In 2003, Kelly Lundberg relocated from Scotland to Dubai spontaneously after seeing a job posting for an international position. Now, 23 years later, she remains there and shows no signs of regret.
The 44-year-old, who is originally from Edinburgh, decided to take the plunge and apply for a cabin crew role at an airline based in the Middle East.
She mentioned that the allure of sunny weather was a major attraction while
the low-tax lifestyle
and the “contagious” energy of the city have kept her there.
Ms. Lundberg, who has become both a business proprietor and an author, commented, “After spending four years working as a tour guide, I realized I longed for more sunlight and cheerier times.”
“With no ties, living in Edinburgh and finding the Scottish weather gloomy, cold and often very wet, I applied for the cabin crew job.
In April 2003, I traveled to Dubai, and I’ve stayed since then. Although Dubai is now my home, Scotland will forever hold a special place in my heart.
“At 22, I didn’t really think past the new job, new opportunities, sunshine and travel. At the time, I had no idea that 23 years later I would be happily married, living life and owning a brand consultancy business.”
The thing that kept her around was the “irresistible vitality of the metropolis”.
She added: “
Dubai possesses an unyielding optimistic demeanor.
At its core lies reinvention. Indeed, people arrive and depart, perhaps more frequently compared to other cities, yet those whom I encounter—and I’ve encountered quite a few—thrive on what Dubai provides.
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“By nature, cities are transient but what I have found is if you have an idea, there is the infrastructure in place in Dubai and the people to support you and to make that idea grow.”
As elsewhere, prices have gone up, Mrs. Lundberg mentioned, noting that imported goods such as fruits and wines are notably expensive. However, gasoline still comes at a lower cost, and there’s no need to worry about paying income tax here.
She went on: “It’s impossible to ignore the financial independence that arises from
not paying income tax
.
It enables you to be more deliberate regarding where and how you allocate your money, especially concerning the quality.
Consider healthcare; we must cover costs here in Dubai. Nonetheless, you do have the option to select the degree of service that best fits your requirements, ranging from fundamental to high-end, based on what you need and can afford.
“While I don’t actively track the exact monthly tax savings, as a business owner I do pay myself a salary and it doesn’t stretch quite as far as it used to. I work hard to balance disposable income with overall lifestyle choices.”
Mrs. Lundberg resides with her spouse Graham, who moved to join her several years following her own relocation. They first crossed paths during their schooling days.
She has “no regrets” about moving to and permanently residing in Dubai, though she admits to missing her relatives in Scotland. She mentioned that they do travel to see each other from time to time.
She expressed her thoughts saying, “Am I going to remain out here long-term? Yes, for now, Dubai will be my home indefinitely. The quality of life, the opportunities available, and the vibrant atmosphere of this place are quite unparalleled.”
As mentioned earlier, deciding whether to move on and where to go next is quite challenging. The new place must provide an equal sense of opportunity and a comparable quality of living.
Moreover, with just seven hours between ‘home’ in the UK, it feels distant yet near enough to remain connected, striking the ideal equilibrium for the present.
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