Revealed - The 4 UK Benefits That Won’t Make the Move With You to Dubai

I’m fortunate to work in an industry that keeps me ahead of the curve when it comes to life in Dubai. However, for many people making the move, the focus is simple: a better lifestyle, a higher salary, and more opportunities than back home.

That’s the dream, right? But the truth is, earning more doesn’t automatically guarantee financial security.

You’ve got two choices: take control, make the right provisions, and protect your future, or leave it to chance, hoping it’ll all work out when you need it most. Which approach would give you more peace of mind?

In my view, here are the four most important financial considerations to ensure your journey is on the right path:

Goodbye Pension Auto Enrolment, Hello Personal Responsibility

Back in the UK, saving for retirement was effortless. Your employer automatically enrolled you, pension contributions were deducted before your salary even landed in your account, and you didn’t have to think twice.

Now you’re in Dubai, and there’s no safety net. No one’s deducting savings from your salary for you. Instead, you watch your full pay land in your account, and suddenly, the idea of voluntarily parting with a portion of it feels... well, painful.

This is where most people trip up. Without automatic pension contributions, what’s your plan for retirement?

Your UK Will Might Be Worthless in Dubai

Most people don’t think twice about writing a will in the UK, it’s simple and sensible to protect your assets. However, if you live in Dubai, your UK will may not be valid.

That means the wealth you’ve built, the house, savings, investments you planned to pass on, could be distributed according to UAE inheritance laws, not your wishes.

Why? Because the UAE follows Sharia law principles, which enforce a fixed asset distribution formula, regardless of what your UK will says.

Here’s what you might face:

• Certain family members are entitled to set shares, even if you wanted a different arrangement.
• UAE courts may freeze your assets upon death, causing delays for your loved ones.
• Guardianship for children may not align with your wishes.

Many British expats assume their UK will protects them everywhere, but what if it doesn’t? Would you want your estate handled by rules you never agreed to? You can read more about the importance of wills and estate planning, here.

Will Your Critical Illness Policy Actually Pay Out?

Having UK critical illness cover is smart, you’ve taken steps to protect yourself. But does it still work the way you expect now that you’re in Dubai?

The truth is, this part is often overlooked. Many people don’t realise that some insurers won’t process a claim unless it’s confirmed by a UK-registered doctor, meaning you could be forced to fly back to the UK just to get a diagnosis. Imagine facing a serious health issue, only to find out your location is a barrier to getting the support you thought you had.

Would you want that uncertainty at the worst possible time? Or is it time to rethink a plan that actually works, wherever you live?

Are You Losing Your UK State Pension Without Realising?

Not only are you missing out on pension auto enrolment, but you might also be unknowingly losing valuable years on your National Insurance (NI) record. These are the years that could count towards your eligibility for a State Pension or increase your pay-out at retirement.

Back in the UK, your NI contributions were automatically deducted, with no effort on your part. Now that you're in Dubai, the system changes. No employer is making contributions for you, and you’re no longer automatically building up your NI record.

But here's the good news: it's easier and more affordable than you might think to fix. British expats can make voluntary NI contributions (Class 2 or Class 3, depending on your circumstances) to keep their UK State Pension on track. You can check your National Insurance record and see if you're missing any contributions by visiting the official UK government website.

Failing to stay on top of your contributions could cost you thousands. The full UK State Pension is worth almost £12,000 per year, and missing out on contributions now could mean losing decades of future income.

Would you want to reach retirement and realise you’ve lost access to this vital safety net? Or would it make sense to take action now and secure your options before it’s too late?

More Than Just Wealth, Financial Security for Life

To sum it up: no one’s deducting taxes from your salary or telling you where your money should go. It’s all yours, and this is your chance to build wealth faster than you could back home. But as we’ve discussed, without enforced contributions, financial security is entirely up to you.

That freedom can be your greatest advantage, or your biggest liability. Yes, you have full control over how you grow and manage your wealth, but you also bear full responsibility. There’s no safety net to ensure your retirement, your family’s security, or your long-term stability.

It’s not just about how much you can earn; it’s whether you’re making the right moves to protect what you have.

Speak To Skybound Wealth

Would it make sense to have a plan that secures your future while maximising your opportunities today? Or leave it to chance, hoping it works out when you need it most?

If you’re looking for expat financial advice or want a financial advisor in Dubai to help make the right moves, now’s the time to secure your financial future.