Anthony Joshua ditches UK for Dubai as star moves despit scary scenes | Boxing | Sport

Anthony Joshua has made the surprise decision to leave the United Kingdom and relocate to Dubai, despite the ongoing US-Iran conflict affecting the United Arab Emirates. 36-year-old Joshua has confirmed his intention to become a resident of the UAE, even as the desert city faces attacks from Iranian drones.

The ex-heavyweight world champion, born in Watford of Nigerian descent, represented Great Britain and clinched gold at the 2012 London Olympics. However, he is now departing his homeland, as reported by the Daily Mail.

Joshua’s unexpected move was disclosed in the paperwork he submitted on Friday for his £150m business empire, where he is required to declare his country of residence. The documents reveal that Joshua proceeded with his decision to change his residential status amidst the war attack involving the USA, Israel, and Iran.

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Over the past 10 days, the UAE has been targeted by Iran with missiles and drones, prompting over 100,000 Britons to try and evacuate the Middle Eastern nation and return to the UK. While the climate and amenities are a major attraction for those wishing to reside in Dubai, the city is favoured by the affluent due to its lack of income tax.

Joshua would have been subject to UK tax on his dividend payment of £10.1m in 2024 and £6.3m in 2023. His firm Sparta Promotions also posted profits of £20.396m and paid £6.65m in UK tax in 2024. Joshua’s decision coincides with the same week Rio Ferdinand and Kate Ferdinand revealed what it’s like to reside in Dubai amid the US-Iran conflict.

“Been a different week for me, not going to lie,” former Manchester United defender Ferdinand stated 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 reassured fans of their safety amid concerns following the initial set of missile strikes in Dubai. She stated 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 set to join a lengthy list of celebrities to relocate to Dubai, with former boxer Amir Khan and Hollywood star Lindsey Lohan amongst the others to settle in Dubai.