Anthony Joshua moves to Dubai even as Iran tensions shake UAE safe-haven status

Anthony Joshua, the British-Nigerian boxing star and one of the world’s highest-paid fighters, has officially relocated to Dubai even as recent strikes linked to Iran shake the city’s reputation as a safe haven for wealthy residents. This comes as the UAE faces attacks from Iranian suicide drones, raising questions about the city’s promise of security.

Joshua confirmed his residency change in official filings for two of his companies, Sparta Promotions Limited and 258 Investments Limited. The documents indicate he will now live in the UAE despite ongoing regional conflicts involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran. Dubai has long been a familiar base for the boxer, who frequently trains at its world-class sporting facilities and conducts promotional work for his brand partnerships while on holiday.

Anthony Joshua faces $66 million tax bill

The move follows reports of a $66 million tax bill Joshua faced after his heavyweight exhibition fight against Jake Paul in Miami in December 2025. U.S. federal income tax claimed approximately $52 million, while UK tax obligations added $11.3 million, alongside $2.8 million in National Insurance contributions.

Despite the heavy tax load, Joshua remains among the wealthiest athletes in the U.K., with a net worth of €232 million ($308.1 million) according to the 2025 Sunday Times Rich List—a €24 million increase from the previous year. His wealth surpasses that of England football captain Harry Kane and boxing rival Tyson Fury. 

Joshua has expanded his income beyond boxing, joining an investment group backing Formula One’s Alpine Racing Team in 2023. He has expressed ambitions to reach billionaire status, aiming to exceed Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s reported $700 million career earnings.

Dubai has attracted global elites with low taxes and stability. Recent incidents, including damage at the Fairmont The Palm, Dubai International Airport, and fires near the Burj Al Arab, revealed security gaps. Online images showed smoke and destruction against the skyline, highlighting that even major hubs are not insulated from regional conflict.

Dubai attracts global elite investors

The emirate’s population now exceeds four million, with more than 90 percent from abroad. Dubai has attracted entrepreneurs, finance professionals, and digital creators. Henley & Partners reports the number of millionaires has doubled since 2014 to over 81,000, including roughly 20 billionaires.

In 2025 alone, about 9,800 millionaires relocated to Dubai, bringing $63 billion in wealth, more than any other city worldwide. Luxury real estate is booming: last year, roughly 500 homes sold for over $10 million, compared with just 30 in 2020.

Dubai’s “golden visa” program, offering a renewable 10-year residency for property purchases of 2 million dirhams ($550,000) or more, has helped fuel this growth. A 47,200-square-foot penthouse at the Bugatti Residences sold for 550 million dirhams, roughly $150 million, marking the highest home sale in the UAE’s history.