Brits Envy Dubai Expats: A Historical Look at Leaving Home

Brits Envy Dubai Expats: A Historical Look at Leaving Home

Historian Ian Wilson explores the long-standing British tradition of moving abroad and the complex emotions, from envy to suspicion, that often accompany it. The conversation, which began by examining historical migrations to places like America and Australia, now focuses on the modern phenomenon of Britons moving to Dubai.

From Puritans to the Raj: Early Migrations

The urge to leave Britain for a new life is not new. In the 17th century, Puritans seeking religious freedom left for the New England colonies. While some might have been glad to see them go, the primary motivation for many leaving Britain was the pursuit of wealth, including Spanish gold. Later, during the height of the British Empire, many middle and working-class Britons moved to places like India and Burma. These administrators, often from modest backgrounds, found opportunities for control and a higher standard of living abroad that wouldn’t have been possible at home. Figures like Rudyard Kipling, who grew up in India, captured this sentiment in his writing, asking, “What do they know of England who only England know?”

Australia: Punishment and Opportunity

The move to Australia also has a varied history. Initially, many were sent there as convicts, facing harsh punishment for minor offenses. However, the idea of Australia as a place for opportunity grew. After World War II, the “£10 Poms” scheme encouraged Britons to immigrate. Facing austerity at home, these individuals were offered a chance to build a better life in Australia, which needed a larger population. While often viewed as intrepid by those who left, those who stayed behind sometimes belittled them, perhaps out of envy for their pursuit of a better life.

The Dubai Phenomenon: Tax, Sunshine, and Envy

Today, Dubai has become a significant destination for British expatriates. Unlike historical settlers who sought land or imperial power, many Britons move to Dubai for financial reasons. The absence of income tax is a major draw, allowing professionals like teachers and nurses to earn significantly more than they would in the UK. The consistently sunny weather also appeals. This financial advantage, combined with a perception of a safe and prosperous environment (though recently challenged by regional conflicts), fuels considerable envy among those remaining in Britain.

“Envy is the favorite emotion of all British people. The whole class system is based on envy that we envy other people. We’re taught that envy is a good thing. We’re calling it social mobility.”

The “Expat” vs. “Immigrant” Divide

Wilson highlights a curious distinction in how Britons view those who leave versus those who arrive. The term “expat” is often used for Britons living abroad, who are frequently perceived as wealthier and more successful. In contrast, immigrants coming to Britain are often viewed as poorer. This perception extends to retirees living abroad, who might have modest means but are still seen as “expats.” The modern British expat in Dubai is sometimes viewed with suspicion, with assumptions made about their political leanings, sometimes linked to a desire to escape perceived social changes in Britain.

Suspicion and Vitriol Towards Dubai Expats

The conversation touches on the surprisingly harsh and even vitriolic reactions some Britons have towards those living in Dubai. While envy is a significant factor, there’s also a sense of them being “ours” even after leaving. Unlike immigrants who bring their own cultures, expats are seen as retaining a connection to Britain, yet choosing a life of perceived ease and financial gain elsewhere. This can lead to resentment, with some media outlets even expressing pleasure at the idea of expats facing danger.

Defining “Britishness” Abroad

The question of when expatriates stop being British and become part of their new country is complex. Wilson draws parallels to communities in Israel where British expats have maintained their cultural habits for decades. While integration and mixing are common over time, the situation for Dubai expats is seen as being in an earlier stage. They are not fully British anymore, but they also haven’t entirely stopped being British. This liminal state highlights the evolving nature of identity for those living abroad.

Source: Why Brits Envy Expats Moving To Dubai | AN Wilson (YouTube)