Kevin McKenzie, co-founder of GenZone, has now helped more than 1000 companies and 2500+ individuals successfully relocate to Dubai. What started as a focused advisory approach has grown into one of the fastest-scaling consultancy operations in the UAE.
Kevin’s journey reflects a clear vision – combining deep tax knowledge, regulatory understanding, and strategic execution to build a firm that delivers real results. From company formation and residency to crypto licensing and real estate advisory, GenZone has positioned itself as a complete relocation and business setup partner for entrepreneurs, investors, and global founders.
In a detailed conversation with Niki Kazeroonian, Director of Operations at The Block, Kevin shared deeper insights into his journey, work philosophy, and the mindset that drives success in the fast-moving world of virtual assets. The discussion explored GenZone’s rapid growth, Dubai’s regulatory environment, and what it truly takes to build a sustainable business in the UAE.
From Taxes in Canada to Building GenZone in Dubai
Kevin’s professional journey started early. Originally from Canada, he worked with the Canada Revenue Agency – the equivalent of the UAE’s FTA or the UK’s HMRC – where he developed a deep knowledge of taxation.
“I’ve always had a strange passion for taxes,” Kevin shares with a smile. “Some people love cars, I love money and taxes. I wanted to understand how governments work, how taxation affects people, and how to help others do it legally and efficiently.”
That expertise became the foundation of GenZone. When Kevin first arrived in Dubai, he and his team helped 20 people for free to prove their value. Just three years later, GenZone has scaled to 1000+ company setups, supported over 2500 individuals, earned recognition as one of the fastest-growing companies in the UAE, and expanded into crypto, real estate, and global business consulting.
What GenZone Does
At its core, GenZone is built to make relocation and company formation seamless. The services include:
Business Setup in Dubai and the UAE – Helping entrepreneurs establish free zone or mainland companies tailored to their needs.
Residency Visas and Banking – Ensuring smooth visa approvals and business-friendly banking solutions.
Crypto Licensing VARA – Guiding blockchain and crypto firms to become regulated entities in Dubai, one of the world’s most forward-looking hubs for digital assets.
Real Estate Advisory – Assisting clients in finding everything from a Palm Jumeirah villa to a downtown studio apartment.
But Kevin emphasizes that quality of service sets GenZone apart.
“We don’t just set up companies – we set up the right companies. Every client is different. Some want to reduce taxes, others want global expansion. Our job is to make sure they do it properly the first time.”
Crypto, Taxes and Dubai’s Advantage
A significant portion of GenZone’s clients are from the crypto space – from startups to established firms. Kevin himself is a passionate crypto investor, primarily in Bitcoin and Ethereum, while steering clear of meme coins.
On taxation in Dubai, Kevin explains:
Personal investments in crypto – 0% tax.
Corporate crypto trading under VARA license – 9% corporate tax only if revenue exceeds AED 3 million.
“It’s such a blessing,” he says. “You can be in a city with world-class infrastructure, invest in crypto and real estate, and still enjoy 0% personal tax. There’s no place like Dubai.”
Busting Misconceptions About Dubai
Kevin is quick to address a common myth – that Dubai is a free-for-all business hub where anything goes.
“That couldn’t be further from the truth,” he says. “Dubai is structured, professional, and highly regulated. You need proper licenses, you need to do your accounting. If you try to cut corners, it will catch up to you. The beauty is that when you do things right, Dubai rewards you.”
This mix of regulation and opportunity has helped Dubai become one of the world’s most attractive business hubs – not just for startups, but also for high-net-worth individuals. Kevin has personally helped multi-millionaires relocate to Dubai, optimizing taxes and reinvesting savings into real estate and business expansion.
Why Dubai Beats Every Other Hub
Yes, Dubai offers 0% tax, safety, and a world-class lifestyle, but according to Kevin, the real differentiator is the network.
“In Dubai, you can come with nothing and become someone significant in a short period of time if you put in the work. The level of access to people, opportunities, and capital here is unmatched. I’ve never had a client regret moving here – only regret not doing it sooner.”
Real Estate and Tokenization – The Future of Property
Beyond crypto and company formation, Kevin has been active in real estate advisory, helping clients buy properties ranging from studios to luxury villas.
But the next big thing is tokenization of real estate.
“Dubai is already ahead of the curve – property title deeds are on the blockchain. The next step is tokenization, where you can buy and sell fractions of a property. This adds liquidity. Imagine owning 25% of an apartment and being able to sell just that portion instantly if you need cash. It’s going to change the way people invest in property.”
Kevin is also helping major UAE developers obtain VARA licenses to tokenize real estate, showing that Dubai is once again leading in innovation.
A Founder with a Global Vision
Despite his success, Kevin remains grounded. His style of dressing sharp and presenting professionally reflects his philosophy.
“First impressions matter. I want to show up the right way. The way you dress, the way you speak – it’s all part of how you do business.”
Looking ahead, GenZone aims to expand its footprint, continue to help crypto firms get licensed, and assist global entrepreneurs in relocating their businesses to Dubai.
Final Thoughts
From a tax authority employee in Canada to a Dubai-based entrepreneur helping thousands of businesses and individuals thrive, Kevin McKenzie’s story is proof that Dubai rewards ambition, focus, and doing things the right way.
GenZone isn’t just a business setup consultancy – it’s a partner for entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators who want to make Dubai their new home.
“Dubai is a place where millionaires feel small and small entrepreneurs become big. That’s the beauty of it. And our role at GenZone is to make sure people enter this ecosystem the right way.”
Want to relocate to Dubai or set up your company here?
Contact GenZone today to get started with a transparent, step-by-step process.
