The super-rich Brits using Dubai as a bolthole to escape Covid restrictions
Brits with money to burn have been heading to the city for the party lifestyle.
A modelling agency boss has told how super-rich Brits are using Dubai as a party haven away from Covid-19 restrictions in the UK.
Rob Wilson said the high life has continued in the billionaires’ playground, where exclusive bars, clubs and hotels are open for business.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has an air corridor with the UK, with the city offering winter sun and some of the world’s most high-end hospitality.
The super-rich, celebs and socialites with money to burn have been heading to the resorts for a ‘hedonistic’ lifestyle, the company director said.
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Dancing is banned in public entertainment venues, though food and stage shows are allowed, including at beachfront resorts.
EuroMillions winner Jane Park celebrated her 25th birthday this week with a lavish party onboard a yacht off the city’s shoreline.
The Edinburgh socialite, who won £1million in 2013, shared videos on social media showing her posing for selfies and dancing with friends.
Love Island star Maura Higgins and influencer Lauryn Goodman have also hit the beach in Dubai since the since the start of November.
Clubs, hotels and restaurants have taken Covid-19 precautions including implementing social distancing and offering live stage shows rather than DJs and dancefloors.
Mr Wilson, 36, the founder of FOMO modelling agency, was at a resort in the city for a nine-day talent search, ending last week.
He said: ‘People with money to burn have been heading to Dubai as one of the last places in the world that still has regular flights, winter sunshine and the lavish hospitality package.
‘They can still enjoy a relatively hedonistic lifestyle with beach bars still open and exclusive events in private penthouses and tower clubs which have several rooms on different floors.
‘Along with the Maldives, Dubai is one of the most popular places where you can escape the UK lockdown and still have the high-end lifestyle.
‘You can get the full VIP treatment in the restaurants and bars, with clubs offering tables in private rooms where there is a £1,000 minimum spend.
‘We were there on a talent scout and took precautions against Covid-19. We saw people partying on the beaches and on yachts throughout our stay.
‘We were meant to be there for two weeks and after nine days we had found what we were looking for with our talent search so we came home.’
Travellers from the UK to Dubai have to present a negative Covid-19 test before departure or take one on arrival at Dubai airport.
Social distancing and the wearing of masks is mandatory when in public spaces, including in hotels.
On November 12, the UAE was removed from the list of countries and territories where self-isolation is required on return to the UK.
His Excellency Mansoor Abulhoul, the country’s ambassador to the UK, welcomed the reopening of the air corridor earlier this month.
He said: ‘The UAE remains one of the safest places in the world against Covid-19 and continues to have one of the highest testing rates globally.
‘Our hotels, restaurants and malls have been up and running since April and look forward to hosting many British visitors again soon.’
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