There was a time when expanding your UK startup meant setting your sights on Berlin, Amsterdam, or New York. But in the last few years, the trends have changed completely. A new favorite has emerged, and it’s not in Europe or the US. It’s sunnier, slicker, and significantly less bureaucratic. Welcome to Dubai, the city where British founders are swapping Brexit blues for business breakthroughs.
Whether it’s the tax regime, ease of setup, access to global markets, or simply the allure of palm trees and productivity, Dubai is becoming a no-brainer for UK entrepreneurs with serious growth ambitions. And they’re not just set ting up shell offices — they’re relocating, scaling, hiring, and thriving in a city that’s built for business.
Here’s what’s driving the growth.
Let’s start with what everyone’s quietly thinking: taxes!
In the UK, corporate tax has risen to 25% for businesses turning a profit — and that’s before you deal with income tax, VAT, and employer contributions. For scaling companies, especially those moving from bootstrapped to break-even to profitable, it’s a heavy burden.
Now let’s compare it with Dubai. It follows quite a different approach with no personal income tax and very little to no corporate tax, particularly if you are operating within a free zone and meeting certain criteria. Even with the introduction of a modest 9% corporate tax for mainland companies, Dubai’s system remains among the most founder-friendly on the planet.
Dubai isn’t just a city — it’s a strategy.
Positioned at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, it connects over 3 billion people within just a four-hour flight. Whether you’re a SaaS company eyeing Africa, a luxury brand expanding into Asia, or a fintech player targeting the Gulf, Dubai gives you the connectivity, talent, and infrastructure to scale fast and smart. Throw in world-class logistics, a reputation for speed, and a multilingual, multicultural population — and suddenly, London starts to feel very… local.
In the UK, fundraising often involves jumping through hoops, crafting the perfect pitch deck, and attending more networking events than your calendar can handle — all for a few polite maybes.
In Dubai, the story is changing fast. The region is seeing an explosion of venture capital, with Gulf-based funds, family offices, etc., actively deploying capital into promising startups, particularly those with Western roots and scalable models.
Initiatives like the Dubai Future District Fund, government-backed accelerators, and co-investment platforms have turned the city into a VC magnet, where funding isn’t just accessible — it’s strategic.
Sure, this isn’t a travel blog — but let’s not pretend the Dubai lifestyle isn’t part of the pull.
From skyscraper offices to seafront coworking spaces, Michelin-star meals to Friday brunches, Dubai offers the kind of luxury-meets-efficiency lifestyle that founders often only dream of.
Factor in low crime, cutting-edge healthcare, international schools, and year-round sunshine, and it’s not just about scaling your business — it’s about upgrading your life.
For founders juggling 16-hour days, the ability to decompress in a high-end gym, play a sunset padel match, or grab sushi at 11 pm matters. A lot.
Hiring globally can be a challenge, especially with lengthy visa processes and costs that can add up.
Dubai offers a more streamlined approach. With options like freelance permits, remote work visas, and the Golden Visa, the city makes it easier for founders to build flexible, diverse teams.
And because Dubai attracts professionals from around the world — including developers, creatives, and strategists — businesses gain access to a global talent pool at competitive rates.
Culturally, Dubai is a rare mix. It embraces Western professionalism — punctual meetings, sharp presentations, data-driven decisions — but overlays it with Middle Eastern hospitality, vision, and boldness.
It’s not a copy-paste of the UK system; it’s an upgrade. Meetings happen over Arabic coffee and conclude with WhatsApp follow-ups. Decisions are made fast. Deals are done face-to-face. And if you’re delivering value, your passport doesn’t matter.
It’s a city where ideas matter more than hierarchy, and where being British, with all the credibility that brings, is often an advantage.
Now, let’s zoom in.
While Dubai is filled with exciting locations to set up your business, you need to choose the best. And DWTC free zone stands out the most for UK entrepreneurs looking to hit the ground running.
Here’s why:
Enjoy 100% foreign ownership, corporate tax exemptions, and much more when conditions are met. Plus, fast-track licensing and zero currency restrictions are also there. What else do you need?
DWTC is laser-focused on tech, media, blockchain, fintech, and creative sectors. It actively supports companies pushing boundaries, with access to accelerators, funding networks, and government initiatives.
With over 500 global conferences, expos, and industry events held annually, your business gains built-in visibility from day one.
Forget months of back-and-forth. DWTC is known for streamlined registration, digital-first admin, and founder-first policies. You could be licensed, operational, and scaling in under a week.
In essence, DWTC combines the freedom and speed of a startup, the infrastructure of a multinational, and the prestige of a global hub — all under one very tall, very shiny roof.
UK entrepreneurs aren’t turning their backs on Britain — they’re turning towards growth. Towards a city that’s built for scale, backed by ambition, and streamlined for speed.
At the center of this momentum is Dart, a dynamic business hub located within the DWTC free zone, created specifically for startups and scale-ups in tech, digital, and innovation-led industries.
Dart offers more than just a license and a desk. It’s a hub designed to help founders thrive — with fast-track business setup, flexible office options, access to capital networks, and an ecosystem of accelerators, advisors, and fellow entrepreneurs.
Whether you’re entering the MENA market, setting up a regional HQ, or just need a frictionless place to build, Dart gives you the infrastructure, flexibility, and credibility to move with purpose.
Here, you’re not just another company. You’re a part of a future-facing community where ideas grow into impact. So, if your business is bold, your goals are global, and your mindset is ready, it’s time to make the move.
Got questions or ready to get started? Give us a call at +971 4 516 2100 or drop us a line at enquiries@dartuae.com — we’re here to help.
