Former heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua has officially confirmed he will be relocating his residency from the United Kingdom to United Arab Emirates, despite the city of Dubai being affected by attacks linked to the ongoing conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran.

The 36-year-old boxer, born in Watford, England to Nigerian parents, made the move public through filings for his £150 million business empire, including Sparta Promotions Limited and 258 Investments Limited, which legally require him to declare his country of residence.

Dubai has long been a regular destination for Joshua, who has used the city’s high-end sporting facilities for training, promotional activities, and holidays. Highlights include a 2017 sparring session on the helipad of the iconic Burj Al Arab and training sessions with MMA star Khabib Nurmagomedov last month.

Joshua’s move comes in the wake of a personal tragedy last year in Nigeria, where two close friends – personal trainer Kevin ‘Latz’ Ayodele and long-time therapist Sina Ghami – died in a road accident. The boxer has been undergoing rehabilitation since, recently sharing updates on his recovery journey via social media.

Financial considerations are also a factor, as the UAE offers zero income tax, allowing Joshua to avoid UK taxes on projected dividends of £10.1 million in 2024 and £6.3 million in 2023. His company, Sparta Promotions, reported profits of £20.396 million in 2024 and paid £6.65 million in UK tax.

The decision makes Joshua the latest high-profile wealthy Briton to base himself overseas, joining figures such as Manchester United owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, EasyJet founder Stelios Haji-Ioannou, and Pimlico Plumbers tycoon Charlie Mullins.

Despite the geopolitical risks, Dubai’s climate, facilities, and tax advantages appear to outweigh concerns, positioning the boxing superstar for continued training, business, and recovery in the Emirates.