Ben Grant, a 26-year-old originally from Sunderland, relocated to Dubai in March 2024, drawn by its tax-free income and vibrant lifestyle. His decision to move wasn’t merely about escaping the dreary North East stigma surrounding success but about embracing an environment that celebrated ambition.

Finding Opportunity in Dubai

Before making the move, Ben had been working as a business consultant in the UK finance sector. After several trips to Dubai, he noticed a distinct cultural difference; in the UAE, pursuing wealth was welcomed rather than frowned upon. “People were supportive and motivated to help each other succeed,” Ben reflects. This mindset starkly contrasted what he experienced back home, where success often elicited skepticism and criticism.

In Dubai, Ben’s earnings saw a significant increase, averaging towards six figures. Initially, he made £750,000 in his first year, though the following year saw a decrease to between £300,000 to £400,000. “When I first started, I naïvely thought all my earnings would remain mine, only to discover the realities of UK tax once I stepped away,” he shares. The cost of living complexities in Dubai, especially concerning healthcare and lifestyle expenses, quickly became apparent.

The True Cost of Living

While healthcare is generally free in the UK, residents in Dubai need to account for this expense, highlighting what Ben humorously calls “The Dubai Tax.” He found himself spending on experiences he wouldn’t typically opt for in the UK. “Every corner had a new restaurant to try, making it easy to overspend,” he admits. Basic necessities like groceries also surprised him, with weekly food bills ranging from £200 to £300. Surprisingly, ordering takeout often turned out to be a more budget-friendly option compared to home-cooked meals. “A full Indian takeaway cost just £12, but when we ordered the same back in the UK, it shot up to £26,” he says.

In contrast, electronics were considerably cheaper. For instance, a Samsung phone that cost him £700 in Dubai would retail for around £1,400 in the UK. Housing costs presented a mixed picture. Though rent was higher than what they were used to in Sunderland, it was still less than typical London prices. Living in a three-bedroom apartment initially cost them £1,400 monthly, which increased to a villa with a larger space as their lifestyle changed to accommodate a pet.

Transitioning Back to the UK

By December 2025, Ben made the decision to return to Sunderland to launch his own private equity firm, Lambton Capital Partners. This choice came ahead of rising tensions in the region, particularly the war with Iran. Leveraging his earnings from Dubai, he opted not to draw a salary while investing in local businesses. “I didn’t want to just chase money. I aimed to add value to UK enterprises,” he explains, emphasizing his preference for hands-on investment rather than managing remote territories like Dubai.

Through his firm, he offers funding to traditionally overlooked blue-collar businesses across the UK. Rather than targeting tech firms, Ben focuses on businesses that need strategic guidance and investment in growth areas like SEO and digital marketing. His recent project exemplifies this; a funded advertising campaign resulted in an impressive return of £360,000 for the business involved.

Despite acknowledging the favorable timing of his return amidst geopolitical unrest, he remains optimistic about the expat community’s stability in Dubai. “Many friends say the expat exodus isn’t occurring,” he notes. Reflecting on his experiences, Ben appreciates having lived in Dubai but has found fulfillment in returning to his roots. “I missed the familiarity of seasons and the warmth of the people in Sunderland,” he concludes, committed to making a lasting impact in his home city.