I'm leaving the UK...

Summary

In this life update video, the speaker shares their decision to move from the UK to Dubai, emphasizing that this move isn't a critique of the UK, which they love. They recount their travel experiences, starting with a transformative trip to San Diego in 2016, which ignited a desire for global exploration. After overcoming cancer and the disruptions caused by COVID-19, they felt rejuvenated and ready for a change. Dubai appealed for its tax benefits, safety, healthcare, and strategic location for travel. The speaker clarifies this move isn't permanent but a new chapter in their adventurous life, promising unchanged content on their channels and potential new business ventures in Dubai.

Takeaways

• 👋 The speaker is moving out of the UK to Dubai, emphasizing that the decision is not a critique of the UK, which they love.
• 🛫 Their decision to move was influenced by the realization that they could work from anywhere, sparked by a trip to San Diego in 2016.
• 💻 Highlighted a career background as a founding designer at a company called PLO, which was later acquired by GoDaddy.
• 📈 Discusses the appeal of Dubai's tax benefits, including 0% income, capital gains, and corporation tax, as a significant factor for the move.
• 😷 Shared a personal health struggle with cancer in 2020, which paused travel and relocation plans, but has since recovered.
• 🚗 Cites Dubai's safety, healthcare quality, and strategic location for travel as additional reasons for choosing it as a new home.
• 🗽 Outlines the efficient and fast process of becoming a Dubai resident, including setting up a company and obtaining a visa within three months.
• 💰 Emphasizes the desire to maximize income and invest more effectively as motivations for moving to a tax-efficient location like Dubai.
• 🚒 Plans to use Dubai as a base for further travel, especially to Asia, Australia, and Africa, which are more accessible from the Middle East.
• 🏠 Mentions planning to start new businesses in Dubai, indicating a long-term commitment to residing there but not ruling out a return to the UK.

Q & A

When did the speaker first travel outside the UK?

The speaker's first trip away from the UK was in 2016 when he went to San Diego for work and vacation.

What made the speaker realize there was more to the world than just his hometown?

The speaker's trip to San Diego in 2016 opened his eyes to the realization that he could technically do his job from anywhere, and there was a much bigger world to experience beyond his little town in England.

What significant life event happened to the speaker in 2020?

In July 2020, the speaker was diagnosed with Stage 3B cancer, which put a halt to his plans to travel and experience the world.

How long did it take for the speaker to fully recover from cancer treatment?

The speaker says that while his chemotherapy only lasted 12 weeks, the recovery process after chemotherapy and surgery took about 18 months for him to get back to his full health.

When did the idea of moving abroad become appealing again?

The idea of moving abroad became more appealing again at the beginning of 2023, as lockdowns had ended, the speaker's health had improved, and he wanted to explore living in a new place.

Why did the speaker choose Dubai as his destination to move to?

The speaker chose Dubai because he had visited and loved it in the past, and many of his friends and acquaintances had moved there, making it seem like a reasonable and appealing choice given his business and family situation.

How long did it take for the speaker to become a resident of Dubai and set up his company?

It took the speaker only about 3 months, from November to January, to become a resident of Dubai and set up his company there, which he found surprisingly quick and easy.

What are some of the main reasons the speaker is moving to Dubai?

The main reasons include: 0% tax on income, capital gains, and corporation tax; excellent healthcare; safety; and using Dubai as a base to travel more easily to Asia, Australia, and other parts of the world he hasn't visited yet.

What does the speaker see as the biggest downside of moving to Dubai?

The biggest downside for the speaker personally is the extreme heat in Dubai, especially during the summer months, as he dislikes very hot temperatures.

What are the speaker's plans after moving to Dubai?

The speaker plans to continue creating content for his YouTube channels as usual, but he also plans to start one or two new businesses in Dubai. He doesn't intend to live in Dubai forever, but rather move back to the UK or another country at some point in the future.