Kate Ferdinand has candidly shared her emotional challenges following the family's relocation from London to Dubai, revealing a deep sense of homesickness for the UK despite the sunny perks of their new life. The move, which took place in August last year, has seen Kate, her husband Rio Ferdinand, and their three youngest children settle in the Middle Eastern city, but it has come with a poignant longing for the familiar comforts of home.
A New Chapter with Old Ties
In a heartfelt admission, Kate, who previously lived in Bromley in south east London, expressed how much she misses her family and friends back in England. She described Dubai as an "amazing place to live" that offers great opportunities for their children, including five-year-old Cree, who is already picking up Mandarin and Arabic. However, she set a modest personal goal of learning just one Arabic word per week, highlighting the adjustment period she is navigating.
Family Dynamics and Football Careers
The relocation has brought changes to the family structure, with only Cree, two-year-old Shae, and Rio's 13-year-old daughter Tia from his first marriage making the move. Rio's older sons, Lorenz, 19, and Tate, 17, from his late wife Rebecca Ellison, have remained in the UK to pursue football careers with Brighton. Kate acknowledged this separation as "very hard," noting that the family has "always been together" and this represents a significant adjustment.
She explained that while the decision feels right for their younger children and the family is settled in Dubai, she struggles with missing the "big boys" and the cultural aspects of England. Rio, who left his TNT Sports role covering the Champions League, has shifted focus to business ventures like his YouTube channel, Rio Ferdinand Presents, with over 1.3 million subscribers, and his clothing brand FIVE in partnership with Sports Direct.
Balancing Pros and Cons
Kate praised Dubai for its safety and the diverse cultural exposure it provides for her children, but she admitted to even missing British weather, saying, "I miss the rain. The cold, cool air on your face." She added that if she could "merge the two worlds together," it would be "absolutely perfect," reflecting a desire to blend the best of both locations.
Rio's Presence and Quality Time
On a positive note, Kate highlighted how the move has made Rio more "present" for the family, despite his travel for punditry work. She noted an improved work-life balance, with Rio doing school runs and spending more quality time together, such as going for walks. This has reduced stress and strengthened their family bonds, even as Kate continues to adapt to her new surroundings.
Young Cree has been helping Kate learn Arabic, with phrases like "Yalla Habibi" (Come on, my friend), showcasing the family's integration efforts. Kate believes Rio would happily stay in Dubai indefinitely, given his enjoyment of the lifestyle, but she remains in a state of adjustment, emphasising that she is not unhappy but simply missing home.
In summary, Kate Ferdinand's move to Dubai represents a bittersweet transition, filled with opportunities for growth and family time, yet underscored by a heartfelt yearning for the UK's people, culture, and even its weather.
