Many Brits are drawn to the much-vaunted 'tax-free regime' and the lure of a luxury lifestyle in the UAE. ·Jaromir via Getty Images
The statistics tell the story. In 2024, Henley & Partners' Private Wealth Migration Report revealed that 9,500 millionaires left the UK for better alternatives in Europe and Asia, many of them flying to the "millionaire magnet" UAE that happily welcomed 6,700 global high-networth individuals to its sunny shores. The trend continues well into 2025.
The Gulf state’s appeal is not surprising. World Bank data shows the UAE’s Gross National Income (GNI) per capita hit $76,780 (£57,879) — about 35% higher than the UK's $56,780 in 2023. Add to the mix the much-vaunted "tax-free regime" and the lure of a luxury lifestyle — think waterfront villas, glitzy nightlife, and world-class dining — and you get an irresistible package. Largely crime-free cities with increasingly liberal social and legal norms make it easier than before for Westerners to integrate.
If the UAE dream looks too good to be true, it’s because it sometimes is. In a nation where Emiratis make up just 12% of the population, UK nationals have long been a familiar presence. But a sluggish economy, an uncertain dollar, and a weakened pound have accelerated the desire among both the ultra-wealthy and middle-class professionals to consider packing their bags. Today, around 240,000 Britons are estimated to live in Dubai — more than live in Oxford.
However, beneath the glossy brochures, celebrity reels, and promises made by immigration consultants, can lie hidden costs and legal realities that demand due diligence.
We spoke to UAE-based experts across finance, real estate, business, recruitment, and education for an essential guide on all that you need to know before making that big move.
Dubai’s cost of living is about 28%-30% lower than London’s. ·KARIM SAHIB via Getty Images
Finances
Recent data shows Dubai’s cost of living is about 28%-30% lower than London’s, with groceries, dining out, and utilities noticeably easier on the wallet.
With just 5% VAT, compared to the UK’s 20%, zero property taxes compared to £1,000-£4,000 annual council tax, a pro-business environment and streamlined company set-up, licensing and visa processes, Dubai appears to live up to the "work hard, save more, live large" mantra.
However, Vijay Valecha, chief investment officer of investment firm Century Financial, sounds a warning bell on lifestyle inflation. “In the UK, income tax of up to 45%, capital gains taxes, and a national insurance scheme can temper your earnings. With none of these taxes in the UAE, an expat gets more disposable income, which could lead to overspending,” he says.
Valecha outlines typical monthly costs beyond rent and education — food (approximately £700 for a family of four), mandatory health insurance (£600), private transport (£500), utilities (£300), and entertainment (could vary widely). But it’s the hidden expenses and the cumulative costs of car ownership, insurance, fines, and lifestyle that often derail newcomers’ financial plans.
Valecha’s game plan for staying ahead:
Automate 20%-30% of income into global and regional investments ranging from equities and fixed-income products to high-yield UAE real estate.
Build an emergency fund and make early retirement plans through International Self-Invested Personal Pensions (SIPPs) or UAE-specific pension schemes.
Hedge against currency swings with multi-currency accounts and time remittances smartly.
Be mindful of obligations like UK inheritance tax (IHT), now linked to residency rather than domicile status.
Prioritise estate planning and register wills with DIFC Wills Service or Abu Dhabi Judicial Department.
The UAE’s residential real estate market is valued at around $390bn. ·Morsa Images via Getty Images
Property
High living standards, the absence of property taxes and stamp duty, and good returns make a compelling case for the UAE’s residential real estate market, now valued at around $390bn. With Abu Dhabi and Dubai’s average apartment price registering a year-on-year increase of nearly 11% and 18%, respectively, and average villa values growing by about 12% and 20%, hedging on the burgeoning UAE real estate scene works well for an expat. Incidentally, UK residents accounted for nearly 15% of all foreign real estate transactions in 2024.
The reasons are familiar — steady growth fueled by immigration, job creation, and heavy public investment in cultural and tourist infrastructure.
Ben Crompton, managing partner of Crompton Partners, Abu Dhabi, highlights strong activity in the luxury segment. "The super-prime areas of Saadiyat and Yas Islands in Abu Dhabi have given the best returns for capital appreciation. For rental yields, communities like Reem Island offer up to 8% gross return on investment," he says.
In the "renting versus buying" debate, Crompton advises expats to carefully weigh their options. Ready-built units offer immediate rental income, while off-plan properties may provide stronger capital gains.
With mortgage rates around 4% and nonresidents able to borrow up to 50% of a property’s value, Crompton believes it’s wise to buy a house. "Buying is simple here, but conveyancing is handled by agents, not lawyers. So always deal with reputable companies, whether renting or buying," he cautions.
Meanwhile, in Dubai, large-scale villa and townhouse communities as well as waterfront and green developments alongside new areas like Port Rashid, Maritime City, The Valley, and Dubai South are proving particularly attractive.
"Make strategic choices about where to live versus where to invest. Some areas offer stable living environments, while others deliver higher ROI," advises Eyal Ashur, sales consultant at Dubai-based AQUA Properties. "But new arrivals should rent in the short term. Rules here are simpler than in Europe. You can rent as soon as you get your Emirates ID."
