In this exclusive interview, prominent lawyer and CEO of Lviv’s leading shopping and entertainment centers, ‘Roksolana’ and ‘Spartak,’ Roksolana Pyrtko explains why European families are increasingly choosing the UAE for long term relocation, beyond tax advantages.
With more than a decade of experience across commercial real estate development and legal strategy, she now focuses much of her analysis on the Middle East. Drawing on that background, she discusses a growing shift in how European professionals and investors view the United Arab Emirates, not as a short term financial refuge, but as a stable, family oriented base shaped by modern business infrastructure.
Roksolana, you’ve noted a fascinating shift in the migration patterns from the European Union to the UAE. What is the primary driver behind this change?
Traditionally, the narrative around moving to the UAE was heavily centered on short term gains. European professionals came primarily to save on taxes, maximize their corporate earnings, or simply enjoy a luxury holiday. However, that dynamic has changed fundamentally. We are now seeing a highly relevant trend of EU residents migrating to the Emirates for long term residency. It is no longer just about the financial bottom line; it is about the holistic quality of life. The UAE has deliberately and successfully positioned itself as an incredibly comfortable place for families to live, work, and build their futures.
Given the shifting geopolitical climate, how does the UAE’s safety profile compare to what families are currently experiencing in Central Europe?
This is perhaps one of the most critical points right now. The level of public safety and security in the UAE is significantly higher than in many parts of Central Europe today. For families, safety is paramount. The UAE provides an environment where parents feel profoundly secure raising their children.
Representational Image of Dubai | Image Courtesy: EM’s FP Account
Drawing on your expertise as a CEO managing large scale, family oriented commercial spaces, how effectively is the UAE’s physical and social infrastructure adapting to support this influx of long term expatriate families?
The development of community infrastructure in the UAE has been staggering. From my perspective in commercial development, I look at how spaces serve people. The Emirates are no longer just building impressive skyscrapers; they are building comprehensive communities. The region now offers world class leisure facilities, expansive green spaces, and community centric entertainment that rivals anywhere in the world.
Furthermore, the education sector has seen massive investment, attracting top tier international schools and universities. For a European family considering a move, knowing that their children will have access to premium education and diverse, high quality leisure options is the ultimate deciding factor.
Let’s pivot to the commercial real estate sector. Looking through both a developer’s and a legal lens, what structural strategies has the UAE implemented to successfully capture and retain such massive waves of institutional capital?
The UAE’s success isn’t just about building impressive skyscrapers; it’s about engineering complete, resilient business ecosystems. They prioritize master planned infrastructure over short term speculation. For example, the establishment of Free Trade Zones, like the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), was a masterstroke.
These zones offer robust, transparent legal frameworks, tax incentives, and 100% foreign ownership. This level of structural maturity guarantees long term corporate tenancy, which is the absolute bedrock of commercial real estate stability. Furthermore, developers there have adopted world class property management and strict ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) standards. When you combine premium, Grade-A commercial spaces with a comprehensive “live-work-play” community environment, you create highly attractive commercial zones that multinational businesses simply do not want to leave.
Image Credit: Roksolana Pyrtko | Edited and Designed by Team GBN
Comparing the European and Middle Eastern markets, how does the UAE’s business culture facilitate career growth and innovation for ambitious professionals, particularly those who might feel constrained by Europe’s more traditional frameworks?
The contrast is quite striking. The European market, while historically stable, has become increasingly conservative. It is often bogged down by heavy bureaucracy, complex tax structures, and a slow moving regulatory environment. For ambitious projects, Europe can sometimes feel closed off to rapid innovation.
The UAE, on the other hand, operates on a completely different frequency. It is incredibly fast paced, highly receptive to new ideas, and inherently open to international expertise. For an expert in commercial development and law, the UAE is a place where you can truly scale your vision without being hindered by outdated legacy systems.
If you have a strong business model, and the drive to execute, the UAE provides the infrastructure to make it happen quickly. The leadership here actively encourages forward thinking and removes the friction that usually slows down major projects in Europe. This dynamic, merit based environment is exactly why driven professionals are finding it so rewarding to build their long term careers in the Emirates.
