Overview

• The recent move by Rio and Kate Ferdinand has intensified attention on a broader shift of ordinary Britons relocating to Dubai.
• A removals firm estimates roughly 240,000 UK nationals now live there, with UK-to-Dubai moves up 420% over five years.
• Expats highlight zero personal income tax and a 9% corporate rate with small‑business exemptions, contrasting with the UK’s 25% corporation tax.
• Relocation advisers report typical expat pay around 25,000 dirhams per month (about £5,000), which stretches further without income tax.
• Families point to perceived safety and family services, while weighing trade‑offs such as private‑school fees, upfront rent “cheques,” higher grocery prices, cheaper petrol and utilities, and heavy traffic.