Why the UK’s Tech Talent is Finding its Heart in Dubai

In London’s financial circles, they’re calling it the “Billionaire Flight”, but where does talent leave to and what environment leads it to excel?

Let’s take a deeper look into what the data tells us: 16,500 millionaires are projected to leave the UK this year, a record-shattering exodus fuelled by shifting tax landscapes and a tightening regulatory grip. We see industry titans like Nik Storonsky, founder of Revolut, leading the charge toward more growth-aligned markets. But as I look out over the Dubai skyline from my new base, I realise that while the numbers capture the scale of the movement, they miss the “Human Intelligence” behind it.

This isn’t just a movement of capital; it’s a movement of intention… The UAE is no longer just a destination on a map for global founders; it has become the world’s most dynamic launchpad. For a leader focused on the next decade of impact, this region offers an environment designed specifically for the speed of the future: one that far outweighs the traditional benefits of established Western markets.

While the UK provided the initial foundation where I learned the discipline of operational excellence, I believe that true growth requires an ecosystem that matches your ambition. Moving my base here isn’t just a strategic evolution; it is about planting my expertise in a region where innovation is the native language and the infrastructure is built to say ‘yes’ to scale. This isn’t a departure, it’s an upgrade to a world-class stage.

For me, this journey is deeply personal and rooted in my upbringing. As a woman of Egyptian and Pakistani heritage, moving my business operations to the UAE felt like a full-circle moment.

In my nearly three decades in business, I’ve operated by a simple mantra: People buy people. In many Western markets, business has become increasingly transactional and detached, but here in the UAE, business remains beautifully relational and personal. Here, the values instilled in me by my mother and late father, respect, empathy, and integrity, aren’t just “soft skills”; they are the primary currency of the boardroom. There is an unshakeable power in being in a place where your professional ambitions and your cultural soul are finally in total alignment.

While the UK media focuses on the “exit,” the UAE is focused on “The 3 Cs” I hold dear: Competence, Credibility, and Care. Through the D33 economic agenda, Dubai has positioned itself as the world’s most effective talent magnet.

What excites me most isn’t just the technology, it’s the “can-do” spirit. In the UK, scaling often meets the friction of legacy bureaucracy. In Dubai, the infrastructure is actively pulling you forward. We are moving from a world of “Why?” to a world of “Why not?” For an entrepreneur who leads with both head and heart, that energy is more valuable than any headline-grabbing tax break.

Advice for the Global Founder looking at Dubai as their new business hub: move at “Dubai Speed.” The UAE moves 

1. Trust your gut, but move at “Dubai Speed.” The UAE moves at 2x the pace of Europe. You must be prepared to innovate and execute well, but never at the expense of your instincts. If you don’t buy into the culture, your customers won’t buy into you.

2. Scale with AI, but Lead with Human Intelligence (HI). In an era of rapid digital transformation, AI is the future, it’s a powerful tool we must utilise to expand our capabilities and reach. However, while AI can automate the “what,” only Human Intelligence can provide the “why.” Use technology to drive your efficiency, but never let it replace the authentic human connection. In the Middle East, a relationship built on trust is the only one that lasts.

3. Lead with Integrity! Don’t just bring your business; bring your values. The fundamental difference between a successful founder and a struggling one isn’t their race or religion…it is their intention to serve.

The “Billionaire Flight” makes for a catchy headline, but the real story is about the creation of a new global corridor of belonging. We aren’t simply moving away from an old system; we are running toward a region that is actively building the future.

My late father used to tell me, “Just keep going on.” As I bridge my British upbringing with my Middle Eastern heritage, I realise I’m doing more than just moving a company. I’m proving that when you stay true to your roots and lead with empathy, the world has no borders. For the first time in my career, the bridge is complete.