British-Nigeria Boxing Star Shifts Base To Dubai As UAE Attracts High-Net-Worth Athletes

British-Nigeria Boxing Star Shifts Base To Dubai As UAE Attracts High-Net-Worth Athletes

By Niyi Busari 

British-Nigerian heavyweight boxing star Anthony Joshua is reportedly planning to relocate to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, according to corporate filings linked to his business interests.

The 36-year-old former world champion is said to have updated his residency details in documentation connected to his promotional company, Sparta Promotions, indicating a move from the United Kingdom to the UAE.

An investigation reported by the Daily Mail noted that as a UK resident Joshua has typically been liable for taxes on dividends generated through his companies. Records show the boxer received £10.1 million in dividends in 2024, an increase from £6.3 million in the previous year.

Financial disclosures also indicate that Sparta Promotions generated approximately £20.396 million in revenue in 2024, paying about £6.65 million in taxes in the United Kingdom during the same period.

Joshua has also reportedly been expanding his real estate investments in the Middle East. In December, reports suggested that he purchased a luxury property in Sultan Haitham City near Muscat, Oman.

The property acquisition, estimated to be worth more than £1.2 million, reportedly includes a 15,300-square-foot penthouse known as the Sky Palace in the Park Lane 101 development.

Dubai’s Tax Appeal

The UAE continues to attract wealthy individuals and professional athletes largely due to its favourable tax structure.

In the United Kingdom, high-earning individuals are subject to a tiered income tax system. The top “additional rate” reaches 45 percent for annual earnings above £125,140, while income between £50,271 and £125,140 is taxed at 40 percent. Earnings between £12,571 and £50,270 are taxed at 20 percent.

UK tax regulations can also apply to certain forms of global endorsement and sponsorship income, particularly when the earnings are linked to activities or promotional appearances carried out in the country.

In contrast, the United Arab Emirates does not impose personal income tax on individuals. Salaries, bonuses, investment income and most other personal earnings are generally not taxed, making the country an attractive destination for high-net-worth residents and international athletes.

As a result, residents in the UAE typically do not need to file personal income tax returns, allowing them to retain a larger share of their earnings.