Think Dubai’s just for luxury shopping and futuristic skylines?
Think again.
More and more Brits are swapping the drizzle for desert sunshine—not just for a tan, but for a better lifestyle, bigger opportunities, and fewer tax headaches.
The city’s growing reputation as a magnet for entrepreneurs, professionals, and retirees is no longer just hype—it’s becoming a full-on migration trend.
Whether it’s for work, school, or a fresh start, Dubai’s appeal is spreading across all age groups.
Let’s unpack what’s behind this British wave to the UAE—and what life’s really like once you land.
Brits Are Moving to Dubai for More Than Just Sunshine
Dubai has long been on the radar for British expats thanks to its sunny weather, job opportunities, and lack of income tax.
But there’s a noticeable shift happening now.
It’s not just fresh grads or young professionals anymore—successful business owners and families are heading out too.
Andrew Cummings from Savills Middle East notes, “It’s a more mature crowd now—people who’ve built something back home and want a new chapter.”
In fact, UK interest in the UAE shot up by nearly 70% between 2023 and 2024, according to Henley & Partners.
Why?
Brits are looking for what the UK’s currently missing: safety, political stability, strong economic growth, and a business-friendly environment.
So, What’s the Visa Situation Like?
The UAE has quite a few visa options to choose from.
The standard residency visa is popular among expats and can be sponsored through an employer or a Free Zone business.
If you’re earning at least AED 4,000 a month (roughly £877), you can also sponsor your family.
For women, the threshold is a bit higher—AED 10,000 a month unless housing is included.
Looking to invest?
A property worth AED 2 million (£439,000) will qualify you for the 10-year Golden Visa.
There’s also a Silver Visa for over-55s with a lower investment threshold.
Prefer to freelance or work remotely?
The digital nomad visa is cheap and easy to get.
Want to run your own business?
We’ll get to that next.
Setting Up Shop in Dubai Is Surprisingly Straightforward
Starting a business in Dubai is a popular route to residency—and the process is far less daunting than you might think.
Dubai’s Free Zones allow foreigners to fully own their businesses without a local partner.
In many cases, all you need is a passport to get started.
You could be up and running in just 10 days, with costs starting from about £4,000.
A lot of Brits are going this route—especially in consulting and professional services, according to IFZA.
Just remember: not all business types qualify for tax exemptions in Free Zones, so read the fine print first.
Dubai’s Job Market: Competitive but Full of Possibility
Job seekers, take note: Dubai isn’t the free-for-all job hub it once was.
Sectors like tech, construction, healthcare, and education are booming, but competition is fierce.
Katy Holmes from the British Chamber of Commerce in Dubai says it bluntly: “Get a job before you land—it’s not easy to find one on the ground anymore.”
The average salary is around AED 190,000 (£40,000), pretty close to UK levels.
But bear in mind—working weeks average nearly 51 hours.
And working on a tourist visa?
That’s a big no-no.
Brits are also seeing a rise in dual-income households as living costs climb and more spouses return to work.
Education Is World-Class—but Comes at a Price
Dubai is rapidly expanding its international school scene, with over 230 options and dozens more opening soon.
Many offer UK-based curriculums, so British families often find familiar names like Brighton College and Royal Grammar School Guildford.
Fees can be steep though—up to AED 100,000 (£22,000) a year for senior day pupils, similar to UK private school prices.
Geography, school reputation, and cost all play a role, so many families work with consultants to choose the right fit.
Culture and Laws: What You Should Know Before You Go
The UAE is a federation of monarchies, and Dubai is led by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Islam is the state religion, and it plays a significant role in daily life—from business hours during Ramadan to dress codes.
English is widely spoken, but expats should still be aware of strict rules around alcohol (you need a license), social behavior, and traffic laws.
The cultural adjustment isn’t massive for most Brits, but it’s worth reading up before you go.
Taxes: A Huge Draw for Expats—but There Are Caveats
One of Dubai’s biggest attractions? No personal income tax.
That’s right—you keep what you earn.
There’s also no CGT, inheritance tax, or wealth tax.
However, there is a 5% VAT on most goods and services, though rent, school fees, and groceries are excluded.
Corporations now face a 9% tax on profits above AED 375,000 (£80,000), but small businesses earning under that threshold pay nothing until 2026.
But here’s the catch: if you still own property in the UK or maintain financial ties, you may still owe UK tax.
The UK’s Statutory Residence Test determines your tax obligations, and if you return to the UK within five years, your tax perks may be clawed back.
The Cost of Living: Lower Than London, But Still Pricey
Living in Dubai is about 25% cheaper than London overall, but expat life still comes with its costs.
Rent for a central one-bed averages AED 8,288 (£1,818) per month, while a family of four typically needs around AED 50,000-60,000 a month (£11,000–£13,000) to live comfortably.
Groceries, utilities, car expenses, school fees—they all add up.
But if you shop local and skip the delivery apps, you can save quite a bit. Gym memberships hover around £60–£70 per month.
Where Are People Living—and Buying?
Dubai’s property market is hot. Prices are rising, especially in desirable areas.
You can pick up a studio apartment in JVC for around AED 550,000 (£120,000), while family-friendly spots like Damac Hills offer townhouses starting at around AED 3.45 million (£750,000).
Most newcomers rent at first—three-bed apartments typically go for AED 1,600 (£3,500/month).
Mortgages are available to foreign buyers with 50–70% loan-to-value ratios, and buying costs include stamp duty and agent fees.
Healthcare: Quality Comes with a Price Tag
While public healthcare is available, most expats prefer private coverage for the convenience and speed.
Employers usually provide insurance, but upgrades are common.
The average health insurance policy runs about AED 6,000 (£1,300) a year.
You’ll also need a health card for public services, which costs around £70. It’s important to budget for health costs—or make sure your job’s benefits package covers the essentials.
A Brit’s Real-Life Experience Living the Dubai Dream
Sam Oakes, a former recruitment company owner from Bristol, made the leap with his wife and daughter eight months ago.
After testing the waters in an Airbnb, they settled in Dubai Marina with a beachside duplex and enrolled their daughter in The Arbor School.
Their new lifestyle? Beach weekends, sunshine year-round, and an energizing work culture.
“Ambition breeds ambition here,” Sam says. But there are trade-offs: “I miss the greenery, and the air quality isn’t great.
The traffic can be a nightmare.”
Still, the family plans to stay for at least ten years.
And for many Brits like Sam, Dubai offers a lifestyle that feels like a permanent holiday—with just the right mix of opportunity and sunshine.
Thinking About Making the Move?
If you’re weighing up a life in Dubai, do your research, speak to expats already there, and maybe test it out before committing.
It’s not for everyone—but for those looking for something fresh, ambitious, and warmer (literally and figuratively), it might just be the perfect next chapter.
