UK Tax System: Anthony Joshua Moves To Dubai To Oversee Investments

 

— Joshua, right, and Ruiz, left, posing with Saudi Arabia’s General Sports Authority Chief Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal

By St. Johnson Adegboyega

British-Nigerian boxing champion Anthony Joshua has reportedly announced plans to relocate to Dubai, despite the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Joshua plans to relocate to Dubai, was revealed through updates to his corporate residency documentation.

He amended his residency via Sparta Promotions, his company, shifting from the UK to the UAE.

Joshua’s real estate investments in the Middle East have increased, including a £1.2 million penthouse in Oman.
The financial move is largely motivated by Dubai’s lack of personal income tax, compared to the UK’s progressive tax system with rates up to 45%.

— Anthony Joshua

The 36-year-old heavyweight boxer’s transfer was revealed through corporate documentation related to his commercial interests.

According to documents from his company, Sparta Promotions, the former world champion has amended his residency details, indicating that he will now be located in the United Arab Emirates.

An exclusive by The Daily Mail shows that, as a resident of the United Kingdom, Anthony Joshua is typically taxed on dividends received through his enterprises.

Joshua received £10.1 million in dividends in 2024, up from £6.3 million the year before. Sparta Promotions, which he runs, has also done well financially.

The company reportedly made around £20.396 million in earnings in 2024 and paid approximately £6.65 million in taxes in the United Kingdom during the same period.

Anthony Joshua has also been increasing his real estate presence in the Middle Eastern region.

He purchased a luxurious house in Sultan Haitham City, a rising development near Muscat, Oman, according to reports from December.

The acquisition reportedly cost over £1.2 million and included a large 15,300-square-foot penthouse known as the Sky Palace in the Park Lane 101 building.

Dubai’s Subtle Tax System
Despite the conflict currently affecting the region, the United Arab Emirates’ allure for high-net-worth individuals is evident.

The appeal is directly related to its tax systems compared to countries of similar economic and infrastructural stature.

In the United Kingdom, for instance, high-income persons, especially professional athletes, have one of the most expensive income tax systems among advanced nations.

Individuals are classified into numerous income categories under the present tax structure, with the top ‘additional rate’ reaching 45% on incomes over £125,140. Before reaching that threshold, earnings of £50,271 to £125,140 are taxed at 40%, while earnings of £12,571 to £50,270 are taxed at 20%.

The UK tax system also applies to certain elements of global endorsement and sponsorship revenue, especially where those profits are associated with activities or appearances in the country.

For example, the UK’s tax rules allow authorities to tax a portion of endorsement income based on how many days an athlete performs or promotes in the UK.

Rich people have flocked to Dubai in recent years, drawn by its zero income tax policy and easy access to luxury.

Rich people have flocked to Dubai in recent years, drawn by its zero income tax policy and easy access to luxury.

In comparison, the tax climate in the United Arab Emirates, where Dubai is located, is very different. Individuals are not subject to the country’s personal income tax.

Residents and expatriates are not taxed on their salaries, wages, bonuses, investment income, or most other types of personal earnings because there is no personal income tax.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *