Archive · 7 Jan 2026
Professionals Fleeing West for Gulf Opportunities
Many people from the UK and other countries are moving to Dubai and other Gulf cities.
They are leaving because these places offer better job and business opportunities.
In Dubai, you don't have to pay personal income tax, and it's very easy to start a business.
The city is safe, clean, and has good infrastructure.
People from different countries work together there.
Even though some people think Dubai is not as nice as other cities, many are moving there because it's a good place to work and live.
Other Gulf cities like Riyadh and Doha are also attracting professionals.
This is happening because some Western countries are becoming less attractive to live and work in.
Nearly 1.9 lakh people moved out of the UK in 2024-25, with many heading to Dubai and other Gulf destinations.
Dubai offers no personal income tax, low corporate tax, clear rules, and minimal bureaucracy, making it attractive for businesses.
The city provides a high standard of living with safety, order, good infrastructure, and efficient public services.
Dubai's strategic geographic location allows professionals to service Europe, Africa, and Asia from one base.
Other Gulf cities like Riyadh and Doha are also attracting professionals with their own versions of the Gulf opportunity story.
- Who
- Young entrepreneurs, salaried professionals, and their families from the UK, India, Europe, Russia, and other countries
- What
- Mass migration of professionals to Dubai and other Gulf cities for better business opportunities and quality of life
- When
- 2024-25, with a significant increase in recent years
- Where
- Primarily Dubai, with other Gulf cities like Riyadh and Doha also attracting professionals
- Why
- Dubai offers ease of doing business, no personal income tax, low corporate tax, clear rules, minimal bureaucracy, and a high standard of living
- Number of people who moved out of the UK in 2024-25
- 1.9 lakh
- Top destinations for UK emigrants
- Dubai, Qatar, and other Gulf destinations
- Personal income tax in Dubai
- 0%
- Corporate tax in Dubai
- Very low
- Time to set up a business in Dubai free zones
- 5-7 working days
- Dubai's GDP growth in early 2025
- Around 4%
- Foreign direct investment in Dubai in 2024
- $14.2 billion
- Dubai's aim under D33 agenda
- Double the size of its economy and push foreign trade beyond $6 trillion over the next decade