Flock to This Country for Tax-Free Salaries and Top Healthcare—Goodbye, Dubai!

• READ MORE: We relocated to Dubai seeking a better life—but find ourselves in a more difficult situation compared to when we were in the UK

The petroleum-abundant nation in the Middle East Qatar remained under British control for over five decades during the 20th century—but this sovereign country is now attracting Britons to reside and work within its borders on its own terms.

Young people moving over there, most often settling in Qatar's capital Doha, have been keenly sharing their experiences about what they see as the benefits - including tax-free salaries and low crime enabling them to leave vehicles and houses unlocked.

TikTok Videos praise the allure of a nation with a populace of 2.6 million, among whom merely 313,000 hold citizenship – all as British individuals express disenchantment with nearby regions. Dubai .

British nationals are estimated to number about 20,000 Qatar-based residents, with the majority of the country's intake being expats or migrant workers.

Human rights organizations are just some of those expressing worries over Qatar's handling of destitute immigrants from poorer nations, who may become dependent on their employers and receive minimal pay.

And ex-England football internationals David Beckham and Gary Neville have been among those criticised for involvement with Qatar in recent years - with Beckham an envoy for the 2022 FIFA World Cup held there and Neville covering it as a commentator for a state-owned broadcaster .

But pro-Qatar messaging appears to have been successful with more UK expats now encouraging compatriots to make the move, including teachers, fashion designers and IT professionals - with tax-free advantages and lower property and consumer prices highlighted, as well as 'amazing healthcare'.

MailOnline has analysed the cost-of-living across factors such as eating out, transport and clothing to compare London versus Qatar's capital, Doha, which is home to 80 percent of the country's residents.

The expense of sustaining life in Britain has been was found to be 34.2 percent greater compared to Qatar, with restaurant prices being 48 percent higher and grocery expenses by 41.5 percent more.

Qatar, which was under British protection from 1916 until gaining independence in 1961, is just a seven-hour flight away. Currently, one-way tickets can be found online for as low as £122, while return trips start at around £251.

According to data from the crowd-sourced database Numbeo, a three-course dinner for two individuals at an average-priced restaurant in London costs around £80. compared to £37.16 in Doha - which is less expensive than the similar cost of £57 in nearby Dubai .

An imported 330ml beer is better value in London, at an average of £6 compared to £8,26 in Doha - though a cappuccino is £4 in the UK capital against £3.78 in Qatar's.

A McDonald’s meal is more affordable in the Middle East, priced at £8 in London but only £5.16 in Doha.

In the meantime, the average monthly cost for water and electricity utilities in Doha is £69.04, which is significantly lower compared to London’s £233.10; however, internet fees are more expensive in Qatar at £65.11 versus London’s £31.64.

Equipping yourself with clothing allows you to find a pair of jeans at nearly half the cost in the UK within Qatar, whereas the price for each square meter of a downtown apartment in Doha is less than one-quarter of what you'd pay for comparable space in central London, according to analysts.

Previously, MailOnline reported in March how Physicians have been leading an outflow from the NHS in the UK to Dubai. , capital of Qatar's neighbour and rival the United Arab Emirates.

They have been able to savor tax-free windfall bonuses, meanwhile flaunting their new lifestyles on TikTok - however, some other social media users have also been Speaking about relocating to Britain despite such offers.

A similar exemption from income taxes is attracting people to Doha, coupled with cheaper prices on certain items—meanwhile, residents enjoy abundant sunshine, with peak temperatures reaching approximately 45°C.

One of those enjoying life in Qatar following their move from London is a educator who also goes by the TikTok handle Iqra Inspire , who uploads videos showcasing her new life there.

A single post to her 4,400 subscribers highlights several of the pros and cons from her discoveries in Doha, under the title: 'Five aspects that surprised me about Qatar as a UK expatriate.'

In the 49-second video snippet, she begins by commending 'the cleanliness,' sharing scenes of public restrooms in Qatar with the comment: 'How beautiful are these? I could easily stay here; totally no issue at all.'

Iqra continues discussing what she refers to as the 'intense, intense heat,' adding: Now, I know it is hot here, but I didn't think it would hit over 50 degrees – like, you can't go out without getting heatstroke. Stay at home and literally don’t go anywhere.'

However, she elaborates on the evident advantages of living in Qatar, proceeding to tell her audience: "Now for what I love most, and that’s the sense of security—people actually leave their laptops and phones lying around."

'They don't lock their cars, their houses, the designer bags absolutely everywhere – it's just, like, so non-violent here, it's crazy.

'Then obviously the price of groceries is something that still shocks me - £10 for berries? I will never get used to this.

'Then we have the insane luxury architecture everywhere you go – it gets me every time.

'It's not just hotels - it's malls, offices, mosques, just everything around you.'

When asked by one follower whether it was 'easy' moving from the UK to Dubai, she replied: 'It takes time to settle for sure but Alhumdullilah [Arabic for 'praise be to God'] it’s totally worth it.’

MailOnline highlighted last June how British educators were leaving their positions in large numbers and relocating overseas, savoring reduced stress, increased income, and improved lifestyles.

Social media has been awash with images of teachers showing exotic lifestyles in Dubai and across the Middle East, as well as in the Far East and Australia.

Meanwhile, back in the UK, the number and rate of teacher vacancies reached its highest level since 2010 when comparable records begin - hitting 2,800 in November 2023, or six empty posts per 1,000 teachers in service.

