Anthony Joshua strikes to Dubai regardless of US-Iran battle as Brits flee UAE
Former heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua has confirmed he is relocating to Dubai amid ongoing missile strikes, as more than 100,000 Britons attempt to flee the Middle East nation
Anthony Joshua has confirmed he is moving to Dubai despite ongoing Iranian missile attacks in the UAE(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Anthony Joshua has made the startling choice to abandon the United Kingdom for Dubai – despite the current US- Iran tensions in the United Arab Emirates. The 36-year old boxer has confirmed his intention to become a UAE resident, even as the desert metropolis faces threats from Iranian suicide drones.
The former heavyweight world champion, who hails from Watford with Nigerian roots, claimed Olympic gold boxing for Great Britain at London 2012, but is now departing his homeland. Joshua’s unexpected relocation has been disclosed through documents he submitted on Friday for his £150m business empire, requiring him to declare his country of residence.
The paperwork, reports the Daily Mail, reveals that Joshua proceeded with his residential status change despite the ongoing military confrontation involving the USA, Israel and Iran.
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The UAE has faced Iranian missile and drone strikes over the past 10 days, prompting more than 100,000 Britons to attempt evacuation from the Middle Eastern nation back to the UK.
Whilst the climate and amenities prove irresistible for those seeking to relocate to Dubai, the city attracts the affluent due to its absence of income tax. Joshua would have faced UK tax obligations on his dividend payments of £10.1m in 2024 and £6.3m in 2023.
His firm Sparta Promotions also generated profits of £20.396m and contributed £6.65m in UK tax during 2024.
Joshua’s choice comes in the same week Rio Ferdinand and Kate Ferdinand disclosed what it’s like living in Dubai during the US-Iran conflict. “Been a different week for me, not going to lie,” the former Manchester United defender said last Monday.
“Firstly, I’m in great condition this morning as the whole family did a workout. A bit like in Covid, the whole family is doing things we wouldn’t usually be doing together. Home-schooling a bit today. It’s frightening when you hear missiles, planes and fighter jets – I don’t know what it is – going above us, and you’re hearing big bombs, and what that is we don’t know as we don’t know the details of what they are.
“It’s telling your kids what it is and helping them navigate through this moment, which is important especially as the dad of the house. You want to try and remain calm and keep everybody as calm as possible.
“I’ve got to be honest guys, it’s been a bit of a scary situation but at the same time weirdly enough I’ve felt very secure and looked after. My studio has become my bunker.
“We were advised to go into the basement on the first night of all the noise started and we were down here sleeping with duvets and stuff. We are utilising the space wisely.”
Kate offered reassurance to supporters about their wellbeing following worries after the initial wave of missile attacks in Dubai. She shared on Instagram: “Thank you for all of your messages and sorry for the silence, I haven’t wanted to worry you all I just haven’t been able to find the words. We are safe.
“The government are doing an amazing job of keeping it that way and despite my nerves I feel we are in very safe hands. We are hoping for a calmer evening tonight, last night was very scary. Although Cree and Shae loved it as they couldn’t believe we all got a sleepover in the basement.
“Thank you for all of your prayers, this whole experience is very eye-opening and I am praying for anyone affected. Lots of love to everyone.”
Joshua is poised to join a lengthy roster of celebrities relocating to Dubai, with former boxer Amir Khan and Hollywood actress Lindsey Lohan among others who have made Dubai their home.
