Dubai: Where the Grass Really is Greener
Stuart Stobie • January 23, 2025
Dubai: Where the Grass Really Is Greener
In a twist that feels less like migration and more like a plot twist in the global expat sitcom, a growing number of Brits, Americans, and Canadians are packing up their sensible shoes, bidding farewell to drizzle and beige office parks, and heading back to Dubai. Yes, back. Because why slog through tax returns and icy commutes when you can live in a city where the winter "chill" involves swapping shorts for linen trousers?
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This so-called "reverse migration trend" has caught the attention of everyone from economists to the guy running the pool bar at your old apartment complex. According to Haider Qureshi of Amity Mortgages, it’s not just nostalgia drawing people back. It’s Dubai’s everything-is-possible-and-tax-free vibe. "The business ecosystem," he says, "is unmatched," and if that phrase sounds like it came directly from a glossy brochure, it’s because Dubai actually delivers on it.
Consider this: Dubai has over 45 Free Trade Zones. That’s basically 45 places where foreign entrepreneurs can live their best, fully tax-exempt lives, complete with 100% ownership of their businesses. Add in the Golden Visa—a shiny ticket to long-term residency—and suddenly, your midlife crisis involves launching a tech startup on the beach instead of buying a motorcycle.
Meanwhile, back in Canada, the UK, and the US, the economic landscape isn’t exactly an expat magnet. Soaring costs of living, taxes that seem to grow like mold, and inflation nibbling at savings have left many wondering if "home" is overrated. Against that backdrop, Dubai looks like a gilded oasis. No income tax. Luxury everywhere. Weather that doesn’t try to kill you (okay, except maybe August). It’s not so much a hard sell as it is the answer to a question you didn’t realise you were asking: “What if I could have it all?”
And have it all they do, especially when it comes to real estate. Returning expats are buying into Dubai’s booming property market, buoyed by attractive mortgage rates and rental yields that make landlords back home weep into their spreadsheets. The city’s infrastructure, shiny and new, makes relocating almost suspiciously easy. Combine that with a social scene that moves at warp speed, and it’s no wonder people are trading their snow shovels for sundowners at the Marina.
Of course, this isn’t just a one-way win for expats. Dubai is reaping the benefits too. Returning professionals bring international expertise, fresh perspectives, and probably a few more people willing to buy overpriced coffee. As they settle back into the city’s multicultural swirl, they enrich the very fabric of a place that thrives on its global DNA.
So here we are, at the crossroads of opportunity and air-conditioned bliss. Dubai, once the great expat experiment, is now the answer to a world that feels increasingly out of balance. For every returning wanderer, there’s a reminder that sometimes the best new chapter is the one you already lived—and this time, it comes with a Golden Visa and a view of the Burj Khalifa.
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Who Are the HENRYs? HENRYs—an acronym for High Earners, Not Rich Yet—represent individuals or households with substantial incomes but little net wealth or savings. HENRYs typically earn between $250,000 and $500,000, yet struggle to build significant wealth due to high expenses and obligations In the UK context, HENRYs generally earn over £100,000, but find themselves stretched thin by rising costs, taxes, and societal expectations A detailed view highlights the paradox: high salaries masked by minimal savings, persistent debt, and heavy financial responsibilities, making many HENRYs still feel like they’re living paycheck to paycheck “Despite earning salaries over £100,000 … many Britons — now dubbed ‘Henrys’ … are struggling financially.” Times Why It’s Difficult Being a HENRY in the UK Punitive Tax Structures Earning over £100,000 results in the gradual loss of personal allowance, leading to marginal tax rates up to 60–71%, when combined with national insurance and student loan repayments Loss of Family Benefits Crossing income thresholds often disqualifies HENRYs from benefits like tax-free childcare, further increasing household costs Lifestyle Creep & High Fixed Costs Many HENRYs live in high-cost areas, shoulder big mortgages or rent, pay for childcare, and support family members. These pressures leave little room for savings or investments Five Practical Fixes for HENRYs 1. Set Clear Financial Goals Define short- and long-term objectives (e.g. early retirement, buying property, relocation) to guide your financial decisions 2. Track and Control Expenses Use budgeting tools or spreadsheets to identify unnecessary spending and reinforce disciplined financial habits 3. Automate Savings & Investments Automating transfers to savings, ISAs, or pensions ensures consistent wealth-building, even without active effort 4. Proactive Tax Planning Work with advisers to reduce tax liabilities through pension contributions, ISAs, or bespoke strategies. This can keep more income working for you 5. Seek Professional Advice Financial planners can help HENRYs manage complexity—pension strategies, legacy planning, investment advice, and global mobility for expatriates Is Relocating Abroad the Solution? For HENRYs, moving abroad may offer a chance to stretch income further, but it comes with pros and cons. Advantages Tax incentives and lower cost of living in destinations like Portugal, UAE, or Singapore could improve saving potential and lifestyle quality. Expat financial services and advisers specialise in tax optimisation, wealth protection, and cross-border planning Considerations Visa and residency costs, potential language or cultural barriers, and the need for local compliance can complicate relocation. Healthcare, schooling, and lifestyle preferences may vary dramatically by country. Not every foreign jurisdiction offers strong pension or investment environments suited to long-term planning. For those favouring staying in the UK, cost-of-living pressures and high taxation can still be mitigated with proactive wealth strategies and advisory support. Final Thoughts Being a HENRY doesn’t mean you’re on a clear path to wealth, even with a six-figure income. The combination of high taxes, lifestyle demands, and complex financial obligations means smart planning is vital. Whether you choose to stay in the UK or explore opportunities abroad, your focus should be on building wealth, not just earning. Take action today: define your goals, track your spending, automate your savings, plan your taxes, and seek expert guidance. Feeling like a HENRY? High salary, but wealth isn’t growing? Our global advisers can help, whether you want to stay in the UK with smarter tax and wealth strategies or explore relocation options abroad for lower taxes and a better lifestyle.