Individuals from various fields of work are likewise being lured by Qatar, according to suggestions made by other social media users.

An additional British person overseas is a TikToker utilizing the username AngInQatar , whose profile is headed with the words: 'The Diary of a London Babe Living in Qatar.'

She shared her feelings of immense gratitude with her 2,850 followers on the platform after moving, including a video titled 'Discoveries Made Since Relocating to Qatar From the UK Three Years Ago'.

The social media poster 'She said, "Could you believe Qatar is my favorite spot on the planet?"' Deciding to move here three years ago turned out to be the finest choice I have ever made. Although it only took a short time to acclimate, after adjusting, my life has been immensely better than before.

‘When you live here you'll experience extremely cold weather but when you tell people back home the temperature, they’ll think you're exaggerating about it being cold.

'I'm talking outdoor fireplaces and blankets and restaurants when its 25 degrees Celsius and we’re still shivering. You’ll only understand if you live here.'

She went on to explain the financial benefits proving an attraction, assuring viewers: 'There is no income tax, meaning what you earn, you get to take home.

'On top of that, many employers will also cover accommodation and utility bills, transport, food and health insurance - more disposable income to do the things you want, rather than the majority of it going on housing.'

She also provided guidance, suggesting that newcomers may experience loneliness and isolation when adapting to a new location, while encouraging them to 'allow Friendships should develop naturally without being forced.'

The TikToker was equally impressed with how affordable and convenient public transportation is, mentioning that Uber rides lasting up to 10 minutes only cost around £2 or £3, whereas a full-day pass for the Doha Metro rapid transit system goes for approximately £1.50.

Yet, she also praised the environmental aspects, stating: ' Living by the water is so soothing for my soul.

'I genuinely wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. If I had the power to transport my whole clan and buddies to Qatar, the UK would lose sight of me forever.'

I realize this might sound cliché, but gazing at the stars here made me realize that I can't recall the last time I spotted a star in the UK.

'Standing here, I genuinely admire the sky, cherishing the sunlight, the lunar glow, and the starry expanse.'

A different British TikToker who currently resides in Qatar and posts using the username Thisisrobynmarie is a corporate fashion designer boasting over 4,100 followers.

She has shared footage of the scenes surrounding her, with captions such as: 'POV [point of view]. You left the UK to live in Qatar. Now this is what life looks like.'

In response to a commenter who noted some people's scepticism about life in Qatar, she posted: 'I'm hoping my content will change those views on Qatar – it's a beautiful place with beautiful people.'

And when another raised concerns about air quality, she replied: 'There is a lot of sand and dust in the air, I agree, but much better than the pollution in London.'

Qatar faced criticism ahead of staging the 2022 World Cup after being granted hosting rights by football's world governing body FIFA back in 2010.

A study conducted before the tournament revealed that 6,500 migrant workers had died in the Gulf country after it was awarded the hosting rights for the finals.

A report from Amnesty International brought attention to the hazardous circumstances faced by workers constructing stadiums and infrastructure.

Activists also contested the advancements made towards eliminating the kafala system, which prevents migrant workers from exiting the country or switching jobs without their sponsor’s approval.

Ex-Manchester United and England defender Gary Neville, now a TV pundit, has been outspoken on the poor conditions for and deaths of migrant workers building the Qatar World Cup infrastructure, the lack of women's rights and the nation's human rights record.

Neville, who was employed by the Qatar-based network beIN SPORTS during the 2022 championships, has faced accusations of being hypocritical. maintained he felt no conflict regarding attending the competition.

He said at the time: 'In the last few weeks that's come under huge scrutiny. I accept that position because I'm there to be shot at, and people have criticised me heavily as well as our colleagues over on the BBC who were yesterday.

The truth is, my stance on this matter is straightforward: I abhor worker mistreatment, despise the notion of insufficient wages, and cannot tolerate poor working conditions or inadequate housing for individuals. Additionally, I am deeply disturbed by violations of women’s rights and general human rights. It all goes against what I believe in.

'But I also have relationships with people in this part of the world and have done for many many years. Those relationships are long standing in our country.

'The fact that we buy most of our energy from the Middle East, that they own our banks, and the Royal Family have relationships with the Middle East - both sporting and charitable.

'You think our government and political parties have relationships with the Middle East. They own London Heathrow airport, they own the London Stock Exchange.

'It's football that's brought the scrutiny and football tournaments that have brought the scrutiny on issues that exist in these parts of the world.'

At the same time, his previous teammate from the Red Devils and Three Lions, Beckham, he defended his position as an ambassador for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar , stating that 'the only method to bring about change is through engagement.'

Beckham, who has been celebrating turning 50 last week, was paid £10million to endorse the global footballing showcase that was won by Lionel Messi's Argentina.

In an interview with The Athletic in June 2023, Beckham said: 'Anything I go into, I do every kind of check to make sure it is the right thing for me, is the right thing for my business and is the right thing morally.'

His connection to the country began in 2013 when he signed with Paris Saint-Germain, a French team led by its Qatar-based ownership.

Beckham stated, "I was eager to participate in the World Cup since I've consistently maintained that this event has the potential to transform lives and alter people's perspectives. Hosting a World Cup in any nation draws significant attention to various issues."

'I saw that as an opportunity. Firstly, to be involved in another World Cup.

'Secondly, Qatar is a relatively young country, it’s on a journey and there’s change. What comes with hosting a World Cup brings change.'

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