Rio and Kate Ferdinand are enjoying a ‘fresh start’ after moving to Dubai.
Taking to Instagram on Monday, the couple gave fans a glimpse of their £6.5million mansion in the luxurious gated community of Al Barari. It is believed that the spacious property boasts seven bedrooms, a family pool, and a rooftop terrace with coastal views, not to mention a home cinema.
In a joint post, former footballer Rio and TOWIE favourite Kate penned their excitement. ‘’We’ve talked about this for so long, and now it’s finally real… we’re here, we are making a new home in the place we met!’ they confirmed.
‘Missing some of our specials already & a bit scared, excited & nervous — but more than anything, ready for fresh starts and new beginnings.’
Giving fans a glimpse of their abode, Kate and Rio shared photos of their open-space living room and dining area, which was decorated in a neutral colour palette and filled with a U-shaped sofa, a cream table and chairs set, and a statement light fixture.
Meanwhile, their garden was lined with bright white paving, which led to a large pool surrounded by sun loungers.
For Rio, 46, and Kate, 34, Dubai holds a special place in both of their hearts after serving as the setting for their first meeting in 2016. The duo, who were introduced through mutual friends, confirmed their romance in 2017 and two years later, tied the knot at the five-star D Maris Bay hotel in Turkey.
Following their wedding, Kate became a proud stepmum to Rio’s three children, Lorenz, 19, Tate, 17, and Tia, 14, whom he shared with his late wife, Rebecca Ellison. In 2020, Kate and Rio revealed that they’d welcomed their first child, a son named Cree, and in 2023, they announced the arrival of their daughter, Shae.
As fans flocked to the comments, several of Kate and Rio’s famous friends lent their support. ‘Wishing you all the luck and happiness,’ replied TOWIE star Billie Shepherd. ‘So excited for you, girly. See you in October,’ added This Morning’s Rochelle Humes.
Meanwhile, Robbie Keane, Rio’s former Leeds United teammate, wrote: ‘Enjoy guys’.
Prior to their big move, Kate and Rio resided in a multimillion-pound home in Bromley, South East London, but often travelled to Dubai on family holidays.
Shortly after she and Rio shared their news, Kate returned to her Instagram Stories where she thanked everyone for their ‘lovely messages’.
‘It really has been a complete whirlwind of a summer,’ noted the TV star. ‘I’ve never moved house as a family before, so moving to another country has been a rollercoaster to say the least! I’ve also been working hard over the last year on a passion project of mine, which I can’t wait to share with you all very soon!
‘It feels like a lot of new beginnings all at once,’ continued Kate. ‘I feel like I haven’t had the chance to speak to you all properly as there has been so much going on! I hope you are all ok.’
Earlier this year, Rio told The National that there were multiple reasons for the family’s move. ‘In Dubai, it feels like they’re valued, and the lifestyle means that they’re happy and vibrant with a good energy for the kids. Lifestyle, safety, weather and just a new life,’ he explained.
Rio added that he was impressed with the education system in Dubai, which ‘felt better’ for his kids and noted that the curriculum would still be in English. ‘We’ve got a four and a two-year-old, so it’s perfect timing for them as well,’ he said.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
