'I left UK for tax-free lifestyle but that doesn't mean it's cheap'

A Brit who moved to Abu Dhabi says "don't believe the influencers" - and that it can cost more to live in the UAE than the UK. Rachel Burns, 35, moved to Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE and a stone's throw from Dubai, in 2021.

Influencers' endless reels of luxurious brunches, beach clubs and sunset cocktails might leave Brits aspiring to live there - but despite being tax-free, luxury comes at a cost, she said. Radiographer Rachel, originally from Newcastle, said her £12,700 rent is paid in six-month or yearly upfront payments.

She also said people had to pay a £500 (5%) commission fee on top of that cost, as well as an air conditioning deposit of £600. Food, groceries, phone contracts and clothes are all more costly

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