Rio Ferdinand and his wife Kate have arrived in the Maldives, extending their travels after leaving their £6.5 million Dubai home amid the escalating US-Israeli conflict with Iran.
Family Relocates from Dubai
The former footballer, 47, and reality TV star, 34, moved to the UAE last summer with their children—son Cree, 5, daughter Shae, 2, and Rio’s daughter Tia, 13, from his previous marriage. Rio’s older sons, Lorenz, 19, and Tate, 17, stayed in the UK to pursue football careers.
Following the conflict’s outbreak, the family joined numerous influencers departing the emirate. They first headed to their luxury holiday home in Portugal’s Algarve region, where Rio posted a shirtless selfie enjoying a Super Bock beer on a sunny terrace.
Brief UK Return for Family Milestone
The couple soon returned to London to support Tate, who plays for Brighton & Hove Albion’s youth academy, as he signed with New Era Global Sports Management. The agency, owned by former footballers Jamie Moralee and Peter Smith, represents athletes, with Rio serving as an ambassador and holding a significant stake.
Rio also filmed his podcast, Rio Ferdinand Presents, while Kate prioritized family time for Mother’s Day.
Maldives Getaway and Business Ties
Instead of an immediate return to Dubai, the family jetted to the Maldives. Rio shared Instagram Stories featuring him and Cree at the idyllic destination, where he co-owns Football Escapes holiday camps with ex-Premier League players Bobby Zamora and Mark Noble.
Kate previously expressed challenges adjusting to Dubai life, stating: “I am enjoying it, but I miss home quite a lot. I get upset. I miss the big boys a lot and I’m just struggling with that. I know this decision is right for my younger children and as a family we are settled there, but the boys are following their football careers.”
Other Celebrities Depart UAE
The Ferdinands align with stars like Lindsay Lohan, Taylor Ward, Luisa Zissman, Laura Anderson, and Petra Ecclestone who left their UAE residences. Government figures show over 63,000 Britons have returned home since the Middle East conflict began.
UAE authorities issued warnings via text to Westerners against posting about attacks, leading many influencers to remain silent. Abu Dhabi police arrested 45 individuals of various nationalities for spreading misinformation and sharing event footage.
Luisa Zissman, a former Apprentice contestant, returned to her £8 million UK mansion with her children, calling it her “refugee era” despite earlier claiming Dubai as the “safest country.” Her dog remains in Dubai amid flight cancellations.
Petra Ecclestone and Sam Palmer also departed, while social media personality HSTikkyTokky insisted no bombs hit Dubai post-drone attack. Arabella Chi continues daily life there and celebrated her birthday in Saudi Arabia. Israeli socialite Hofit Golan, initially terrified, later described Dubai as safe.
Expats Confront Tax Challenges
British expats worry about hefty tax bills upon returning home. Accountants advise holidays until the UK tax year starts April 6 to mitigate liabilities, as HM Revenue & Customs provides limited clarity on regulations.
