An increasing number of middle-class Britons are now relocating to the UAE, particularly to Abu Dhabi and Dubai, as economic uncertainties in the UK continue to mount. Earlier, this migration pattern was primarily associated with the uber-rich; however, now it includes a wider demographic of British citizens seeking financial stability and a better quality of life.
According to the latest data, inquiries from British nationals looking to migrate to the UAE have increased by 420% over the last five years, and the figures account for a 45% surge in the last twelve months.
The UK Office for National Statistics states that nearly 35,000 UK nationals migrated to the UAE in 2022. Factors that draw expats and work primarily in favor of the UAE include the following —
- tax-free personal income environment
- high standard of living
- vibrant multicultural society
Significant factors leading to this exodus in the UK are —
- the UK’s continuing inflation
- rising living costs
- economic instability
This migration trend is reshaping the UAE’s realty market, especially in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where multiplied demand from British expats is impacting housing prices and real estate market dynamics.
With more than 240,000 British expats currently living in Dubai and over 5,000 British companies operating in the UAE, this migration pattern will have significant economic implications for the UAE and the UK.