Should I Move to Dubai?

Introduction: Dubai – The City of Opportunity

Dubai is more than just a destination; it’s a kingdom of opportunity, a thriving metropolis that attracts ambitious professionals, entrepreneurs, and families from around the globe. For British expats, in particular, Dubai offers an unparalleled combination of financial benefits, career progression, and lifestyle perks that few other cities can match. But with so much hype, how do you know if relocating to Dubai is the right decision for you? How can you get help moving to Dubai?

This comprehensive blog will answer these questions by diving deep into everything you need to know—from tax planning and business opportunities to the incredible lifestyle and financial advantages Dubai offers. If you’re thinking of making a move to the UAE, this article is designed to give you the most thorough understanding of why Dubai could be the best decision of your life. For me, Dubai is home but I remember how I felt prior to my relocation 20 years ago…

1. Economic Powerhouse: Job Opportunities and Business Environment

Dubai is a global economic giant, home to thousands of multinational corporations and startups. The city has become the Middle East’s financial hub, and its business-friendly environment makes it a haven for entrepreneurs and professionals alike, so here is some help on moving to Dubai and how to get your career started!

• Booming Sectors: Dubai offers opportunities in finance, tech, hospitality, real estate, logistics, and healthcare. Industries like artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and financial services are particularly fast-growing.
• Global Companies: Major multinational companies like Amazon, Google, and HSBC have set up their regional hubs in Dubai, creating opportunities for career growth and global exposure that are hard to find anywhere else.
• Entrepreneur’s Kingdom: If you’re an entrepreneur, Dubai is your playground. The city’s freezones provide the ability to own 100% of your business without the need for a local partner, and its extremely low corporate tax, where applicable, policy creates the perfect conditions for business growth. The speed at which you can set up and scale a business here is practically unmatched.
• Career Progression: Compared to the UK, where salary progression can be slow and capped by high tax burdens, Dubai offers rapid career progression due to high demand for talent and significantly higher disposable income.

My own experience mirrors this. I arrived thinking of career progression, but Dubai enabled me to start businesses, coach professionals, and become part of a forward-thinking business community.

2. The “Can-Do” Expat Spirit: Why You’ll Thrive in Dubai

Dubai’s expat community is unlike any other—it’s built on the spirit of ambition and achievement. People come to Dubai to excel, innovate, and succeed. Whether you’re launching a business, climbing the corporate ladder, or looking to reinvent your career, you’ll be surrounded by “can-do” expats who are as driven as you are.

I find that most people are here for the same reasons, and therefore you will most likely find yourself surrounded by an extremely supportive network.

The one thing I do notice the most, particularly after travels to UK and/or Europe is that Dubai is all about getting things done. Here, you’ll find yourself part of a forward-moving environment where hard work and innovation are rewarded.

You are not the only one looking for help moving to Dubai, there are so many people walking through Dubai airport on the exact same journey as you are!

3. Tax Planning for British Expats: The Big Financial Advantage

One of the biggest draws for British expats considering a move to Dubai is its tax-free environment. The UAE offers expats a chance to keep significantly more of their income and wealth compared to living in the UK.

• No Personal Income Tax: In Dubai, there is zero income tax, meaning you keep 100% of your salary. Compare this to the UK, where higher earners can face 45% income tax—this tax-free status alone could be a game-changer for your financial future if you use this opportunity wisely.

If a British expat earning £150,000 annually would save £67,500 in taxes by living in Dubai. Over 10 years, this amounts to £675,000—money that would have been lost to tax in the UK.

Before people would argue the above point with me that Dubai is so much more expensive, so it balances itself out, but having just spent some time visiting family in the UK, I completely disagree that the UK is cheaper than Dubai. Here are some examples where Expats can save money by just being a resident of the UAE and not the UK.

• No Capital Gains Tax (CGT): Whether you’re investing in stocks, property, or other assets, Dubai does not impose CGT on your profits. In the UK, CGT can be as high as 20%.
• Withdrawing Retained Profits: If you run a business in Dubai, you can withdraw retained profits without paying dividend taxes, unlike in the UK, where dividend tax rates go as high as 38.1% for higher earners.
• Running a UK Company from Dubai: Many British entrepreneurs who move to Dubai continue to manage UK-based businesses, leveraging Dubai’s tax-free benefits to minimize UK taxes on profits and dividends.

4. Housing: Where to Live in Dubai

Dubai’s real estate market is as diverse as its expat population. Whether you’re looking for a beachfront property, a high-rise apartment in the heart of the city, or a family-friendly villa, Dubai has it all.

• Renting vs. Buying: Renting is common for expats, especially in the first few years of moving, but for those looking to stay long-term, buying a property in Dubai can be a highly lucrative investment due to no property taxes or CGT on sales.

I have also enclosed some of Dubai’s most popular residential areas to help you move to Dubai, but there are SO many more, the list is endless.

• • Downtown Dubai: I find this one to be popular for young professionals who want to be in the heart of the action.
  • Dubai Marina: I believe this one to be ideal for those seeking plenty of outdoor life, easy access, and most things on your doorstep.
  • Arabian Ranches & Dubai Hills: Really family-friendly neighborhoods with access to great schools and parks.
  • Palm Jumeirah: I believe this one to be a good balance of having most things on your doorstep, a nice outdoors type lifestyle, but definitely comes with a higher price tag.

