It’s official: Rio Ferdinand and his wife Kate have traded London life for the sunny skies of Dubai.
The former Manchester United defender, 46, and TOWIE star, 33, have relocated their family from Bromley in South East London to the United Arab Emirates.
A Sneak Peek Into Their New Life
Kate gave fans a glimpse into their new chapter on Instagram, sharing a series of photos showing off their plush new home and luxurious lifestyle.
One standout snap featured Kate in a mint green bikini posing in front of the iconic Burj Al Arab, with Rio by her side.
Their children were also part of the picture-perfect pool day, showing the family enjoying life in the UAE.
Inside, Kate showcased a crisp cream living room with plush interiors, as well as a tender moment from their new bedroom with son Cree.
She captioned the images: “A new chapter, a fresh start — because if we don’t try, we’ll never know.
Ahhh! We’ve talked about this for so long, and now it’s finally real… we’re here, we are making a new home in the place we met! Missing some of our specials already & a bit scared, excited & nervous — but more than anything, ready for fresh starts and new beginnings.”
Friends and Celebs Flood Them With Congrats
The couple’s celebrity pals were quick to celebrate their move.
TOWIE stars were among the first, with Georgia Kousoulou sharing her excitement, Amber Dowding reminiscing about past memories, and Billie Shepherd wishing them happiness.
Rochelle Humes chimed in with plans to visit, while former Scottish footballer Ally McCoist humorously asked if Dubai had a Zara.
Why Rio Chose Dubai
The decision comes just months after Rio stepped away from his punditry role at TNT Sports, ending a decade-long stint covering football.
Speaking to The National, he explained the mix of reasons behind the move: from revisiting Dubai during the Global Soccer Awards and reconnecting with friends, to expanding his business, Football Escapes.
“It feels like people are valued there, and the lifestyle is vibrant and happy for the kids.
It’s about lifestyle, safety, weather, and just a fresh start,” he said.
Rio added that stepping away from the structure of football TV after 10 years gave him the freedom to embrace this new chapter.
Focusing on the Family
Education was another major factor in their relocation.
Rio and Kate share two young children, Cree, four, and Shae, two, while Rio is also stepfather to three teenagers from his late wife Rebecca Ellison: Lorenz, 19, Tate, 17, and Tia, 14.
Rio explained that checking out schools in Dubai last February was a “big kicker” for him:
“The education system felt different, felt better for my kids.
The timing works perfectly: our oldest two are starting their GCSE years, and the little ones are young enough to settle in easily.
The curriculum is English, but taught differently, and I feel the teachers in the UK can sometimes feel undervalued and underpaid.”
A New Chapter for the Family
For Rio and Kate, this move is about more than sunshine and luxury—it’s about starting fresh as a family in a place that offers them safety, opportunity, and a vibrant lifestyle.
After years rooted in the UK, the Ferdinands are now embracing a new adventure, ready to see where this Dubai chapter takes them.
