Dubai holidays

Personal trainer Elbi Henshaw, 23, decided to move to Dubai with financial help from her parents after she began to find the United Kingdom “depressing”, but was in for a nasty surprise

A personal trainer, fed up with the “miserable” UK lifestyle, relocated to Dubai only to find herself working six days a week to afford life in the UAE city.

Elbi Henshaw, 23, made the move in January after holidaying there and realising how “depressing” her life was back in the UK.

Having previously worked in Saudi Arabia, Elbi, from Barnet, North London, she decided to give Dubai a try. With financial assistance from her parents, she secured full-time work at a gym.

Despite being settled and thriving in Dubai – a hotspot for British influencers due to its beautiful weather, stunning views and luxury nightlife – she admits missing UK pubs and pub culture eight months into her move.

Living in Dubai comes with its own challenges, including the high cost of living, with yoghurt costing £12 and coffee starting from £7. Elbi describes it as a “dog eat dog” lifestyle where people work six-day weeks and take on extra work to make ends meet, reports the Manchester Evening News.

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While Elbi now loves her location, she admits she “didn’t like it at first” as it can feel “lonely” trying to establish a social circle in such a high-intensity environment.

Reflecting on her decision, Elbi said: “In the UK, I was so depressed and miserable and everyone is so sedentary – I wanted a more active lifestyle. Out here, everyone is happier and active and they all want to be the best versions of themselves.

“I work full time but it’s hard not to just spend all your money – you’d need about £5k a month here to live comfortably. But you can pick up extra work quite quickly – at the moment I work six days but I’ll probably end up working seven. Paying no tax is a perk but the cost of living out here is so expensive that it ends up the same as in the UK. But here, you get the sun and a much better lifestyle – although I miss the pubs.”

Elbi relocated to Dubai in January – initially residing in a studio flat before moving into shared accommodation with two other young women. After joining a local running club, she struck up a conversation with someone who put her in touch with a gym manager and landed her first Dubai role as a personal trainer.

She was instantly bowled over by the sheer amount the city had to offer – from fine dining at upmarket restaurants to browsing the renowned Dubai Mall. Given she was making the move solo, Elbi admitted the initial months proved challenging whilst getting established and sorting out the necessary paperwork and banking arrangements.

She quickly recognised the “fast paced and non-stop lifestyle” – with residents frequently clocking up lengthy working weeks to afford living in the glamorous destination beloved by A-listers.

Elbi explained: “The rent is more expensive than the UK and you have to pay big deposits on things like apartments and cars. Clothing is more expensive too – and coffee is like £7 minimum, sometimes as much as £10 a cup. I’d say the average salary for a normal person here is like £3,000 a month but you want more like £5,000 to live comfortably if you want to go out for meals, and buy new clothes.

“I try to work, work, work so that I can enjoy Dubai – there’s lots of group chats and apps for companies to advertise weekend work.” However, she revealed it doesn’t amount to significantly more in total than life in the UK – where you pay taxes – apart from Dubai’s incredible views and climate.

Eight months on, she’s absolutely adoring her new life there, grafting as a personal trainer at an upmarket gym frequented by “high end clients”. Now she’s established friendships and has no immediate intentions to head back.

She explained: “You have to put your ego aside and put yourself out there – I messaged other women out of the blue inviting them for coffee.”

Elbi revealed she adores Dubai’s pristine condition – as “everywhere is spotless” and “it makes you realise how dirty the UK is.” During her downtime from work, Elbi enjoys strolling around the air-conditioned shopping centre and visiting Dubai’s incredibly luxurious cinemas.

She fills her leisure time at the pool – beach clubs including Summersalt, adored by celebrities like Molly-Mae Hague and Kady McDermott, plus Twiggy club, favoured by Paris Hilton.

Yet she admitted Dubai can be challenging as there’s less of a “sense of community” for young people – making romance difficult without relying on dating apps. She explained: “It’s so hard to meet guys, because there’s no authentic meet-ups.

