Dubai Thrives as Expats Flock for Tax-Free Wealth and Luxury Homes
February 5, 2026
Aidan Doyle, once an estate agent in Liverpool, now earns £500,000 a year in Dubai, up from £30,000 in the UK. In just three years, his commissions soared as Dubai's real estate market boomed. The city is luring bankers, lawyers, and entrepreneurs from the US, Europe, and the UK with tax advantages and modern facilities like 5G and top hospitals.
Billionaires like Lakshmi Mittal and Mukesh Ambani have moved to Dubai, purchasing lavish homes worth millions. Ambani’s $163 million beachfront mansion on Palm Jumeirah is described by a local agent as "not a home – it's a statement." Famous names like Roger Federer and Cristiano Ronaldo have also bought luxury properties here.
Property sales in Dubai outpace global hotspots. Last year, homes costing $2.5m to $10m sold more in Dubai than New York, London, or Hong Kong, especially in the $10m-plus range. Dubai’s population grows by 200,000 each year, with many middle-income migrants attracted by zero income tax and a safe city environment.
The city’s appeal also lies in strong digital infrastructure, luxury lifestyle options including 12 Michelin-starred restaurants, and an active cultural calendar. Dubai welcomed concerts by Madness and a musical run of Wicked, alongside a Russian State Ballet performance reflecting its diverse residents.
While criticized for allegedly ignoring money laundering and organized crime, UAE authorities point to efforts like the extradition of a gangster linked to European drug smuggling. The UAE leads in digital currency regulations that experts say surpass London and New York.
Economists note Dubai’s high pay disparities but also affordable housing options nearby. Traffic and summer heat pose challenges, but many find Dubai’s work opportunities and lifestyle rewarding. Doyle, now a social media influencer, says, "Dubai sells itself the more you are here," with no plans to leave amid rising demand for property.
Dubai’s blend of tax benefits, global connections, and luxury living is reshaping it into a top destination for wealth and business.
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Tags:
Dubai
Real estate
Expatriates
Property market
Tax benefits
Migration
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