour of the estuary with their experienced guides to better understand the area’s history, including the Vikings that settled here, the Welsh fishing industry, the town’s military connection, and past industries.
Milford Haven is also a fantastic base for exploring the Pembrokeshire coast year-round.
A short drive from Milford Haven, Broad Haven Beach is a wide, sandy expanse perfect for a relaxing day by the sea. In the summer season, this family-friendly beach offers excellent facilities, including lifeguards, making it safe for swimming and sunbathing. On colder days, it’s still lovely to bring a flask of hot chocolate and have a bracing walk along the shoreline.
Marloes Sands is another great shout for dramatic cliffs, golden sands, and crystal-clear waters.
Surrounded by cliffs, accessible only on foot and only when the tide allows, the effort of getting to this remote Welsh beach is well worth it, with unspoiled sands, rocky outcrops and a sea with the most vibrant shades of blue.
At low tide, the sand stretches out forever, revealing rock pools teeming with tiny crabs and sea anemones.
To reach the beach, you’ll need to park at the National Trust car park, about a half-mile away, and walk down. It’s a bit of a stomp, especially if you’re carrying beach gear, but you’re rewarded straight away with sweeping views of the coastline and distant glimpses of Skokholm and Skomer islands, both rich in birdlife.
If you want to make the most of your visit, lace up your walking boots and do the Marloes Peninsula coastal circuit. The National Trust has listed a brilliant circular walk that takes you across farmland, along the Wales Coast Path and through the remains of Iron Age forts.
Mass tourism and property taxes in Spain could be to blame for the dip in the destination’s popularity among expats as another beautiful hot spot is tipped to take its crown in the coming years
Brits have historically loved Spain’s sunny climate(Image: Getty Images)
With its warm, sunny climate, lower cost of living and excellent healthcare, Spain has long been a favourite for British retirees and remote workers looking for a slower pace of life. But that could be changing, according to experts who warn that another country is gaining in popularity.
While it still remains one of the top destinations for expats, it has become trickier for those hoping to permanently relocate and buy property in the country. Search data around emigration suggests that interest in Spain is starting to wane among those considering a move abroad.
Experts claim a glorious neighbouring country, with mild winters, a welcoming culture, and an exceptional safety record, has recently seen a spike in searches among the group.
For the second year running, the relocation company, 1st Move International, analysed Google search data around emigration. As well as the expected 22% rise in the search term at the start of the year, presumably thanks to the New Year blues and dreary British winter weather, they discovered that Spain’s expat appeal had declined by 28%.
Not only that, but they noticed an 18.9% year-on-year increase in searches for Portugal. Already in the top 10 destinations for UK expats, the popular holiday spot looks to be snapping at the heels of its Spanish neighbour, perhaps in part to its relatively straightforward path to residency.
In comparison, one of the ways Spain has addressed its housing shortage and battle with mass tourism is by introducing new tax measures on foreign property buyers. Mike Harvey, managing director at 1st Move International, explains: “Spain’s long been a UK favourite for retirees and Brits looking for a warmer, calmer pace of life, and for now that remains true. However, mass tourism and the decision to impose taxes on foreign property buyers have affected affordability, making it more complex for retirees and long-term residents to move to Spain.”
He adds: “While these measures aim to address housing shortages, they may also have unintended consequences for international buyers and those seeking a flexible lifestyle abroad. Spain’s interest among Brits has begun to dip, and neighbour Portugal may take Spain’s crown in the coming years. Portugal’s already firmly among Brits’ top 10 expat hotspots, and it’s creeping up the ladder with emigration searches increasing.”
Spain ranked ninth among countries with the steepest drop in emigration-related searches, with Rwanda at the top, followed by Iceland. On the flip side, Portugal – a popular holiday destination with celebrities such as Madonna, Holly Willoughby, and even Prince Harry – saw a 4% year-on-year increase in searches.
It seems movers are generally motivated by lifestyle and language, with English-speaking countries and a sunny climate dominating overall trends. Canada was once again the most desirable place to relocate to globally, ranking as the top destination among 75 countries worldwide. The United States is the most popular destination for UK movers, followed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Australia. New York City is the most searched US city among UK residents, followed by Los Angeles and Miami.
WATFORD may not be top of your staycation bucket list, especially after it was named one of the UK’s worst big towns.
Ranked poorly by The Telegraph, it was slated for its its ‘concrete centres and bad vibes’.
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The blue glass pyramid, home to the Cotswold outdoor clothing and camping equipment shop, High Street, Watford, Hertfordshire, England, UKCredit: AlamyI grew up near Watford so always visited as a kidCredit: Sophie SwietochowskiIt was slammed for being a concrete jungleCredit: Alamy
They might not like it, but as a local – I’m 30 mins down the M1 from there – I feel the need to jump to its defence.
