When I heard that Katie Price had reportedly placed a deposit on a property in Dubai, my first reaction was that it was a bold move. Not because Dubai is a bad place to live—far from it—but because I immediately wondered whether she had truly researched what life there entails. Beneath the glittering skyline, luxury brunches, and Instagram-perfect beaches lies a system of rules and financial realities that can quickly turn the dream into something far more complicated.

I have a personal connection to Dubai. As a single woman, I once lived there and absolutely loved it. I still return frequently and have even considered moving back with my family or investing in property. On the surface, Dubai offers exactly the kind of reinvention many celebrities crave: sunshine year-round, prestige, tax advantages, glamorous parties, and a sense of starting fresh. For someone like Katie, who has weathered intense media scrutiny and financial troubles, the appeal is obvious.

However, knowing her past struggles with money, I suspect this decision may be driven by more than just palm trees and penthouses. Dubai offers compelling financial incentives. If her reported property purchase is valued at around 2 million AED—approximately £400,000—she could qualify for the UAE’s 10-year Golden Visa. This visa would allow her to live, work, and study in the country without a sponsor. She would also be able to travel freely in and out of the UAE and remain outside the country for more than six months without losing residency. Perhaps most appealing of all, the UAE imposes 0% personal income tax, 0% capital gains tax, and 0% rental income tax. For someone who has faced severe tax liabilities in the UK and been discharged from bankruptcy twice, such financial relief must seem incredibly attractive.

If her marriage to Lee Andrews is legally binding, she could alternatively apply for a spousal visa. However, that route comes with restrictions. Her husband would need to prove a minimum monthly income of 4,000 dirhams, she would be required to undergo a medical test that some might consider intrusive, and the visa would only be valid for two to three years. Compared to the independence of a Golden Visa, it offers less long-term security.

Despite the advantages, Dubai is not a financial sanctuary where mistakes carry no consequences. While debt laws have softened in recent years, defaulting on mortgages or other financial obligations can still result in serious repercussions. Bank accounts may be frozen, travel bans imposed, and legal enforcement pursued swiftly. I once experienced the anxiety firsthand after accidentally bouncing a cheque while switching bank accounts. At the time, such mistakes could lead to arrest. Thankfully, I was able to resolve the issue quickly, but the fear was real and memorable.

Beyond financial discipline, Dubai requires careful navigation of cultural and social norms. Modesty rules are actively enforced in public spaces. Shoulders must be covered, skirts should fall below the knee, and revealing clothing can attract warnings. I personally received a red card at a shopping mall for exposing my shoulders and again at the zoo for wearing a skirt deemed too short, even though it was not particularly revealing. During Ramadan, which lasts a month each year, eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours is prohibited for expats, and entertainment venues close early. Even private hotels operate within these boundaries. For public figures especially, discretion is not optional—it is essential.

There have also been rumours that Katie may want to expand her family. If she were to have a baby in Dubai, the financial implications would extend further. Healthcare is of a very high standard, but it is entirely private and costly. A straightforward delivery in a private hospital can range from £5,000 to £15,000, excluding any complications or specialist care. For someone accustomed to the NHS, the shift to a fully private healthcare system can be both surprising and expensive.

Education is another major consideration. Expat schools in Dubai are among the most expensive in the world. Tuition fees for reputable international schools can range between £10,000 and £30,000 per year per child. When healthcare, childcare, and the general cost of luxury living are added together, the financial commitment becomes significant.

The climate is yet another challenge. From May to September, temperatures frequently exceed 45 degrees Celsius and can feel even hotter. Life becomes confined to air-conditioned environments, and the novelty of endless sunshine can quickly wear thin. Moreover, Dubai is saturated with influencers and reality personalities attempting to reinvent themselves. The competition for sponsorships and attention is fierce. In such an environment, relevance can be fleeting.

Dubai certainly offers opportunity, glamour, and the promise of financial efficiency. For Katie, the move could represent a fresh chapter filled with sunshine and stability. Yet it is also a calculated risk. The city rewards those who understand and respect its financial systems and cultural expectations, but it can be unforgiving to those who underestimate them. What appears effortless on social media often requires meticulous planning and discipline behind the scenes.