Ashur also points to the appeal of the UAE’s Golden Visa. "With the two-million-dirham threshold, expats can now secure long-term residency and sponsor direct family members, even with a mortgage," he says.
With just 5% VAT, zero property taxes, a pro-business environment and streamlined company set-up, licensing and visa processes, Dubai appears to live up to the 'work hard, save more, live large' mantra. ·Frédéric Soltan via Getty Images
How to enter a business
A 5% VAT rate, pro-investor policies, world-class infrastructure and connectivity, and a thriving expat business scene have turned the UAE into an attractive playground for entrepreneurs.
Ananda Shakespeare, founder of leading PR firm Shakespeare Communications, made the move in 2005 and has watched the landscape transform over the years. She highlights a major shift for the positive sentiment — the UAE’s move to a Monday-Friday work week from Sunday-Thursday, better aligning with Western markets.
"Setting up here is more expensive than in the UK," Shakespeare notes. "It’s not just the licence; there are extras that aren’t always obvious upfront. Every employee visa comes with added costs — medicals, Emirates ID, labour card, etc. But once established, the payoff is worth it. You can renew online annually and pay fees remotely. Plus, there are more options now for company formations and residence visas, including the 10-year Golden Visa."
For many, free zones are the biggest lure, offering 100% foreign ownership, no personal tax, very low corporate tax, and full profit repatriation. But whether you opt for a free zone or mainland setup, Shakespeare advises bringing in solid HR and legal support to stay compliant.
"Always get a full cost breakdown in writing before you start,” she says. "Business is competitive but open. Informal networking and coffee meetings can go a long way. And when launching, partner with an established PR agency to spread the word."
Education
For UK families moving to the UAE, the education landscape offers a familiar yet globally enriched experience. State-of-the-art facilities, resources, extracurricular programmes, and easy accessibility to UK university pathways have made institutions like Nord Anglia Education (NAS) schools, Swiss International Scientific School, Sunmarke School, GEMS, and Repton popular among British expats.
The demand for British curriculum schools has surged. Nicholas Rickford, principal of Sunmarke School, notes a marked increase in enquiries from UK-based parents following the announcement of VAT on private school fees. "British families often tell us they are drawn by the range of academic pathways we offer — including GCSEs, A-Levels, the IB Diploma and BTECs — along with strong pastoral care and a commitment to holistic development," he says.
However, for expat families, private schooling with steep fees is the only option available. At a premium school like Sunmarke, annual fees range from approximately £11,000 for early years to about £18,000 in the sixth form. Yet, compared to the UK private day school fees — typically between £15,000 and £25,000 — the UAE offers competitive value while adhering to regulatory standards and ratings by Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) and accreditations like British Schools Overseas (BSO).
And then there is the advantage of multicultural learning. Maria Murgian, director of communications at NAS, points to smaller class sizes, a highly qualified (mostly UK-trained) international teaching staff, and modern facilities as key advantages her school offers over many UK counterparts. "We have students from 98 nationalities, which creates a more diverse learning environment and prepares students for a globalised world," she says.
To choose the best school, Murgian recommends factoring in curriculum offerings, KHDA ratings, location, tuition costs, and facilities. “But also note how a school's values align with those of the family. Think about the environment your child will thrive in and how transparent the school is in communicating with parents,” she says.
Rickford advises parents to begin applications between late September and November with previous school reports and transfer certificates on hand to ease the process. "Most importantly, visit several schools virtually or in person to really understand its atmosphere, teaching approach, and support systems."
The job market for specialist fields, tech, AI, cybersecurity, data science, cloud infrastructure, performance marketing, e-commerce, financial services and luxury consumer brands is hot. ·Focus Pixel Art via Getty Images
Jobs
Eyeing career opportunities? There’s both good and bad news. Specialist fields, tech, AI, cybersecurity, data science, cloud infrastructure, performance marketing, e-commerce, financial services, and luxury consumer brands are hot. But the landscape is fiercely competitive, driven by the sheer volume of talent flowing in from across the globe.
Justin McGuire, CEO and co-founder of the MENA region at MCG Talent, says, "If you’re in a niche vertical or have experience in areas like AI or cloud, you’ll have more luck. But the bar’s never been higher."
Credentials aside, what employers seek is regional know-how, more precisely, UAE or Middle East experience. "You could have a stack of certifications and a shiny CV, but if you don’t understand how things operate here — how business gets done, decisions are made, and the cultural dynamics — you’ll struggle," McGuire says. "Senior commercial roles with proven GCC results are what get traction."
Salaries, too, require a reality check. "Don’t expect high salaries or quick offers without regional experience or a niche skill set. Many salaries are now benchmarked locally, not to what you earned in the UK. The tax-free element helps, but base salaries aren’t what they were in 2015," he says.
McGuire’s advice: "Don’t move here without a job. The UAE is not the place to roll the dice. Treat job hunts like a campaign — start early, build connections, engage in online communities, and find someone who knows someone. Relationships still count more than CVs."
