Today's Edition
KHALED AL KHAWALDEH (ABU DHABI)
The UAE is increasingly becoming the destination of choice of the world's millionaires, thanks to the combination of political stability, tax advantages, safety, and quality of life it offers, a new report has found. This year, the country has the potential to welcome over 7,100 high-net-worth individuals, according to global wealth migration trends.
The 2025 Millionaire Migration Report by Henley & Partners and Betterhomes forecasts that the UAE could see the largest net inflow of millionaires globally, ahead of the US, Canada, Singapore, and Australia.
According to the report, this projected influx builds on the UAE's already impressive position as the 14th largest wealth market in the world, home to 130,500 millionaires as of December 2024 - a number that has nearly doubled over the past decade.
While Dubai remains a standout for its flagship luxury real estate and business migration, the report highlights that this trend is part of a broader national strategy to attract long-term capital and talent across the Emirates.
"Forecasts for 2025 suggest that approximately 142,000 high-net-worth individuals are expected to move internationally," the report said.
"If even 5% of this cohort were to choose Dubai, the emirate would welcome an estimated 7,100 new millionaires. At a conservative estimate, this would represent an inflow exceeding $7.1 billion."
The report details the diverse origins of the anticipated 7,100 new millionaires, citing inflows from East Asia, Europe, South America, and the Middle East. Entrepreneurs from China and Vietnam are also reportedly seeking more stable investment environments. Investors from Turkey and Argentina are also expected to be looking to shield their assets from economic and currency volatility. The report goes so far as to say that even wealth holders from the UK and the US are increasingly viewing the UAE as a haven for capital preservation.
"These new arrivals are not mere spectators," the report said.
"They are institution builders, family office founders, and long-term strategists. They bring with them enterprises, teams, and a forward-looking mindset."
According to the report, the inflows from wealth migration will drive growth in real estate, financial services, technology, healthcare, and clean energy. According to Louis Harding, CEO of Betterhomes, this shift is seeing the UAE's property market increasingly being shaped by long-term capital rather than speculative investors.
"We are seeing global wealth not just arrive, but anchor itself here, in branded residences, legacy properties, and high-quality developments built for permanence," Harding said.
