🇳🇱➡🇦🇪 Who Came Before You? From the Netherlands to the Emirates – Dubai & Abu Dhabi

🇳🇱➡🇦🇪 Who Came Before You? From the Netherlands to the Emirates – Dubai & Abu Dhabi

A growing number of Dutch companies are making the strategic move to the Emirates. What once began with international expats and sunseekers is now being followed by a wave of leading Dutch enterprises choosing Dubai or Abu Dhabi as their new business base.

But what does this trend reveal about the economic climate in the UAE – and what does it mean for you as an investor?

🏢 From Amsterdam to Abu Dhabi – The Pioneers

Several prominent Dutch companies are relocating (either partially or entirely) their headquarters or operational core to the United Arab Emirates. These are some of the most notable names that have already made the transition:

🔝 Dutch companies now active in the UAE:

• VEON – Relocating global headquarters from Amsterdam to Dubai (Q2 2025)
• Bird (formerly MessageBird) – Shifting operational focus to Dubai due to stringent AI regulations in the EU
• Boskalis – Second headquarters established in Abu Dhabi; full relocation under consideration
• Royal HaskoningDHV – Permanent presence with large-scale infrastructure projects in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi
• Vopak, Van Oord & Fugro – Operational across ports, offshore, and marine logistics throughout the region
• Brunel & Heerema – Regional offices focused on engineering, recruitment, and project execution
• Arcadis – Contributing to major sustainable developments across the Emirates

🌍 Why Are These Companies Choosing the Emirates?

Dubai and Abu Dhabi offer clear and compelling advantages — particularly when compared to the increasingly complex regulatory and fiscal climate in the Netherlands:

✅ No income or dividend tax
✅ Rapid and efficient decision-making processes
✅ Direct access to markets across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East
✅ A politically stable, forward-thinking and business-friendly environment
✅ A thriving international business ecosystem

In short, the UAE provides space, speed, and certainty – three essentials that are becoming increasingly scarce in Western Europe.

🏙️ What Does This Mean for Property Investors?

When global companies relocate, they create demand for high-end housing, executive apartments, and premium commercial space. This business migration presents real opportunities within the real estate market.

As an investor, this translates into:

• 📈 Appreciating property values in commercial hubs such as Business Bay, DIFC, and Abu Dhabi Global Market
• 🏢 Rising demand for short- and medium-term lettings among expat executives
• 🌱 Increased focus on sustainable and smart residential developments
• 💼 Attractive rental yields from units tailored to consultants, business leaders, and multinational teams

💼 LXRY Properties: Invest in the Emerging Global Business Capital

At LXRY Properties, we assist not only private clients but also entrepreneurs and institutional investors. We understand where growth is happening — and how you can make the most of it.

From acquisition and furnishing to lettings, taxation, and long-term management, our LXRY Holiday Homes 360° concept offers comprehensive, full-service support in one of the world’s most strategically positioned regions, where Europe, Asia and Africa converge.

📩 Interested in identifying the next business-driven real estate hotspots in Dubai? Contact us for a personalised investment consultation.