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Rio Ferdinand Defends Dubai Move, Criticizes UK Taxes and Public Services

He describes a family-led relocation, questioning whether UK taxes deliver functioning services.

Overview

  • Speaking on LBC on November 4, Ferdinand said people would tolerate high taxes if services such as the NHS worked well, asking whether revenue truly benefits residents.
  • At the One Young World summit, he argued his Rio Ferdinand Foundation is filling roles he believes government should handle for disadvantaged young people.
  • Ferdinand confirmed he moved to Dubai with his wife Kate and their children in August, saying the shift has given him significantly more time with his family.
  • He cited schooling as a key factor, praising Dubai’s use of the English curriculum and suggesting teachers in the UK feel undervalued and underpaid.
  • His relocation coincided with reporting on Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s £40 billion tax increases, prompting media speculation about wealthy residents reassessing UK domicile, while he also pointed to lifestyle, safety and his UAE business Football Escapes.