5. Quality of Life: Work-Life Balance, Safety, and Amenities

Dubai offers a high standard of living that blends work and pleasure seamlessly. With a sunny climate year-round, pristine beaches, and world-class amenities, it’s easy to see why so many expats choose to make Dubai their home. Dubai offers something for everyone and at any time!

• Work Hard, Play Hard: The working environment in Dubai is fast-paced, but the city offers plenty of leisure opportunities. From beach clubs, some of the worlds best golf courses, desert experiences to Michelin-starred dining and luxury shopping, there’s something for everyone.
• Safety and Security: As a father, one of the biggest reasons I’ve stayed in Dubai is its safety. The city is known for being one of the safest in the world, providing peace of mind for families who want a high standard of living without compromising on security.

For me, Dubai is the perfect balance. I can push forward in my career, expand my business ventures, and at the same time, enjoy an unparalleled quality of life with my family that just simply would not be available to us back home.

6. Education: Top International Schools and Universities

When I was growing up, I lived overseas as my parents were long-term Expats, and the education system was poor, and not something that could replace schooling back in the UK. Fast forward some years, Dubai is home to some of the best international schools in the world, offering British, American, and IB curriculums. This makes it an attractive option for expats with families, and massively helps with moving to Dubai as a concept.

Schools like Dubai College, RGS, SAFFA, GEMS Wellington, and Repton School offer world-class education, with excellent facilities and high academic standards. These are just to name a few…

Dubai is also home to renowned universities such as NYU Abu Dhabi and Heriot-Watt University, providing expat families with access to top-tier education without having to send their children abroad like they did when I was a child.

This is a huge step forwards for Dubai as it means Expats stay for longer as they no longer have to return home when their children reach a certain age for academic purposes.

7. Healthcare: World-Class Services

Dubai offers world-class healthcare facilities with a mix of public and private hospitals, providing top-quality care for residents.

Employers are required to provide health insurance, but expats can also opt for more comprehensive plans to cover specialist treatments and international care.

The healthcare here is like no other. There are no “NHS” style issues with staff shortages, waiting times, etc.

8. Residency and Cultural Considerations

Dubai’s legal and cultural environment is welcoming to expats, but it’s important to understand the local laws and cultural norms.

• Visa and Residency: You can secure residency via a visa through employment, setting your own company up, freelancing or a Golden Visa which you can obtain through investment/real estate, etc.
• Cultural Differences: While Dubai is a progressive city, expats should respect local cultures. I have firsthand witnessed Dubai evolve over the years, and they have made such a huge adjustment to accommodate Expats. I hear people saying you aren’t allowed to show your shoulders, you aren’t allowed to drink alcohol, etc. and it just isn’t true. Dubai is nowhere near as strict as it used to be, but all Expats should respect the Muslim culture. I personally find the culture in the UAE extremely respectful and I have never felt that I don’t belong.

9. Global Connectivity: Dubai as a Gateway to the World

One of Dubai’s greatest advantages is its global connectivity. Positioned as the hub between East and West, Dubai’s geographic location makes it the perfect base for international business and frequent travel.

Dubai is an international hub with world-class airports and direct flights to nearly every major city.

For entrepreneurs and professionals with global interests, Dubai’s connectivity makes it easy to travel for business and leisure. You’re only hours away from Europe, Africa, and Asia. Helping move to Dubai is easy when you can be anywhere in the world as the frequency of flights and efficiency of the airports make travel easy.

10. My Journey: From a 2-Year Plan to 20 Years in Dubai

When I first moved to Dubai, I planned to stay for just two years. Fast forward two decades, and I’m still here—and thriving. Like so many other expats, I was drawn by the opportunities, but what kept me here was the lifestyle, the safety for my children, the business environment. The network of ambitious professionals who share a passion for success is also extremely refreshing!

I came to Dubai looking for professional growth. Little did I know that the city would provide me with the platform to not only grow my career but also build businesses, forge lasting relationships, and create an unparalleled lifestyle for my family.

I’ve seen firsthand how expats arrive with short-term plans and end up making Dubai their permanent home. The financial freedom, business opportunities, and incredible standard of living are simply too good to leave behind.

Conclusion: Is Dubai Right For You and Is This Your Next Big Move?

Dubai is not just a city or a place to live —it’s a vision of the future. With all the perks discussed above, Dubai could be the change you need in life. The breakthrough your career is wanting, or simply just a better lifestyle for you and your family.

As someone who made the decision to move here two decades ago, I can tell you firsthand—it’s one of the best decisions I ever made.

If this blog serves for just one thing, let it be the help you need for moving to Dubai.

If you’re considering a move to Dubai, I’m here to help you make an informed decision with personalized financial planning and expat advice. Reach out for a consultation, and let’s ensure your move to Dubai is a smooth and prosperous one.

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If you need more advice then contact Mike Coady today to discuss our solutions and how we can help.

About Mike Coady

Mike Coady is an expat expert based in Dubai and is on hand to help with all of the above and more.

Mike is an award-winning money coach and industry leader in the financial sector.

Qualified to UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) standards, a member of the Chartered Insurance Institute, a Fellow of the Institute of Sales Management (FISM), a Fellow of the Association of Professional Sales (F.APS), a Fellow of the Institute of Directors (FIoD) and featured as a highly qualified Financial Adviser in Which Financial Adviser.

To learn how to choose a great financial adviser, download our free guide.

Blog published by Mike Coady.

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