Man United icon Rio Ferdinand’s wife shares festive snaps from Dubai after pair quit life in UK
Kate Ferdinand has shared photos of the former Manchester United defender’s family enjoying Christmas festivities in Dubai
Abbie Meehan Sports Writer U-35s
15:00, 05 Dec 2025
Kate is enjoying some festivities in Dubai(Image: Instagram/@xkateferdinand)
Rio Ferdinand’s wife has shared pictures of her family’s Christmas celebrations whilst her former Manchester United defender husband gears up for the World Cup draw.
The ex-centre-back will serve as the primary host for Friday evening’s official ceremony, where both Scotland and England anxiously wait to discover their group stage opponents.
Meanwhile, Kate has been making extensive preparations for Christmas, photographed in festive pyjamas alongside pals Lucy and Melissa.
The household, which includes the pair’s two youngsters Shae and Cree, relocated to Dubai over the summer after Rio recently criticised the UK government’s management of public funds.
Now enjoying life in the United Arab Emirates, Kate uploaded images of the family’s seasonal celebrations.
These featured visits from Father Christmas and The Grinch, plus photos in comfortable sleepwear with the holiday characters.
Kate enjoyed a festive day at the house with her friends(Image: Instagram/@xkateferdinand)
Ferdinand was absent from the Instagram post as Kate captioned the post: “The Christmas celebrations have begun with our babies.”
This absence is probably down to Rio’s intensive preparation for the World Cup 2026 draw he’ll present in Washington D. C on Friday evening.
The former England international will be accompanied by presenter Samantha Johnson and numerous sporting legends.
The lineup features Tom Brady, Wayne Gretzky, Aaron Judge and Shaquille O’Neal.
Rio won’t be the sole headline act at the World Cup draw though, with FIFA president Gianni Infantino and US President Donald Trump both anticipated to deliver addresses at the event. The event will also feature performances from Andrea Bocelli, Robbie Williams and Nicole Scherzinger, with Heidi Klum, Kevin Hart and Danny Ramirez co-hosting.
Following the event, Rio will return to his family in Dubai, having previously criticised the British government for its management of the country. Speaking to LBC in November, he said: “If there were things like the health service and what not, and they were flying and working perfectly well then I think people wouldn’t mind paying tax.
Rio Ferdinand will host the World Cup draw on Friday(Image: Clive Mason/Getty Images)
“But when things are falling apart, going wrong, you did sit there and go ‘well I’m paying all this tax, but is it really going towards the things that benefit the people that live here’. And that’s the big question that needs answering – and I think a lot of us know the answer to that.”
Rio, who left his punditry role with TNT Sports last season to move abroad, emphasised the importance of spending quality time with his family. He said: “My family is seeing me so much more and I’m spending some quality time with them and I think that’s just been a great thing for.
“I love England and I’m a patriotic guy in that sense, but a new journey, a new chapter, something different, I think is a refreshing new chapter in my life.”
