JAAFRI JOURNAL

ISSUE #2

IS DUBAI THE NEW 'WEST'?
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Hey 👋

A big thank you to everyone who’s been with me since Issue #1, and to all of you who’ve joined from LinkedIn. I appreciate the support.

I’d love to hear your thoughts, and if there are any specific topics you’d like me to dive into in future issues, feel free to let me know.

Let's get into it.

Is Dubai the New 'West'? 🇦🇪

Back in the 1970s, my grandparents moved to the UK in search of security, opportunity, and a better quality of life - as did many from their generation. At the time, the West represented stability and progress. Today, interestingly, many from those same countries are now looking eastward.

Since the pandemic, Dubai has seen a fresh wave of migration. It feels like everyone is making the move here or another Gulf city in search of a brighter, more secure future.

What’s really driving this shift? People are often quick to say, “It’s just the zero income tax - that’s why everyone’s moving.” While tax advantages do obviously play a role, there’s something deeper at play. After all, Dubai has had 0% income tax for years - so why is the influx happening now, more than ever?

I spent years living in central London before relocating to Dubai, and after Brexit and then Covid, the shift in the environment became increasingly clear - rising crime, declining public services, and a growing frustration among hardworking people who felt they were giving more but getting less in return. The cost of living kept climbing, yet the quality of life seemed to be going in reverse.

This isn’t about bashing the UK or blindly praising Dubai. But after living in Dubai for over five years, I can share my experience - and why so many are making the move.

Safety, Stability, and Peace of Mind ✌️

Crime rates are very low, and personal safety is almost taken for granted here. New residents are often amazed to see things like smartphones left unattended in public or to hear that some residents don’t bother locking their homes. This sense of security is a priceless quality that many young professionals (and parents raising families) now prioritise highly.

Quality of Life ☀️

One major draw is the baseline quality of life and day-to-day security that Dubai offers. If you’re working hard and putting in long hours, the least you want is a safe, clean, and comfortable environment to live in - and the UAE delivers on that.

Modern infrastructure and amenities give Dubai a high baseline lifestyle. The city is known for its gleaming skyline, efficient transportation, and world-class services. Utilities and public services are reliable, the streets and public spaces are well-maintained, and everyday life tends to be convenient. The government continually invests in infrastructure and innovative urban development, which means residents benefit from things like cutting-edge public transit, robust digital services, and ever-improving facilities.

The thing is you don’t need to live a flashy life to enjoy a great life in Dubai. The standard day-to-day is already elevated. A sunny weekend at the beach, dinner with friends, a walk along the marina without worrying for your safety - these simple things do wonders for your well-being.

Your money goes further too. Though Dubai is known for its luxury, it's actually less financially burdensome than London. You can rent a centrally located 2-bedroom, 1,300 sqft flat - just a stone’s throw from Dubai Mall and the Burj Khalifa - for around £2,250/month. A comparable 2-bedroom flat of that size in a prime London area would typically cost £7,000/month or more.

It’s not just housing - everyday expenses in Dubai are often significantly lower than in major Western cities. Fuel is a fraction of the price you'd pay in the UK or Europe, public transport is modern and inexpensive, and groceries, dining out, car washing, dry cleaning, and other services are generally much more affordable.

A place for youth to build wealth faster 📈

It’s true that tax savings are a huge draw. In the UK, personal income can be taxed at 40–45% for higher earners, not to mention additional taxes like National Insurance and council tax.

By contrast, the UAE levies no personal income tax (and no capital gains or inheritance tax either), letting individuals keep 100% of their salary. For a hard-working individual, the difference is life-changing. Take a young person starting out: imagine earning the equivalent of £40,000 or £50,000 a year - in the UK, you’d lose a sizeable chunk of that to taxes, but in Dubai you’d take home essentially the whole amount.

Over a decade, that could mean tens of thousands of extra pounds accumulated - money that can be saved, invested, or used to get on the property ladder.

In other words, Dubai’s tax-free salaries allow ambitious youth to build wealth faster and achieve financial milestones (buying a home, investing in a business, etc.) much earlier than if they were taxed heavily each year.

A Forward-Thinking City with Its People in Mind ❤️

One thing I witnessed first-hand in the UK, especially in the later years I lived there, was how increasingly disconnected people felt from the government. There’s a sense of political instability and uncertainty that has unsettled people in the UK. The country has cycled through four prime ministers in just a few years, and the direction of policies (especially toward business and tax) has been unpredictable.

In contrast, the UAE’s political environment is very stable, with long-term rulers and a clear economic strategy that isn’t subject to dramatic swings. For expats, this stability is reassuring - you can plan for the future without fear of sudden tax hikes or policy lurches.

No place is perfect, but the leadership here has consistently shown that it puts the interests of its people first - and you can feel the impact of that daily.

Dubai’s rise post-Covid wasn’t accidental. While much of the world was in lockdown, Dubai remained open and accessible. Yes, the population is smaller - but it was the confidence, clarity, and speed of the government’s response that set it apart. Decisions were made swiftly, systems were organised, and life was able to move forward. It set a global example of what effective leadership can look like.

