British Expat: Dubai Safer Than London

0:00On March 18, a British expat, who runs a gym chain in Dubai, says the city remains safer than London, despite ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Forty-three-year-old Rory Mackenzie moved there last year with his wife and two-year-old child after 17 years in the UK. He got stuck in Britain after landing on February 25 for a short visit, just as flights shut down on March 1 due to the fighting. The war between Iran, the U.S., and its allies has closed air spaces across the region, including thousands. While the UAE stepped in to help British visitors with flights, hotels, and food, Mackenzie got no support from the UK government, despite being a long-time taxpayer there. Airlines only offered refunds or later bookings, leaving him in limbo. During his weekend London, he saw phone muggings in broad daylight and heard friends worry about e-bike fees and unsafe streets. He moved his family to Dubai for better safety, sunshine, jobs, and quality of life, not just tax perks. To get home, Mackenzie launched a GoFundMe that raised £660 for a ticket.

1:05He finally flew back last week on a nearly empty plane and reports business as usual in Dubai, with gyms, restaurants, and nightlife going strong. Most British experts there feel the same, preferring to stay amid the relative calm after most threats were handled, even as over 7,000 have. Turn to the UK since early March.