Irishman dies just hours after arriving in Dubai to start new life with model fiancee

Killian Roche moved to the city with popular model and actress Emily MacKeogh

Killian Roche had moved to Dubai with his fiancee Emily MacKeogh. 

An Irishman died after collapsing in a Dubai hotel, just hours after he had landed to start a new life in the emirate.

Killian Roche, from Dublin, had moved to the city with his fiancee Emily MacKeogh, 32, a popular actress and model in Ireland.

He was said to be taking up a new position as head of digital with a media agency that works in the Middle East and Africa.

A spokeswoman from the Irish consulate in the UAE said it was offering support to the Roche's family but could not comment further.

On Thursday, Roche's fiancée paid an emotional tribute to him on her Instagram page.

"You made me the happiest I’ve ever been, every second of every day,” said Ms MacKeogh.

"You were the better half of my whole, my best friend, my rock, the most intelligent, handsome, funny and loving person I have ever met!

"I’m never going to stop loving you and I want everyone to know just how amazing you were."

She said the couple moved to the city and were looking forward to their first day there together.

Reports in the Irish media said Roche, who studied at Rockwell College in Tipperary, Ireland collapsed in a hotel lobby and later passed away.

The Irish Mirror quoted a friend as saying they believe the cause could be sudden adult death syndrome or a heart attack, but that was yet to be determined.

"We kept it quiet but we moved to Dubai to start our new life together over the weekend and you were taken just a few hours after landing," Ms MacKeogh said.

"We are still trying to get you home and get answers.

"Our immediate families have flown from all over the world to be here, thank you for all your messages of support."

A flood of tributes to Mr Roche were paid on Ms Mackeogh's Instagram account.

"I'm so sorry Emily, praying for you and sending you love and strength," wrote Rachel Sorohan.

"I am so sorry for your cruel devastating loss. My Thoughts and prayers are with you," said Sarah Masterson.

"Words are insufficient right now. You are in my thoughts and prayers now and every spare moment I have I am sending you on healing love," said Debs Leonard.

"There are no words. So sorry for your loss. Thinking of you,' said Courtney Smith.