“People don’t stand in the streets around pubs – you have to schedule it in. And it’s hard to date as everyone is so busy 24/7 that you never find the time. I do miss the sense of community and pubs in the UK.

“I love it but I can’t really imagine meeting someone out here and it becoming serious. People come out here who already have a partner or family, and the ones that are single are never looking for anything serious.

“I could see myself building a life here but if I get to 27 and I’m not in a relationship, I’ll move back to the UK as I want to start a family.”

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The United Arab Emirates has quickly become a favourite holiday spot for UK travellers, and it’s not hard to understand the appeal

The United Arab Emirates has swiftly emerged as a top holiday destination for British tourists, and it’s easy to see why. Boasting diverse landscapes from deserts and oases to mountains and valleys, the UAE caters to all kinds of holidaymakers, whilst showcasing year-round luxury living.

Dubai and Abu Dhabi shine as the crown jewels of the UAE’s premium travel scene. However, merely an hour’s journey from Dubai sits a hidden paradise that guests have dubbed the nation’s best-kept secret.

Harry Leach ventured to Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), the UAE’s most northern emirate, last November seeking thrills – and discovered them in abundance, reports Bristol Live.

Upon his arrival, Harry watched daredevils racing along the planet’s most extensive zipline, Jais Flight, hitting jaw-dropping speeds of up to 100mph across the 1.75-mile track.

He captured the moment: “Ahead of me, adrenaline junkies shoot across the world’s longest zipline, Jais Flight, reaching hair-raising speeds of up to 100mph on the 1.75-mile journey,” before noting, “Suspended in Superman positions, 4,869ft above sea level, I can just make out their gleeful shrieks as they reach safety after a three-minute dopamine hit.

“To my right is the Jais Sledder: a 1.14-mile mountainside toboggan on a low-slung track. It’s certainly not for the faint-hearted, and I’d argue far more exhilarating than any rollercoaster at Alton Towers.”

Harry summed up his experience: “This is Ras Al Khaimah, only a short 45-minute drive away from Dubai airport. It’s a thrillseekers’ dream destination while also a relaxing desert paradise.”

Harry enjoyed a lavish break at the five-star Mövenpick Resort, positioned on Al Marjan Island’s stunning coral-shaped isles, encircled by the Persian Gulf’s glistening azure waters.

“When I arrived in late November, temperatures were still reaching 30C and above, despite being on the cusp of winter,” he explained.

His trip was made even more pleasant thanks to an ocean breeze which helped make the intense sunshine more bearable – a crucial element for someone who must slather on factor 50 throughout the British summer.

The resort catered to a diverse crowd, from older tourists and youngsters to families seeking retreat, solo travellers in search of tranquillity, adrenaline junkies, and those content with lounging on deck chairs.

Harry found an array of activities at his disposal, including relaxing in the spa, immersing himself in an online gaming cave, trying out arcade games, watching over kids in the play centre, and enjoying frequent live shows.

After a strenuous gym session, Harry treated himself to what he described as the ultimate post-workout reward: “I followed up a tough gym session by treating myself to the best post-workout meal available: Mövenpick’s ‘chocolate hour’ – 60 minutes of complimentary eclairs, truffles and choccy fondue. It’s pure indulgence.”

Despite the number of options to keep him occupied, he felt that “There’s a lot going on, a lot to see, a lot to do, but it never feels overwhelming.”

“It goes without saying that Mövenpick, a well-established Swiss hotel management brand in Europe, has exceptional dining options – with four first-rate restaurants on site, all focusing on sustainability and fresh food, each with their unique style, character and draw.”

The Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island’s culinary heart is The Market, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, which has been hailed as the hotel’s vibrant hub by visitor Harry.

Sharing his experience, Harry highlighted the dedication to genuine dining: “It’s about creating meals from the heart,” a philosophy echoed by Chef Rajiv Ranjan Singh during a masterclass in preparing Switzerland’s cherished rösti.

The resort isn’t only renowned for its cuisine but also for its lavish Neo Sky Bar. Additionally, it provides views of the round-the-clock building site for the UAE’s first casino, expected to welcome guests in 2027.

