Amid mounting concerns over a possible wealth tax in the UK, the UAE is increasingly being seen as a preferred relocation hub for British millionaires, ranking alongside established tax havens such as Monaco and Malta.

A new survey by consultancy Arton Capital found that nearly 60 per cent of British millionaires believe they could have a better life abroad, with more than half saying they would consider leaving the UK if Chancellor Rachel Reeves implements new wealth-based taxes.

The research, carried out among 1,009 wealthy UK residents with assets of at least £1 million, revealed that the UAE ranked fourth globally as a preferred relocation option. The United States topped the list (35 per cent), followed by Canada (33 per cent) and Australia (25 per cent), while 17 per cent of respondents named the UAE as their destination of choice.

Armand Arton, CEO of Arton Capital, said the findings show the UK is “at a tipping point” as the government considers new levies on high-value homes and global inheritance tax for non-domiciled individuals. “The uncertainty around the government’s proposed wealth tax mirrors the ongoing economic uncertainty seen around the world, from Trump’s tariffs to conflict in the Middle East,” he said.

“The longer that unpredictability persists, the greater the risk of losing capital, talent, and long-term investment to countries that offer greater security for individuals, families, and their futures.”

The UAE, which has consistently ranked as one of the world’s most attractive hubs for wealthy expatriates, continues to draw global high-net-worth individuals thanks to its tax-free environment, political stability, and investor-friendly policies.

According to the Henley Private Wealth Migration Report, the UK is expected to lose a record 16,500 millionaires in 2025, part of a broader global trend that could see 142,000 millionaires relocate this year alone.

Industry experts note that the UAE’s appeal has been bolstered by long-term residency programmes such as the Golden Visa, its diversified economy, and world-class lifestyle offering.

Dubai and Abu Dhabi, in particular, have cemented their status as safe havens for global wealth, attracting investors not only from Europe but also from Asia and Africa.

Meanwhile, more Conservative-leaning millionaires in Canada are also weighing the option of moving abroad compared to their Liberal counterparts, as the right-leaning party faces the prospect of losing a fourth consecutive election.

An Arton Capital Ltd. survey revealed that among Canadians with a net worth of at least C$1 million ($721,000), 34 per cent of Conservative voters said they are now more likely to leave the country than they were during the 2021 election, while 28 per cent said they are less likely.

The findings highlight the growing trend of wealthy Canadians reassessing their future in light of political and economic shifts, with affluent individuals increasingly considering relocation to jurisdictions that offer greater stability, lower taxation, and stronger wealth-preservation policies.

For the UAE, this presents another opportunity to position itself as the destination of choice for individuals seeking stability, growth, and long-term prosperity.

Source: Azertag/Bloomberg

First-time buyers looking to step onto Dubai’s property ladder now have a rare opportunity as Wasl Group has launched a new phase of its popular South Garden project at Wasl Gate, Jebel Ali.

In support of the Dubai First-Time Home Buyer (FTHB) programme, a significant share of the apartments in South Garden Buildings D & E will be reserved exclusively for eligible first-time homeowners, complete with early access and tailored incentives such as discounted pricing.

A chance to own in a thriving community

The move follows the rapid 48-hour sellout of South Garden’s initial phase in 2024, underscoring high demand for Wasl’s communities. The new phase offers a mix of studios, 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom apartments, combining value with lifestyle perks.

Residents will benefit from:

• Direct Metro access for easy citywide connectivity
• Proximity to Festival Plaza Mall for shopping and dining
• Private, family-friendly amenities, including a gated Zen Garden

Building trust with buyers

“The fact that so many are choosing to buy their first home through Wasl speaks volumes. It reflects not only the strength of our communities, but the trust we’ve earned to deliver quality, opportunity, and value in a competitive market,” said Mohamed Al Bahar, Director of Business Development, Wasl Group.

“With this launch, we’re reaffirming our role as a developer of purpose, supporting Dubai’s evolving housing needs while giving first-time buyers a real chance to step onto the property ladder,” he added.

With limited allocations set aside for the public after first-time buyer sales, demand is expected to be strong once again, making this one of Dubai’s most promising opportunities for end-users in 2025.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has issued a new law that introduces a streamlined legal framework to resolve disputes related to citizen housing construction contracts in the emirate.

The legislation, which will come into effect on January 1, 2026, is designed to protect the rights of all parties involved in housing projects, promote faster dispute resolution, and ensure construction timelines remain unaffected during disagreements.

The new law aligns with Dubai’s broader vision to enhance social stability, citizen satisfaction, and long-term urban development.

Key Objectives of the New Law

The law aims to:

• Establish an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) system specific to citizen housing construction contracts.
• Encourage amicable and consensual settlements while preserving contractual relationships.
• Create a fast-track mechanism for resolving disagreements, with minimal impact on ongoing projects.
• Ensure that construction progress continues uninterrupted, even during contractual disputes.

How Disputes Will Be Handled

To implement the law, a specialised branch under the Centre for Amicable Settlement of Disputes will be set up to oversee and manage housing contract disagreements.

The process includes:

• Mediation phase: All disputes will first go through mediation, to be resolved within 20 days, with a possible extension of another 20 days if both parties agree.
• If mediation fails, the case is escalated to a three-member committee (one judge and two industry experts), which must issue a decision within 30 days (extendable once).
• Parties may appeal the committee’s decision to the Court of First Instance within 30 days.

Officials Welcome the Move

Eng. Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality, said the law is a “significant step” for the housing sector and will improve contractual relationships between citizens, contractors, and consultants.

“This law will help ensure the sustainability of housing projects, reduce risks, and ultimately enhance comfort and satisfaction for Emirati families,” he added.

Prof Abdullah Saif Al Sabousi, Secretary-General of the Dubai Judicial Council, described the law as a “valuable addition” to Dubai’s legal system.

“It offers an advanced model of resolving disputes without immediately resorting to litigation. With highly trained personnel and efficient procedures, it serves the public interest and citizens’ aspirations for a stable housing environment,” he said.