Dr Martin Moody left Britain for Dubai four years ago. The 59-year-old surgeon now lives in Damac Hills 2, overlooking Al Qudra.
From Dartmoor to Dubai
Dr Moody grew up in a military family. His father served in the British Army. This upbringing prepared him for life in different countries. He trained as a doctor in London and moved to Devon to specialize as a consultant urologist. He spent 25 years working in the National Health Service. He lived on the edge of Dartmoor National Park, where he rode horses. He met his wife while riding horses 30 years ago. She is a vet. They kept many animals at their home in Devon. But the pressures of the NHS eventually led to burnout.
"There was this gradual sense of burnout," he said. He began looking for work abroad. The pandemic delayed his plans. He eventually found a position at King’s College Hospital London in Dubai. He interviewed in June 2022. By October 2022, he had moved to the UAE.
"Because of the relationship the NHS has with King's College in London, and the similarity with the structures and governance, it was quite an easy transition to make on one level," he said.
A Desert Life
Dr Moody felt drawn to the desert before he arrived. He looked at a map of Dubai and noticed the Al Lisayli area. He initially lived in Al Barsha for a year to be close to work. He soon realized he preferred the quiet of the desert.
He now spends his time with camels. One of his camels is Mseihan. The nine-year-old Arabian camel sat patiently during a recent anatomy lesson. Dr Moody explained how camels keep sand out of their eyes. He noted they can change their body temperature by eight degrees in a day. But Mseihan grew tired of the lesson. "His friends just left for a walk and he’s getting impatient," Dr Moody said.
Frequently asked questions
Why did Dr Martin Moody leave the NHS? Dr Martin Moody left the NHS due to burnout after 25 years as a consultant urologist, feeling a gradual sense of burnout and seeking work abroad.
Where does Dr Martin Moody live in Dubai? Dr Martin Moody lives in Damac Hills 2, overlooking Al Qudra; he initially lived in Al Barsha for a year to be close to work but preferred the quiet of the desert.
What does Dr Martin Moody do with camels? Dr Martin Moody spends his time with camels in the desert, teaching about camel anatomy and enjoying activities with his Arabian camel named Mseihan.
How long did Dr Martin Moody work in the NHS? Dr Martin Moody worked in the NHS for 25 years as a consultant urologist.
Why did Dr Martin Moody move to Dubai? Dr Martin Moody moved to Dubai to work at King's College Hospital London in Dubai and to escape the pressures of the NHS, drawn to the desert area.
