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Welcome to Inside Founders Law—your behind-the-scenes look at life, business, and the lessons we’re learning at Founders Law along the way.
In this edition, we hear from Ed, our Chief of Staff, who recently took the plunge and moved full-time to the GCC. From navigating paperwork to networking over brunch, he shares the highs, the challenges, and why every cup of coffee is an idea. ☕🚀
Every Cup of Coffee is an Idea
A few months ago, I took the plunge and moved full-time to the GCC. And wow—what a ride. Think sunshine, insane business opportunities, and enough paperwork to make you question every life choice. But honestly? It’s been incredible. If you’re considering making the move, here’s a little insider look at what my first couple months have been like 🎢
The Perks ☀️
First things first—taxes (or the lack thereof). No income tax, no capital gains tax, and corporation tax? A lovely 9%, but only after ~$100K in net profits. Compare that to handing half your earnings to HMRC, and suddenly, the move starts making a lot of sense.
Then, there’s the talent pool. Post a job online, and within 48 hours, you’ll have 1,000+ applications from incredibly talented people all over the world. It’s like playing recruitment on easy mode- the challenge, shortlisting.
If you’ve got a family, the lifestyle is ridiculously good. My family isn't here yet, but they will be soon. Some of the best international schools in the world are here, and they cost about a third of what you’d pay back home #cheersrachel.
You feel safe, very safe. In fact, the top 2 safest cities in the world are in the UAE.
And finally, when I say there’s a lot to do, I mean a lot. My weekends are currently a mix of:
🏄 Hitting waterparks with founders
🍹Beach clubs and boats (networking, obviously)
🥂Experiencing the brunch scene (still networkig
🍽️Eating roast dinners with a Pimms in hand (right now, it's like the two weeks of summer in the UK, but every day)
One unexpected win? The timezone. The UK doesn’t wake up until 1 PM my time, which means my mornings are pure productivity gold. I can meet people, clear my inbox, and tackle bigger projects before Slack turns into a digital war zone. Plus, I get to start my day guilt-free with a swim or gym session. The flip side? The UK stays online till 10 PM, so switching off is a challenge.
The Challenges
Of course, it’s not all perfect, and there have been some challenges along the way.
🚨 Business setup is a minefield – You need the right license, the right structure, and respect for the rules. Fines here aren’t just possible—I'm told they’re expected. I know people who literally budget for them. But, if you set your business up in the right place with the right license, you could open the door to the biggest deal of your career and incredible resources at your fingertips.
🗒️ Paperwork, paperwork, and… more paperwork – While some things are ultra-digital and miles ahead of the UK, others feel like they’re straight out of the 90s. Need a bank account? Insurance? A rental contract? Prepare for a mountain of documents and stamps (including a company stamp, which itself requires paperwork). Oh, and cheques are still a thing. Open banking? Not yet, but soon!
🚗 Driving is… an experience – If you get car sick, you might struggle. With everything in-person, you need to be able to work on the move, and in my experience, particularly whilst you're locking in those first few deals.
The Real Opportunity
But here’s the thing—if you get it right, this place is phenomenal.
💰 Bigger deals, faster decisions – Everything moves at lightning speed. Need a meeting with a regulator? No problem. Want to push for policy changes? It's an open door policy for government and businesses. In fact, it’s not uncommon to hear about major updates via Instagram or Whatsapp. It moves exceptionally fast in a really great way.
🤝 People actually want to help – Everyone I’ve met so far is here to build something big, and they’re happy to introduce you to the right people. It’s a super collaborative culture, and the doors are always open—literally and figuratively. Every coffee is an idea, and this could not be more true.
📍You need to be here in person – Business happens face-to-face. Sure, there are formal office meetings, but most deals? They’re done over coffee or 🍻.
So, if you’re thinking about making the move—whether for business or adventure - feel free to drop me a message.
Next part coming soon.
*Disclaimer: Views are my own. Coffee/happy hour recommendations are included.
