How a Wedding Promise Accelerated a British Couple’s Move to Dubai
Dubai: On January 11, 2025, Abigail Mills’ husband made a heartfelt promise during his wedding speech, stating that by 2027, the couple would be living in Dubai. Fast forward a year, and the couple has just celebrated their first month in the UAE, marking a significant milestone in their journey.
Mills, a 29-year-old British national and founder of a social media and marketing consultancy, Rose&Thistle Marketing Services, expressed confidence in her husband’s vision. She noted, “He knew if he spoke it into existence, we would make it happen.” The aspiration to relocate to Dubai had been a long-standing dream for the couple. Mills shared that her husband had visited the UAE multiple times, having family in Abu Dhabi during the 2010s. Although Mills first visited Dubai in 2024, she quickly recognized the city as a hub for the lifestyle, business opportunities, and ambition she had been seeking for years.
Finding a Match for Her Ambition
Raised on the outskirts of Edinburgh, Mills had never lived outside Scotland. However, her entrepreneurial spirit drove her to seek a more dynamic environment. She stated, “For a long time, I was building an ambitious business from a place that didn’t match the ambition. I knew there was more opportunity out in the world, but it always felt so hard to reach them when based in Scotland.”
In November 2024, Mills embarked on a solo trip to Dubai to assess whether the city could serve as a new home for her and her business. Upon arrival, she attended a networking event at Pier 7 in Dubai Marina, where she connected with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Mills remarked on the supportive atmosphere, stating, “That’s when I realized just how supportive and collaborative the people in this city are, and that’s what sold it to me!”
Turning a Dream into Reality
Seven months after her husband’s announcement, Mills submitted an application to establish a business in Dubai, accelerating their original 2027 timeline to 2026. She explained that their mortgage was due for renewal in the UK, prompting them to take decisive action. “Instead of tying in for another 5-10 years, why not make this the moment we take action?” she reflected.
Mills’ husband, a co-founder and developer of a SaaS business, also had to secure business licenses and visas before their move. The couple found the process remarkably efficient, with Mills stating, “Once we decided, it took no time at all to get everything set. Within a week, we were ready with the business and started our visa process!”
Despite regional tensions causing a slight delay of about three months, the couple remained undeterred. Now, as new residents of Dubai, they are embracing the city they once envisioned as their home.
Embracing a New Lifestyle
Mills expressed her satisfaction with their new life in Dubai, noting the city’s efficiency and the improved quality of life they enjoy. She stated, “We’ve loved every second; the efficiency of the city has really blown us away. Our lifestyle expenses don’t differ much from our outgoings in the UK – we really didn’t expect that.” The couple has found themselves living healthier and more driven lives, even during the intense summer heat.
Regarding her business ambitions, Mills reported a surge in inquiries and opportunities. She highlighted the numerous events and communities available in the city, which have allowed her to connect with like-minded individuals and women she previously admired only through her professional network.
Just a month into their new chapter, Mills feels invigorated by the opportunities Dubai presents. She stated, “Dubai is a hub for so many and matches the version of me I was trying to grow into, because of the opportunities, events, and people you can connect with.”
As the couple continues to settle into their new life, they reflect on how a simple wedding promise has transformed into a reality filled with potential and growth.
Source: www.emirates247.com
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Published on 2026-08-05 08:38:00 • By the Editorial Desk