Dubai’s ruler, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, hasn’t just developed a once barren desert - he’s transformed it into one of the world’s leading hubs for business, tourism, innovation, and quality of life. In just two decades, Dubai has risen to compete with global cities that have had centuries of head start.

And it hasn't happened by chance: It's the result of hands-on leadership, relentless ambition, and a belief that: “The word impossible does not exist in the UAE’s dictionary.”

Living in a city that is moving towards the future gives you a sense of positivity. The constant feeling of progress provides reassurance. This optimism and forward momentum contrast sharply with the mood in some Western cities where growth has stalled.

This sense of positivity radiates throughout the city. Much like in the US, there’s an open, optimistic energy here - people are genuinely happy to celebrate each other’s wins, share knowledge, and offer help. It’s not forced; it’s a natural byproduct of an environment that encourages ambition, rewards effort, and makes success feel attainable. The culture here fosters connection, collaboration, and a mindset of abundance - not scarcity. The environment is designed to help people thrive.

Follow the Money 💸

Dubai in particular has rapidly emerged as a magnet for global talent, entrepreneurs, and even wealthy elites. It’s not just British professionals making the move; high-net-worth individuals from around the world are flocking to the Emirates in record numbers. The UAE is now the top destination worldwide for millionaire migrants, with a projected net inflow of over 9,800 millionaires expected to arrive this year - more than any other country.

This “millionaire migration” speaks to the country’s allure: the UK is expected to see an exodus of about 16,500 millionaires, many of whom landed on the UAE’s sunnier, tax-friendlier shores. And it’s not only the ultra-rich - families and middle-class professionals are part of this influx as well, seeking the safety, lifestyle, and opportunities that the Gulf region now offers.

In the UK, the top 1% of income taxpayers pay approximately 30% of all income tax. Some have simply concluded that their tax money would be put to better use financing their own quality of life elsewhere.

Challenges in the UK Fuelling the Exodus ✈️

The UK economy has had a rough ride in the past decade - from austerity measures to Brexit to the pandemic - leaving growth sluggish. Wages for young professionals often don’t keep up with inflation, and opportunities feel limited. Meanwhile, the cost of living in Britain has skyrocketed. Housing in particular is a pain point: buying a home is out of reach for many young people, and rents in cities like London are punishingly high. By contrast, arriving in Dubai can feel like a relief – no more extortionate London rents for a shoebox flat, and a realistic chance to save for the future.

Frustrations at home - from economic uncertainty to social dissatisfaction - are pushing many to consider life abroad, and Dubai has positioned itself as an attractive destination to catch this outflow.

Weighing the Trade-offs

It’s important to note while the cost of living can be lower in many aspects, the services that are “free” back in the UK often have to be paid for in Dubai. Healthcare and education are primarily private - though employers typically provide health insurance. Families moving must budget for annual school fees. Even though living costs like school fees, etc. in Dubai can be high, many people still come out ahead financially - because they earn more and don’t pay income tax.

Dubai is incredibly welcoming, but it’s a place where you need to contribute. Residency is typically tied to employment or investment, which means everyone is here with purpose. Most see this as a positive - it creates a culture of productivity and ensures there’s no system for people to simply take without giving back.

Yes, the summers get toasty - there’s no denying that. But in my experience, and from countless conversations with others who’ve made the move, the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages.

To Conclude: A New “West” in the East? 🌏

So, is the UAE the new “West”? In many ways, it does resemble the role that Western countries like the UK, US, or Canada played in the 20th century - a place where ambitious migrants go to find security, prosperity, and a better life for their families. The same motivations that led my grandparents to the UK in the 1970s are now echoed by young professionals moving to Dubai in the 2020s. The UAE offers a stable environment, economic opportunity, a high standard of living, and the promise that hard work will be rewarded with a comfortable life.

It’s telling that the Gulf states are now attracting not just workers from developing countries, but increasing numbers of middle-class westerners. That shift reflects a changing world: the traditional “Western” nations no longer have a monopoly on opportunity and optimism.

At the same time, calling Dubai “the new West” can oversimplify things. The UAE and its Gulf neighbours are carving out their own model - one that blends free-market dynamism with a different cultural and political context. It may not suit everyone, but for a growing cohort of global citizens, the Gulf is delivering what they feel their home countries cannot: low crime, low taxes, high growth, and a sense of excitement about the future.

As one British expat recently said after settling in Dubai, watching the struggles back in Britain from afar “reassured me that I made the right choice by leaving.”

For now, the influx shows no sign of slowing. The UAE is expected to attract thousands more millionaires and professionals in the coming years, and other Gulf countries (like Saudi Arabia and Qatar) are investing hundreds of billions to draw talent and reinvent themselves as well.

Whether Dubai is truly the “new West” might be up for debate, but one thing is clear: it has become a new land of opportunity in the East. For those willing to take the leap, the UAE offers a chance to fast-track their careers, secure their families, and be part of a remarkable growth story. In a world where many Western young people feel increasingly squeezed, Dubai stands out as a place where the narrative is still one of possibility and promise. And that, perhaps more than anything, is why so many are making the journey.

Till next week.

JAAFRI JOURNAL

#2 - Is Dubai the new 'West'?

JAAFRI JOURNAL

ISSUE #2