This £3 billion project is set to boost visitor numbers to Al Marjan Island, a destination still establishing itself as a holiday hotspot, particularly amongst Western travellers despite its relatively young 12-year existence.

Looking back on his stay, Harry said: “I wasn’t sure what to expect when I arrived here. But after five days, I left feeling revitalised and refreshed. The warmth and friendliness of locals and the tranquillity of the island made it a tough goodbye on the final morning.”

He added: “Dubai gets most of the attention, and grabs the headlines, and perhaps that will always be the case.

“But I’m fine with that because Al Marjan Island is currently the country’s best-kept secret.”

Elbi Henshaw, 23, decided to move from London to Dubai after visiting the UAE city for a holiday and falling in love with the lifestyle

A Brit who was fed up with the “miserable” and “sedentary” life in the UK decided to move to Dubai, despite having to work six days a week to afford the “luxurious” lifestyle where a glass of wine costs a minimum of £20. Elbi Henshaw, 23, relocated to Dubai in January after holidaying there and realising how “miserable” life is in the UK.

Having previously worked in Saudi Arabia, she decided to give the famously opulent city in the UAE a go, seeking a change in lifestyle. The personal trainer, originally from Barnet, North London, moved to Dubai with financial assistance from her parents and secured full-time employment at a gym.

Eight months later, she’s settled and thriving in the city, which is a magnet for British influencers due to its beautiful weather, stunning views and luxury nightlife. However, she admits to missing UK pubs and pub culture.

Elbi revealed that it’s not all fun and games as everything is so pricey – with yoghurt costing £12 and coffee starting from £7 – that it becomes a “dog-eat-dog” lifestyle with people working six-day weeks and taking on extra work to make ends meet. Elbi is now fond of her location, but confesses she “didn’t like it at first” because it can feel “lonely” trying to establish a circle of friends in such a high-pressure environment.

Elbi stated: “In the UK, I was so depressed and miserable and everyone is so sedentary – I wanted a more active lifestyle. Out here, everyone is happier and active and they all want to be the best versions of themselves.

“I work full time, but it’s hard not to just spend all your money – you’d need about £5,000 a month here to live comfortably. But you can pick up extra work quite quickly – at the moment I work six days, but I’ll probably end up working seven.

“Paying no tax is a perk, but the cost of living out here is so expensive that it ends up the same as in the UK. But here, you get the sun and a much better lifestyle – although I miss the pubs.”

Elbi relocated to Dubai in January – initially residing in a studio flat before moving into shared accommodation with two other young women. After joining a local running club, she struck up a conversation with someone who put her in touch with a gym manager and landed her first Dubai role as a personal trainer.

She was instantly struck by the sheer amount of activities and attractions the city had to offer – from fine dining at upmarket restaurants to browsing the renowned Dubai Mall. Since she was relocating solo, Elbi admitted the initial months proved challenging whilst getting established and sorting out the necessary paperwork and banking arrangements. She quickly recognised the “fast-paced and non-stop lifestyle”, with residents frequently clocking up lengthy working weeks to fund life in the glamorous destination beloved by A-listers.

Elbi explained: “The rent is more expensive than the UK and you have to pay big deposits on things like apartments and cars. Clothing is more expensive too – and coffee is like £7 minimum, sometimes as much as £10 a cup.

“I’d say the average salary for a normal person here is like £3,000 a month, but you want more like £5,000 to live comfortably if you want to go out for meals and buy new clothes. I try to work, work, work so that I can enjoy Dubai – there are lots of group chats and apps for companies to advertise weekend work.”

However, she revealed it doesn’t amount to significantly more than life in Britain – where you’re liable for taxes – apart from Dubai’s breathtaking scenery and climate. Eight months on, she’s absolutely adoring her existence there, grafting as a personal trainer at an upmarket gymnasium frequented by “high-end clients”. She’s built friendships and has no immediate intentions of returning home.

She explained: “You have to put your ego aside and put yourself out there – I messaged other women out of the blue, inviting them for coffee.”

