Poppy Owen is a talented content creator and creative marketing director who originally hails from North Wales in Britain. She took the plunge and moved her family to Dubai in 2022 seeking new opportunities and a different pace of life. Joining her on this journey were her partner Ben and their daughters Effie and Indie. The decision marked the beginning of what she calls one of the best choices they have ever made.
Yet the financial side has come with some hard truths that many potential movers overlook. In a straightforward video Poppy shared that the couple has saved absolutely nothing since arriving. A series of big life events took place in quick succession over just 18 months. They had their second child relocated internationally and hosted a memorable wedding ceremony on the Greek island of Santorini.
All of these milestones came at a significant cost and depleted their previous savings completely. Poppy reflects on how they truly lived life to the fullest during that period. Now they are looking forward to tightening their focus on building financial security. She believes that 2026 will bring better chances to start saving seriously.
Dubai attracts countless people with its reputation for tax free salaries and luxurious daily living. Images on social platforms paint pictures of constant sunshine and endless possibilities for wealth growth. Poppy provides a more grounded perspective based on her real experiences there. The absence of income tax sounds ideal at first glance for anyone coming from high tax countries like Britain.
@thepoppyowen Dubai Coffee Series: Come with us on a little coffee date, but this time, in the desert ποΈ (where the silence is magical π) We brought our Caffeport AE which we take anywhere that doesnβt have a coffee shop nearby π slipped it into our bag. So simple and easy to use. Husband + coffee + desert + silence = heaven. #coffee #coffeeseries #dubaicoffee #dubaicoffeeseries #dubaicreator β¬ original sound – Poppy | Dubai Content Creator
In practice the funds that would have gone to taxes get redirected to other important areas. Families must pay for private education options for their kids and secure private health insurance coverage. The overall expenses for maintaining a comfortable lifestyle often prove higher than back home. According to Poppy everything tends to even out leaving families in a similar position financially.
She made the personal choice to scale back her workload shortly after settling in Dubai. This adjustment brought about a reduction in their total household income. Opportunities in the city did not automatically lead to higher earnings for her family. Poppy stays motivated by pursuing work that truly fulfills her creative passions.
Life in Dubai has delivered tremendous improvements to their overall wellbeing and family dynamics. Happiness within the household has increased many times over since making the move. Members of the family report feeling healthier and far more satisfied on a daily basis. They express sincere thanks for the chance to enjoy this chapter together.
One particularly rewarding aspect involves the social environment in their new home. People in Britain sometimes find it challenging to expand beyond established friend groups. Dubai fosters an atmosphere where forming new connections comes more easily and frequently. The Owens have built strong relationships with a diverse range of individuals as a result.
Poppy frequently experiences moments of wonder about her current reality. She wonders if it is all real and has to remind herself of how far they have come. After several years in the United Arab Emirates the excitement has not faded. This adventure represents a risk that she would happily take once more if given the opportunity.
@thepoppyowen 3 years ago, I turned to Ben and said βF it, shall we just move to Dubai?β .. and we both said βYes letβs do it.β We moved from the UK π¬π§ to Dubai π¦πͺ in December 2022ππ½ One of the best decisions weβve ever made and it still feels like yesterday that we moved π€ Weβve now built our life + home here, grateful for the opportunities, quality of life and are so excited for the rest of our future. π¦πͺ β¨ #dubai #dubaicreator #dubaicontentcreator #expat #uk β¬ original sound – πΆππΆπΎ πβοΈ
The family has exciting plans on the horizon to improve their situation. Poppy intends to launch her very own fashion brand in the near future. With dedicated effort they aim to turn things around financially starting next year. Optimism runs high as 2026 already appears more promising than recent times.
Her candid account offers important lessons for aspiring expats around the world. Dreams of tax free living require careful consideration of all associated costs and adjustments. It is essential to evaluate both the monetary implications and the intangible rewards. Many discover that personal growth and joy can outweigh pure financial metrics.
Poppy and her loved ones feel deeply fulfilled despite not accumulating savings yet. The enhanced quality of life has more than compensated for the monetary challenges they faced. She advises those who sense dissatisfaction in their present surroundings to explore new possibilities bravely.
What do you think about the realities of moving to a tax free destination like Dubai? Share your thoughts in the comments.
