The beautiful mega-city now being abandoned by Brits - ‘It’s too overcrowded!'

Dubai has long been painted as the ultimate expat paradise. Glittering skyscrapers, luxury cars, tax-free salaries, and sun-drenched beaches made it irresistible for British professionals and families seeking adventure abroad.

Yet, in 2025, a subtle but unmistakable trend has begun as an increasing number of Brits are leaving Dubai, trading in desert skylines for green fields, closer family ties, and a slower pace of life.

The city is often brought to a standstill by traffic as more and more people moving there leads to more vehicles on the roads.

For many, the decision to leave is far from easy. One Reddit user who moved with their family in 2022 reflected: “We thought Dubai would be the dream. Sun, money, lifestyle… it ticked all the boxes. But after a couple of years, the cost of living and the isolation from family hit hard. We started planning our move back to the UK - it felt inevitable.”

While Dubai is often seen as a tax-free haven, everyday life can be expensive. Rent in desirable areas, particularly near the beach or in the city centre, is notoriously high. Families quickly realise that the headline salary figures often mask the real cost of maintaining the lifestyle the city demands.

A parent of four wrote on Reddit: “We could barely keep up with rent, school fees, and groceries. It was frustrating. Even with a decent salary, it felt like we were running on a treadmill just to stay in the same place financially.”

Many expats find themselves spending more than expected on essentials like electricity, water, and groceries, while luxuries such as dining out and leisure activities are far from cheap. The city’s reputation for opulence comes at a price, and for those not at the top end of the pay scale, the math doesn’t always add up.

For families, schooling is a major consideration. Dubai’s private schools often have excellent facilities but come with steep tuition fees, sometimes surpassing the cost of a UK private school. Parents also have to navigate the complex admissions process, which can be stressful and time-consuming.

Another expat explained their choice to leave: “Our kids’ school fees were astronomical, and getting into a good school was a battle. Combine that with the rising cost of extra classes and childcare, and it became clear we could get more for our money back home.”

Dubai offers high-quality healthcare, but it is largely private. While expats may receive insurance through employers, unexpected medical costs can still arise. Some families find themselves juggling between clinics, appointments, and coverage restrictions.

A Reddit user who worked in the dental industry shared their experience: “I loved my job, but living here meant constantly thinking about healthcare costs, insurance limits, and what would happen in an emergency. It adds a layer of stress you don’t have in the UK with the NHS.”

Even routine check-ups and dental care can be expensive compared with what Brits are used to at home. For families, this is often a tipping point. The financial benefits of a tax-free salary can be eroded by the reality of daily expenses, leaving many feeling that the lifestyle isn’t sustainable long-term.

Dubai’s fast-paced professional environment can be exhilarating for newcomers, but it can also be exhausting. Long hours, high expectations, and intense competition are common, particularly in sectors like finance, real estate, and healthcare.

One Redditor recounted: “The work culture is demanding. People work late, weekends are sometimes lost, and it felt like there was little time to enjoy the city we moved for. After a few years, the sparkle wore off. You realise life isn’t just about career and salary - it’s about living comfortably and being happy.”

While the city offers impressive amenities, the relentless pace can take a toll on mental health. Expats often find themselves isolated, particularly if they lack extended family or a close social circle. Even those who arrive full of enthusiasm can find that Dubai’s glamour fades when weighed against the daily grind.

For many, moving abroad is less about work and money than it is about community. Initially, expats often enjoy a strong social network, with events, clubs, and a busy expat calendar. But over time, the transient nature of Dubai’s population can make it harder to build lasting connections.

A Reddit user summed up the feeling: “You meet lots of people, but it’s always temporary. People come and go, and while there’s a sense of excitement, there’s also a loneliness. It’s harder to form deep, meaningful friendships.”

The high cost of entertainment and limited green spaces also affect lifestyle choices. While Dubai is famous for luxury malls and indoor attractions, families often crave parks, outdoor activities, and spaces where children can run freely. For many, these simple pleasures are easier to find elsewhere.

Dubai’s desert climate is another factor influencing decisions to leave. Summers can be intensely hot, limiting outdoor activity for months at a time. The air quality, though generally good, can be affected by construction dust and traffic. Many Reddit users noted that they missed the greenery, fresh air, and seasonal changes they had taken for granted in the UK.

“I do miss the skyscrapers and sunny days,” admitted one Redditor, “but I can’t deny I feel healthier and more relaxed living somewhere with trees, parks, and fresh air. That’s something Dubai can’t offer in the same way.”

For many, the decision to leave Dubai is ultimately about quality of life. Families are drawn back to greener, quieter environments with better schooling options, public healthcare, and proximity to loved ones.

One Redditor shared: “Coming back to the UK, we were surprised at how much we’d missed the simple things - family dinners, local parks, the ease of getting to friends’ houses. Dubai felt like work disguised as a lifestyle.”

Others highlighted the psychological relief of being in familiar surroundings. “You don’t realise how much pressure you were under until you leave,” another user wrote. “It’s like a weight lifted. The salary and sun were great, but life is more than that.”

The exodus is not limited to families. Young professionals, too, are reconsidering long-term plans in Dubai. Rising living costs, visa restrictions, and the recognition that citizenship is largely unattainable are prompting a rethink. Many are choosing countries that combine career opportunities with a more balanced lifestyle.

“It’s a mix of factors,” said one Redditor. “Job opportunities, cost of living, healthcare, schools, environment - all these things make you question if Dubai is really the right place for the long term.”

Despite these challenges, Dubai still attracts newcomers eager for high salaries and modern conveniences. Its iconic architecture, luxury shopping, and international cuisine continue to make headlines worldwide. Yet, for those who have lived and worked in the city, nostalgia is often tempered by reality.

“I miss the sunsets over the Marina,” one Redditor reflected. “But I don’t miss the stress, the cost, or the constant sense of impermanence. Life is simpler now, and that’s worth more than any skyline.”