British-Nigerian boxing icon Anthony Joshua has made the shock decision to quit the United Kingdom and establish residency in Dubai, pressing ahead with the move despite the ongoing US-Iran conflict that has seen missiles and drones target the United Arab Emirates.
The 36-year-old former heavyweight world champion, who was born in Watford to Nigerian parents and won Olympic gold for Great Britain at London 2012, confirmed his new residential status in paperwork filed on Friday for his £150 million business empire, according to the Daily Mail.
The documentation reveals that Joshua proceeded with his decision to switch residency even as the UAE faces attacks from Iranian suicide drones amid the escalating Middle East conflict.
Over the past two weeks, Iran has targeted the UAE with missiles and drones, prompting more than 100,000 Britons to flee the Middle Eastern nation and return to the UK.
Despite the volatile security situation, Joshua has chosen to establish his base in the desert city, drawn by factors that make Dubai particularly attractive to wealthy individuals.
The UAE offers significant financial advantages, including zero income tax—a stark contrast to the UK's tax regime.
Joshua would have been liable to pay UK tax on substantial dividend payments from his business operations, including £10.1 million in 2024 and £6.3 million in 2023.
His company, Sparta Promotions, recorded profits of £20.396 million in 2024 and paid £6.65 million in UK tax.
While the weather and world-class facilities are undeniable draws for those seeking to live in Dubai, the tax benefits present a compelling financial incentive for high-net-worth individuals like Joshua.
The move represents a significant personal and professional shift for the boxer, who has been a prominent figure in British sport for over a decade.
Joshua's decision to relocate amid regional tensions underscores his commitment to establishing a new chapter in the UAE, though it remains to be seen how the ongoing conflict might impact his long-term plans in the region.
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