Kate Ferdinand has embraced the holiday season early, revealing she has officially kicked off her family’s Christmas celebrations in Dubai—despite the soaring desert temperatures.
The former TOWIE star, 34, shared a series of photos on Instagram where she appeared relaxed and joyful, showing off her toned abs in a matching red festive pyjama set while posing with her children inside their lavish new home.
Kate and her husband, former England footballer Rio Ferdinand, 46, relocated from south-east London to the United Arab Emirates in August, embarking on a major lifestyle change with their blended family.
The couple share two-year-old daughter Shae and son Cree, four, while Kate is also stepmother to Rio’s three children—Lorenz (19), Tate (17), and Tia (14). Rio’s first wife, Rebecca Ellison, tragically passed away in 2015 after a battle with cancer.
Although Christmas in Dubai means palm trees and sunshine rather than frosty weather, Kate has ensured the family home looks traditionally festive.
The Ferdinands’ £6.5 million property—located in the exclusive gated community of Al Barari—has been decorated with seasonal touches including berry wreaths, red ribbon garlands, and holiday ornaments draped across the sweeping staircase bannister.
The star also posed alongside life-size Father Christmas and The Grinch figures, proving she is jumping into the holiday spirit with her children.
The festive update delighted fans, many praising Kate for maintaining family traditions abroad, even while adjusting to a very different climate and lifestyle.
Kate and Rio’s move to Dubai has been widely followed since news broke earlier this year. Their new home—listed for 32.5 million dirhams (£6.55 million)—is part of a lush residential community well-known for its privacy, luxury villas, and celebrity residents.
While Kate has spoken openly about how much she loves their new environment, she has also acknowledged the emotional challenges that come with such a dramatic relocation.
Earlier this week, she opened up to her followers during a candid Instagram Q&A, admitting she is unsure whether the family will settle permanently in Dubai.
When a fan asked whether she sees herself living in the UAE long-term, Kate responded honestly:
“I’m really not sure. We took the leap by moving here and I’m so glad we did, as three months in, the kids seem really happy and settled. There are lots of things I miss about England but also lots I would miss about here if we left. So in short, I have no idea what the future holds.”
Life abroad has been particularly emotional for Kate when it comes to being separated from her stepchildren. While Cree, Shae, and Tia are now based in Dubai, Rio’s eldest sons Lorenz and Tate remain in the UK, where they are signed to Brighton & Hove Albion.
Kate recently admitted she has been struggling with the distance, saying she was in a “complete emotional spiral” after Tate flew to Dubai to surprise her earlier this month. The surprise reunion was captured in a touching video she shared online, leaving viewers moved by her honesty.
“We’re having the most amazing time in Dubai—the kids are happy, thriving, and safe—but I miss Lorenz and Tate so much,” she wrote. “Counting down the days until we’re reunited.”
In the same Q&A session, Kate revealed that adapting to a different culture has come with challenges—including learning Arabic. She shared that although Cree and Tia are picking up the language quickly at school, she and Rio are struggling to find time for lessons.
“At the moment I know: hello, thank you, let’s go, and my love,” she admitted, joking that motherhood in her 30s has affected her memory.