Richard Desmond

Last updated: 25 October 2026.

What was reported

Briefs Finance (23 October 2026), citing Bloomberg, reports that Richard Desmond disclosed a move to Dubai. The Telegraph (9 October 2024) reported only a plan to divide his time between London and Dubai and said he would remain UK-domiciled for tax.

Background

Richard Desmond is a media businessman associated with Northern & Shell. Sky News, 1 May 2014. Northern & Shell’s media businesses included the Daily Express, Daily Star and Channel 5. Sky News, 1 May 2014. Viacom completed its acquisition of Channel 5 from Northern & Shell in September 2014. Viacom, 10 September 2014.

Timeline

Report dates show when a source published its account. Event dates keep the precision given by that source.

23 October 2026 (Report): Briefs Finance, citing Bloomberg, reported that Desmond had disclosed a move to Dubai, without giving an exact moving date. Briefs Finance, 23 October 2026.

Type: Person
Known for: Media and property entrepreneur; former owner of Express newspapers (Northern & Shell)
Destination: United Arab Emirates
Reported as dividing his time between London and Dubai (Telegraph, October 2024).
Status: Reported
Basis: Read the source account above
First reported: 9 October 2024
Sector: Property (Media and property)
Last checked: 25 October 2026

Recorded statement

No direct statement of a reason is recorded.

Wealth estimate

No sourced estimate is recorded.

Limits and uncertainty

The Telegraph (9 October 2024) reports a plan to divide his time between London and Dubai. Briefs Finance (23 October 2026), citing Bloomberg, reports a later move.

Sources

Viacom, 10 September 2014Primary source.
Briefs Finance, 23 October 2026Secondary source.
Telegraph (via Yahoo Finance), 9 October 2024Secondary source.
Sky News, 1 May 2014Secondary source.