I look at the town with an air of nostalgia because – believe it or not – some of the highlights of my childhood were spent in Watford.
In my teens, it was the closest thing to an action-packed city we had, unless we wanted to trek into London, which quite frankly was a cost my pals and I didn’t want to incur, plus our parents all worried about our safety in the big smoke.
Days were spent at the Harlequin shopping centre, which had all the top high street shops but without the London crowds. Mum would take me here in early school years to buy new shoes from Clark’s.
I’d watch the Disney movies in shoe heaven while mum and the shop assistants liaised over styles and measured how much my tootsies had grown.
But I think it is a great place to visit if you don’t want to head into LondonCredit: AlamyI spent my weekends there as a childCredit: Alamy
I spent weekends as a season ticket holder watching Watfords now distinctly average football team play on its home turf, stopping for chippies to celebrate (or commiserate) post game.
When I turned 17, my pals and I graduated from the shops to the clubs and bars.
In the 2000s party glory days, we’d grab our glad rags and the tallest platform heels we could find, starting at Vodka Revolutions where shots were cheap as chips, then heading on to one of the mega clubs like Oceana or Area (both now gone).
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We wouldn’t walk between venues, instead we’d hop on a bicycle tuktuk, just like the fairy-light clad ones you find in London, only cheaper.
Top Golfwas another cherished activity at the weekends.
The experience is still there today, home to a lively bar and several putting stations.
You don’t have to be good at golf to play, the aim of the game is to whack the balls into targets laid out on the vast green ahead.
Admittedly, I don’t visit Watford as frequently nowadays as most of my time is spent either close to my office in London Bridge, or my hometown, when I’m not off travelling the world.
But it still holds a charm nonetheless. And well worth a visit.
Potter fans will be blown over by what’s on offer here and you can pick up some wizarding treats seen on screen and read in the books, like butterbeer, before getting a first hand look behind the magical scenes seen on screen.
Don’t forget to pull a squealing mandrake out of the dirt and explore the Dursley’s house in Privet Drive.
There’s a decent restaurant scene now, too.
Humo is a great option for meat lovers with grubs scorched over an open flame.
The shopping is still decent – and less busy than those in London!
And little kids can take advantage of a Vue cinema and pottery painting while older ones test their nerve at indoor go karting or ninja warrior adventure.
So even if Watford is a little rough around the edges and not the prettiest place to look at, it’s still got it perks.
One things for sure, you’ll never get bored. But I do wish they’d bring back those booming clubs
Pedestrianised Watford High Street, Watford, Hertfordshire, England, United KingdomCredit: Alamy
Fair play to Scottish Rugby – not words you often hear, it’s true. Fair play to them for their enthusiasm in putting players and coaches in front of cameras and around tables, fair play for all the access and all the opportunity to pick brains before the Six Nations. If the championship was decided on such things, the Scots would be contenders. Favourites, possibly.
The other week we had six different players put in front of us on a loop on the same afternoon. Radio, television, social media, newspapers, podcasts. They did the lot, with a smile. But…
Everybody’s bored of an unchanging narrative. The players have had it up their tonsils with the fighting talk, knowing that only deeds and not words are going to get the job done, beginning in Rome on Saturday.
There are some wonderful communicators in this Scotland team but, in the politest sense, they’re fed up communicating and are just desperate to start delivering. They can’t say they’re going to deliver, of course, because they’ve never delivered. They think they’re capable, but they haven’t proven it. They’re all in a rugby no-man’s land.
These past weeks, in their search for truth, they’ve walked the line between self-belief and self-criticism. They know that, in part, they can be brilliant and, in other part, they can be brutal. They can dominate chunks of a game with their excellence and then contrive to lose that same game with their mental wobbles.
To hear them engaging in psychoanalysis you could be forgiven for thinking that they’ve spent as much prep-time for Rome in therapy as they have on the training ground. These are fine players, almost in pain with the frustration of not being able to kick on with their country as most of them are doing with their clubs.
From the outside, it would be understandable if you thought Scotland are fancying their chances this year, what with Glasgow Warriors tearing it up in the United Rugby Championship and Champions Cup. There are nine Warriors in the starting line-up against Italy and another five on the bench.
Understandable, but ignorant of the way things are. The fatalism, the quarter of a century of not contending, the grinding down of expectation. Hope lives – as it must – but there isn’t a more realistic bunch of supporters in this tournament than the Scots. When they hear outsiders describing them as bullish they tend to wonder what planet these people are living on.
The backdrop to this Six Nations is anger over head coach Gregor Townsend and his inability to take the team forward. This is his ninth campaign. On his watch, Scotland have finished fifth once, fourth on five occasions (including the past two) and third twice. He’s won 19 out of 40 Tests.
