Why Luisa Zissman Left the UK for Dubai – The Full Story

Luisa Zissman made headlines in December 2025 when she announced she was leaving the UK for Dubai with two of her children and five horses. The move came after years of growing frustration with British life, particularly around safety and weather. For many, it represented a bold step many others have considered. Her story mixes celebrity, family priorities, and the realities of expat life.

This article explores the full picture: her background, the reasons behind the relocation, how life unfolded in Dubai, and the unexpected challenges that followed. Whether you’re curious about celebrity moves or thinking about your own fresh start abroad, Luisa’s journey offers real insights.

BIO

Who Is Luisa Zissman?

Luisa Zissman, born Louisa Christina Kalozois in 1987 in Milton Keynes, rose to fame as runner-up on the ninth series of The Apprentice in 2013. The straight-talking entrepreneur built businesses in cupcakes, baking supplies, and e-commerce before TV fame. She later appeared on Celebrity Big Brother, became a podcast host with LuAnna: The Podcast, and developed a reputation for honest opinions on motherhood, business, and current affairs.

Beyond the spotlight, Luisa is a mum of three daughters: Dixie from her first marriage to Oliver Zissman, and Indigo Esme and Clementine with her second husband, Irish businessman Andrew Collins, whom she married in 2015. The family previously lived in a multi-million-pound Grade II-listed home in Hertfordshire. Her life has always blended ambition with family, but recent years highlighted deeper concerns about raising children in the UK.

What Prompted Luisa Zissman’s Move to Dubai?

Luisa openly cited two main issues with UK life: rising crime and the miserable weather. In interviews and social media posts around the announcement, she spoke about not feeling safe walking alone at night and wanting a warmer, more secure environment for her younger daughters.

She joined a growing wave of Brits relocating to the UAE. Many seek better weather, tax advantages, and a different pace of life. For Luisa, the decision felt personal. Her husband Andrew had already spent time in Dubai for business, making the move a natural next step for the family unit.

Early Life, Career, and UK Challenges

Luisa grew up in Milton Keynes with a Greek father and mixed European heritage on her mother’s side. She showed entrepreneurial spirit early, working weekends at an estate agent to support her horse habit. After school, she avoided traditional 9-5 roles and built her own ventures, including Dixie’s Cupcakery.

Her Apprentice appearance brought fame but also scrutiny. Public controversies and media attention added pressure. As her family grew, everyday UK realities weighed heavier: stories of crime, cold winters that affected mood, and the general feeling that life was becoming harder. These factors built up over time, leading to the Dubai decision.

The Decision and Logistics of the Move

In late 2025, Luisa announced the relocation as a fresh chapter. She moved with Indigo and Clementine (then around 9 and 7), while eldest daughter Dixie stayed in the UK to finish school. The logistics were intense: shipping five horses (the most stressful part, she said), arranging visas for nannies, enrolling the girls in new schools, and packing up their Hertfordshire home.

The family settled into Dubai life with excitement. Warmer temperatures, luxury amenities, and a sense of safety stood out immediately. Luisa shared glimpses of new routines, family time, and optimism about opportunities in the UAE.

Settling Into Dubai Life

Dubai offered clear contrasts to the UK. Luisa highlighted the ability to enjoy outdoor activities year-round without battling rain or cold. Safety felt tangible — she repeatedly described the UAE as one of the safest places. The social scene, business networking, and family-friendly environment suited her lifestyle.

For the children, new schools and adventures brought adjustment but also excitement. Horses found stables, and the family embraced the expat community. Luisa continued her podcast and media work remotely, showing how digital careers make such moves easier.

What Is Life Like for British Expats in Dubai?

Many Brits choose Dubai for similar reasons: no income tax on earnings, world-class infrastructure, international schools, and a vibrant yet structured society. Safety rankings often place the UAE highly for personal security, especially for women and families. However, it’s not without adjustments — cultural differences, extreme summer heat, and the transient nature of expat life require flexibility.

Luisa’s experience reflected these upsides. She enjoyed the sunshine, modern facilities, and feeling of security that had become harder to find back home.

Challenges and the Unexpected Return

No move is perfect, and Luisa faced real tests. In early 2026, regional geopolitical tensions escalated with explosions and drone activity affecting parts of the UAE. The family sheltered in their basement during incidents, baking bread to keep the children calm.

Luisa initially reassured followers that Dubai remained safe compared to the UK. But by March 2026, she returned temporarily to Britain with the children for school holidays and work commitments. She described it light-heartedly as her “refugee era” while navigating travel via Oman. Public reactions were mixed — some praised her honesty, others criticized the phrasing given the context.

She has maintained that the move was planned as long-term and continues to speak positively about Dubai opportunities.

How the Move Has Changed Luisa Zissman’s Life

The relocation highlighted priorities: family safety, lifestyle quality, and new beginnings. Parenting in a sunnier, more secure setting brought different routines. Business-wise, the UAE offers networking and growth potential in a tax-friendly environment.

Luisa’s story shows the emotional side of such decisions — excitement mixed with nostalgia for the UK, practical stresses of international moves, and resilience when plans shift.

Guide: Considering a Move from the UK to Dubai?

If Luisa’s experience resonates, here’s a practical step-by-step overview based on common expat paths:

1. Assess Your Reasons — Clarify priorities like safety, weather, taxes, or career. Visit multiple times first.
2. Visa and Legal Preparation — Research Golden Visa options, remote work visas, or family sponsorship. Consult specialists early.
3. Family Logistics — For parents, compare international schools. Pet or horse relocation requires significant planning and costs.
4. Finances and Housing — Factor in higher rents but no income tax. Budget for shipping and setup.
5. Cultural Adjustment — Understand local laws, dress codes in certain areas, and the fast-paced expat scene.
6. Trial Period — Many start with a short-term stay before committing fully.

Common pitfalls include underestimating summer heat, over-relying on initial excitement, or not building a support network.

Tips for a Successful Relocation

• Prioritize schools and healthcare early.
• Build connections in expat groups.
• Stay flexible — geopolitical or personal events can change plans.
• Maintain ties to the UK if family or work requires it.

Luisa’s journey underscores preparation and adaptability.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Luisa Zissman leave the UK for Dubai?

Mainly for better safety, warmer weather, and improved quality of life for her family, as she felt unable to walk alone at night comfortably in the UK.

Which children moved with Luisa to Dubai?

Her younger daughters, Indigo Esme and Clementine. Eldest daughter Dixie stayed in the UK for school.

What does Luisa Zissman’s husband do?

Andrew Collins is a successful Irish businessman and entrepreneur. His work connections in Dubai supported the family move.

Did Luisa Zissman return to the UK permanently?

No. She made a temporary return in March 2026 due to regional events and work, but has indicated Dubai remains her long-term home.

What are the main benefits of moving to Dubai from the UK?

Tax advantages, safety, sunshine, modern infrastructure, and international opportunities top the list for many families.

How has the public reacted to her move?

Reactions are divided — support for seeking better opportunities, but debate around her comments during regional tensions.

Conclusion

Luisa Zissman’s decision to leave the UK for Dubai captures a wider trend of people seeking change amid familiar frustrations. From The Apprentice fame to building a family life abroad, her story blends ambition, motherhood, and practicality. While not without bumps — including the temporary return amid unrest — it reflects courage in pursuing what feels right.

Ultimately, big life moves like this are deeply personal. Luisa’s experience reminds us that chasing safety, sunshine, and opportunity often means navigating trade-offs. Whether you admire her boldness or simply enjoy the story, it sparks reflection on what “home” means in today’s world.