A 27-year-old woman from Eastbourne has revealed how she transformed her life by leaving behind what she describes as "cold and miserable" Britain for the sun-drenched opportunities of Dubai.
Escaping the UK Routine
Chloe Bennett had grown increasingly dissatisfied with her life in East Sussex, where she felt trapped in a monotonous cycle of working a standard 9-5 tech sales job and spending weekends browsing Home Bargains and TK Maxx for entertainment.
"I just worked a normal 9-5 and then spent my weekends going around Home Bargains and TK Maxx," Chloe explained. "That was the most excitement I got."
Following a difficult period that included a relationship breakdown and family issues, Chloe decided she needed a dramatic change. Her turning point came during a holiday visit to see a friend in Dubai in late 2023.
The Leap of Faith
In December 2023, Chloe made the bold decision to hand in her notice and relocate to Dubai without securing either employment or accommodation beforehand. "I came to see my friend in Dubai and she was having a great time," she shared. "It just felt like a nudge to try something new."
Her initial months in the UAE presented challenges, particularly in finding stable employment. "I tried for months to get a job, but I just decided to leave anyway with no job and nowhere to live, and just give it everything," she revealed.
To manage costs upon arrival, Chloe rented a room with someone she met through an app and began documenting her relocation journey on TikTok.
Building a New Career
Chloe's persistence eventually paid off when a recruiter noticed her TikTok content and offered her a position at a real estate firm. Although this role paid less than her previous UK salary, she found the overall quality of life significantly improved.
"It's sunny all year round," Chloe noted. "There's so much to do and it's hard to be depressed when you open your curtains every day and it's sunny."
In April 2025, Chloe took her biggest career leap yet by establishing her own social media management company, Socials with Chloe. The venture has proven successful, now earning her 20% more than her previous UK salary despite Dubai's reputation for high living costs.
"Now I spend my weekends going wakeboarding, visiting the zoo and staying on boats," she said. "There's just so much more to do. I've started my own company here, got a puppy and I can't imagine ever going back."
The Price of Paradise
While Chloe has found professional success and personal happiness in Dubai, she acknowledges one significant downside: being separated from her family in the UK.
"When I left my little brother was seven and now he's about to be 10," she reflected. "It's nuts how much he's grown. I feel like I'm missing out on a lot."
This will mark her second Christmas away from her family, though the recent relocation of her closest friend to Dubai has helped ease the homesickness.
Chloe also noted some surprising financial aspects of Dubai life. Despite the city's reputation for high costs, she claims that prices are now comparable to the UK for many items. She's adapted her shopping habits, finding it cheaper to order takeaways nightly rather than doing a weekly food shop, with unlimited delivery costing just £3 per month.
Looking to the future, Chloe admits she has some concerns about long-term considerations like education costs in a country where all schools are private. However, she remains committed to her new life, stating: "I know a lot of people who say that they will go back, but for me personally, I can't see it happening."
