A Briton relocated to Dubai after growing tired of the "miserable" and "sedentary" lifestyle in London, but now has to work six days a week to afford life in the "luxurious" city - where a glass of wine costs at least £20. Elbi Henshaw, 23, decided to move to Dubai in January after holidaying there and realising how "miserable" life is in the UK. Having previously worked in Saudi Arabia, she decided to give the famously opulent city in the UAE a go, seeking a change in lifestyle.

The personal trainer, originally from Barnet, North London, moved to Dubai with financial assistance from her parents and secured full-time employment at a gym. Eight months later, she is settled and thriving in the city - a hotspot for British influencers due to its beautiful weather, stunning views and luxury nightlife - but admits she misses UK pubs and pub culture, reports My London.

However, Elbi warns that it's not all fun and games as everything is so costly - with yoghurt setting you back £12 and coffee starting from £7 - that it becomes a "dog eat dog" lifestyle with people working six-day weeks and taking on extra work on the side to make ends meet.

While Elbi loves her current location, she confesses she "didn't like it at first" because it can feel "lonely" trying to establish a circle of friends in such a high-intensity environment.

Elbi stated: "In the UK, I was so depressed and miserable and everyone is so sedentary - I wanted a more active lifestyle. Out here, everyone is happier and active and they all want to be the best versions of themselves.

"I work full time but it's hard not to just spend all your money - you'd need about £5k a month here to live comfortably. But you can pick up extra work quite quickly - at the moment I work six days but I'll probably end up working seven.

"Paying no tax is a perk but the cost of living out here is so expensive that it ends up the same as in the UK. But here, you get the sun and a much better lifestyle - although I miss the pubs."

Expenses in Dubai

Elbi relocated to Dubai in January, initially residing in a studio apartment before sharing accommodation with two other young women.

Following her participation in a local running group, she struck up a conversation with someone who introduced her to a gym manager, landing her first Dubai position as a personal trainer.

She was instantly struck by the sheer volume of attractions and activities the city offered, from fine dining at upmarket restaurants to browsing the renowned Dubai Mall.

Moving solo meant the initial months proved challenging as Elbi worked to establish herself and organise essential paperwork and banking arrangements.

She quickly recognised the "fast paced and non-stop lifestyle", with residents frequently clocking lengthy working weeks to afford living in this glamorous destination beloved by celebrities.

Elbi explained: "The rent is more expensive than the UK and you have to pay big deposits on things like apartments and cars. Clothing is more expensive too - and coffee is like £7 minimum, sometimes as much as £10 a cup.

"I'd say the average salary for a normal person here is like £3k a month but you want more like £5k to live comfortably if you want to go out for meals, and buy new clothes. I try to work, work, work so that I can enjoy Dubai - there's lots of group chats and apps for companies to advertise weekend work."

However, she noted that the cost of living doesn't amount to much more than in the UK, where taxes are applicable, except that Dubai offers breathtaking views and fantastic weather. Eight months into her stay, she's thoroughly enjoying her life there, working as a personal trainer at a high-end gym frequented by elite clients.

Having made friends, she has no immediate plans to return to the UK. She advised: "You have to put your ego aside and put yourself out there - I messaged other women out of the blue inviting them for coffee."

Elbi expressed her admiration for Dubai's cleanliness, stating that "everywhere is spotless" and "it makes you realise how dirty the UK is."

During her time off, Elbi enjoys strolling around the air-conditioned mall and visiting Dubai's ultra-luxurious cinemas.

She spends her leisure time at the pool, frequenting beach clubs such as Summersalt, adored by celebrities like Molly-Mae Hague and Kady McDermott, and Twiggy club, a favourite of Paris Hilton. However, she admitted that Dubai can be challenging due to the lack of a "sense of community" for young adults, making dating without using apps difficult.

She lamented: "It's so hard to meet guys, because there's no authentic meet-ups. People don't stand in the streets around pubs - you have to schedule it in. And it's hard to date as everyone is so busy 24/7 that you never find the time. I do miss the sense of community and pubs in the UK.

"I love it but I can't really imagine meeting someone out here and it becoming serious. People come out here who already have a partner or family, and the ones that are single are never looking for anything serious.

"I could see myself building a life here but if I get to 27 and I'm not in a relationship, I'll move back to the UK as I want to start a family."