403: The UAE: Why I Left a Country I Loved

Geopolitical risk in the Middle East is back in the spotlight, and for many people, it’s raising deeper questions about stability, long-term planning, and where to build a life. Recent events have forced a conversation that most prefer to ignore: what happens when you’re living in a region exposed to conflicts far beyond your control? In today’s episode, I share a personal story about why I chose to leave the UAE after nearly a decade, despite genuinely loving the country. I break down how that decision was shaped by long-term thinking around risk, family, and resilience. Enjoy!   IN TODAY’S EPISODE Tune in as I break down the geopolitical risk that became the #1 driver behind my decision to leave the UAE almost 7 years agoGet a behind-the-scenes look at the moment I realized staying would be the bigger risk than leavingListen in as I break down why a “great country today” can still be the wrong place for your family’s long-term futureHear how food, water, and energy resilience influenced our decision about where to move next    STAY IN TOUCH! Stay informed about the latest news affecting the expat world and receive a steady stream of my thoughts and opinions on geopolitics by subscribing to our newsletter. You will receive the EMS Pulse® newsletter and the weekly Expat Sunday Times; sign up now and receive my FREE special report, “Plan-B Residencies and Instant Citizenships.”   RELATED EPISODES 400: Trump’s New Doctrine Could Reshape the Americas (And Your Plan-B) 399: War in Iran, Violence in Mexico & Freedom in Panama 387: The Leaders Shaping Latin America’s Shift Toward FreedomMentioned in this episode:Join Us For Upcoming Live WebinarsEvery month, we offer exciting new webinars for our community. Topics include how to use retirement accounts to buy real estate overseas, how to get a second passport in Latin America, why you should sell your stock portfolio and move your money offshore, how to buy a beachfront rental property in Brazil for less than $100k, or apartments in Paraguay for $60k. If you want to join us for FREE for these presentations with live Q&A, insider secrets, and exclusive opportunities with my professional network of experts, then sign up today.Webinars - Expat MoneyNo Plan-B Without the LanguageIf you’re planning to move overseas—or even just set up your offshore Plan-B—learning the local language isn’t optional. It’s protection. It’s access. It’s power. StoryLearning makes it easy to start today, from home, by immersing you in real stories—not grammar drills. Spanish, Portuguese, French, and more—learn the language the smart way before you land. Go to StoryLearningCourses.com.Story Learning CoursesThe Hub—Your Offshore Command CenterIf you're serious about protecting your wealth and securing your freedom, you need more than just information—you need a plan, a network, and the right tools. That's where The Hub comes in. As a member, you'll gain access to exclusive resources, expert consultations, and a community of like-minded individuals all working towards the same goal: sovereignty. Don't navigate the complexities of offshore living alone. Join The Hub today. Visit ExpatMoney.com/membership.Expat Money Paid MembershipJoin Us For Upcoming Liv