Elbi expressed her admiration for Dubai’s pristine conditions – as “everywhere is spotless” and “it makes you realise how dirty the UK is”. During her downtime, Elbi enjoys strolling through the air-conditioned shopping centres and visiting Dubai’s incredibly lavish cinemas.

She fills her leisure hours at the swimming pool – exclusive beach clubs like Summersalt, adored by celebrities including Molly-Mae Hague and Kady McDermott, plus Twiggy club, favoured by Paris Hilton.

Nevertheless, she acknowledged Dubai can be challenging as there’s reduced “sense of community” for young people, making romance difficult without relying on dating applications.

She said: “It’s so hard to meet guys, because there are no authentic meet-ups. People don’t stand in the streets around pubs – you have to schedule it in.

“And it’s hard to date as everyone is so busy 24/7 that you never find the time. I do miss the sense of community and pubs in the UK.

“I love it, but I can’t really imagine meeting someone out here and it becoming serious. People come out here who already have a partner or family, and the ones who are single are never looking for anything serious. I could see myself building a life here, but if I get to 27 and I’m not in a relationship, I’ll move back to the UK as I want to start a family.”

Costs in Dubai

Cappuccino 34dh – £6.86

Mince meat 25dh – £5

Strawberries 30/40dh – £6-£8

Fage yoghurt 1L 60dh – £12

Cheapest thing in Zara 130/150dh – £26/30

Glass of wine when out minimum 99dh – £20

Brits heading on holidays this summer are being warned to check the rules for taking photos in public spaces as some countries have some hefty fines in place if you get it wrong

There’s nothing quite like a holiday selfie with an appropriately smug caption (‘How’s your Monday going?’ always seems to be a popular choice).

However, Brits heading on Dubai holidays should take note of the UAE’s privacy laws before getting their phone out in public spaces, or they could risk some hefty fines.

Luxury travel specialists at eShores have warned: “One wrong snap could bankrupt your holiday budget. Taking photographs of people without explicit consent is classed as a serious privacy violation in the UAE, with tourists facing eye-watering fines of up to 500,000 AED (£110,000) or even imprisonment. Cameras are strictly banned in government buildings, certain palaces, and designated areas throughout the emirate, so that Instagram story could literally cost you your freedom.”

The experts warn that in general, no matter where you’re travelling, it’s worth avoiding snapping photos in certain settings, for example in certain religious sites, government facilities, military and security zones, or public spaces where there are strict privacy laws, the latter being the case for Dubai.

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It’s not the first time that Brits have been urged to think twice before snapping a photo. In its UAE travel advice, the UK Foreign Office also warns Brits against “taking photos in secure areas”. A statement explains: “It is illegal to take photos of some government buildings and military installations. Hobbies like bird watching and plane spotting may be misunderstood, particularly near military sites, government buildings and airports.

“Do not photograph people without their permission. Men have been arrested for photographing women on beaches.”

Meanwhile, you’ll also want to be mindful of what you’re posting on social media. The Foreign Office warns: “It is illegal to post material, including videos and photographs, online that is critical of the UAE government, companies or individuals, or which relates to incidents in the UAE. This includes material which appears to abuse, ridicule or criticise the country or its authorities. Material that is culturally insensitive may also be considered illegal.”

It’s not just Dubai where you may want to think before you get your camera out. In Japan, you could also face fines for taking photos in no-camera zones, although these are around the £55 mark. The eShores insiders explained: “Train stations, traditional ryokan inns, and historic geisha districts like Kyoto’s world-famous Gion quarter all enforce strict no-camera policies. That candid shot of a geisha could land you a ¥10,000 (£55) fine – not to mention serious cultural offence.”

Gavin Lapidus, the travel firm’s founder, added: “While social media has transformed how we document our travels, it’s crucial that holidaymakers understand local laws and cultural sensitivities. What seems like an innocent holiday snap can result in serious legal consequences.

“We always recommend travellers research photography restrictions before they travel, or better yet, speak to experienced travel consultants who understand each destination’s cultural nuances and legal requirements. A few minutes of preparation could ultimately save you thousands of pounds in fines.”

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