In an interview with Blick, Szwajcar explains why he moved to Dubai and intends to stay there for longer. Four years ago, this 36-year-old paid funds from the pension fund and moved to the United Arab Emirates (ZAA). “I took the risk,” he says laughing with a journalist Blick in Bern. He returned to Switzerland briefly, because the organization of the Swiss abroad (ASO) just chose him as a representative in ZAA.
He did not choose Dubai alone. His then employer, UBS, offered him a temporary position in the Dubai property management department. “My predecessor told me that much more is happening on the financial market than, for example, in London or New York,” says Tschanz.
Despite this, he was skeptical: – Like many Swiss I had prejudices and I thought that there was only luxury, exterior and people after plastic surgery – he admits. After two weeks he changed his mind. After a six -month contract with UBS, he received an employment contract from the local branch of the Bank.
A year ago, Tschanz dared to go to self -employment. Together with three friends, he founded his own financial advisory company called Dexbridge Capital. “Establishing a company was simple,” he says. He obtained a license of an independent financial advisor in the ADGM free trade zone (Abu Dhabi Global Markets), which is why the company is located in Abu Zabi, less than an hour and a half. However, Tschanz still lives in Dubai.
As part of his company, he advises wealthy clients on investment portfolios generating income. – For example, to have retirement, because the pension system in Dubai is not as developed as in Switzerland – he explains. He consciously cooperates with Swiss banks, “to combine Swiss quality with the possibilities offered by the United Arab Emirates”. It pays off to him so far.
He also likes the diversity of the city: 200 nationalities, 64 percent population aged 25 to 54, less than two percent over 65 years of age. Dubai, he says, has great energy, people are active, ambitious, open to the world and positive. “The Swiss, however, often give the impression of complaining,” says a smile with a resident of Bern.
Dubai is also very safe. “You can easily leave your cell phone on the beach's towel,” says Tschanz. Currently, you can also eat outside during Ramadan [miesiąca ścisłego postu dla muzułmanów]. In addition, Dubai lives around the clock. – On Sunday evening I registered my car in 30 minutes – says the Swiss. Thanks to advanced digitization, the process was fast and uncomplicated.
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… but also social inequalities
It sounds great so far. But what about the social and ecological consequences that Dubai brings a huge economic boom?
Tschanz admits: – I am worried about the social gap in the city.
The salary range reaches from 1500 AED (PLN 1482 at the current course) to 100,000 AED (PLN 98 thousand 844) per month – and even much more. – Despite many luxuries, most people have low salaries and little rights – he notes. He is also disturbed by very bad air quality and high traffic.
However, women are not repressed, on the contrary – in many areas they are supported. Only in matters of morality the emirat hates any compromises: – Public showing feelings is completely unacceptable – says Tschanz. The LGBTQ community is tolerated, unless it behaves too “eccentric” in public places. Formally, however, homosexuality is prohibited in the United Arab Emirates.
It seems that this does not have a negative impact on the attractiveness of the location. In 2024, Dubai recorded the highest inflow of the net of millionaires in the world – a total of 6,700 people. Low taxes, a stable currency associated with dollar, efficient administration and a good healthcare system are attractive.
Will Tschanz ever return to Switzerland? “I can't imagine living elsewhere,” he says. Advantages clearly prevail over the disadvantages. He misses his family in Switzerland, but he feels good in the vibrant Swiss community in Dubai, for example as a member of Swiss Business Council. In addition, Switzerland is only six hours of flight away from Dubai.
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
